A student reaches down and covers their hand in white chalk, preparing to compete. Loud grunts, the clanging of metal plates and the sound of celebration fill the large multipurpose building at Texas High School.
The indoor practice facility of THS hosted The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Liftoff powerlifting meet recently for the seventh year. Thirty-five different schools from a multitude of states participated in the event with the purpose of empowering student athletes through strength training and expanding the ministry of FCA.
“Our first year we had six platforms with 125 lifters,” FCA area director Eric Akin said. “This year we have 12 platforms with 517.”
While the strength training involved with the sport helps to build athletic abilities, FCA hopes to strengthen the spiritual lives of all involved.
“The goal is to just engage, equip and empower athletes to engage them through relationship. Equip them, not just in life, but in their faith and their walk with Christ,” Akin said. “And then empower them to be able to share their faith with others.”
Texas High athletes feel the experience gives them a chance to compete during the off-season.
“It was a great experience overall,” senior Bryce Holmes said. “A lot of different schools, a lot of different people. Very competitive people for sure.”
As the first meet of the year for Texas High athletes, the meet highlighted strengths and weaknesses in training through a schedule of bench presses, squats and deadlifts.
“I felt like I underperformed to be honest,” Holmes said. “I did well on the deadlift, but I feel like I could do 20 to 30 more pounds on the bench and squat.”
The Tigers start their powerlifting season the minute the football season ends, as it keeps their athletes sharp and active.
“The biggest thing I expect is growth,” powerlifting coach Seth McBride said. “Growth in selves, growth in strength and growth in their team mindset. We don’t pay attention to numbers, as the main objective is to better themselves during this period.”
This first meet of the season gave coaches a look at upcoming underclassmen and football players who had limited playing time in the fall. With many open slots for track performers and players staying in off-season workouts to improve their football skills, these students use powerlifting as an avenue for personalized growth.
One bright point for Texas High’s performance was Limaje Stuckey, a freshman powerlifter who walked home first overall in his weight class with a trip to regionals on the way.
“It’s a great honor,” Stuckey said. “To go on to the next level. I want to do well and succeed of course but [a state championship] is my real objective.”
