On April 2, Conway Springs High School hosted the 2016 3A State Powerlifting meet. This was the second time for Conway Springs to host the State tournament, and Coach Matt Biehler said the school was  pleased to do it again.

“I enjoy hosting, it is great for our community to demonstrate pride and tradition,” he said.

Students at CSHS prepare for the powerlifting season by lifting after school and/or taking a PSQ class. Many of the participants in the State tournament had little to no experience with powerlifting. Freshmen Audrey Doffing was surprised to find out that she placed sixth overall in her weight class.

“I did better than I expected, but I plan to take PSQ next year to prepare,” Doffing said.
CSHS girls took first overall as a team, and the boys took second. This was possible with the 40 students that participated this year. Five students received first in their weight class divisions: seniors Wyatt Curry and Amanda Drouhard, juniors Mary Berntsen and Kadee Hilger, and sophomore Colton Terhune. Curry, a four-time participant in the State competition, had advice for underclassmen.

“Remember to motivate your teammates,” Curry said. “You don’t have to get first to bring in points; all points will help the team.”

This year, four CSHS students broke State records, and many broke their own personal records.

“I am so proud of our athletes, not only with how well they did, but the sportsmanship and character they demonstrated,” Coach Biehler said.

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