Behind three first-place finishers and several breakout performances, the Yelm boys powerlifting team claimed first place at the Olympia High School powerlifting meet, Saturday, March 2.
Yelm’s girls team saw a second- and third-place finish from two athletes and tied for seventh place overall.
Thomas Hoghaug, Yelm High School powerlifting coach, said the OHS meet went really well and anticipates both teams getting stronger as more athletes continue to join the program.
“It was a fun meet, and it’s going to be a great season. I think we have a great shot at winning a state title with the boys,” Hoghaug said. “Moving forward, it will be a numbers game for us. There’s a cap limit on each weight class I can take. I can take three [lifters] per weight class. The sport has gained so much popularity this last year. I knew the Oly meet was going to be a big one because of the lack of other sports going on right now. There’s no winter or spring sports. We’re kind of in between.”
First-place finisher Tucker Myszkowski, 114-pound weight class, finished the meet with a total lift weight of 640 pounds, including a 215-pound squat, a 160-pound bench press and a 265-pound deadlift.
“I’ve been lifting for around two years now, not super heavy until this year. It feels good, even being in the lightest weight class and not having super high numbers. It feels good to compete against people and win,” Myszkowski said. “Powerlifting is a lot of fun. Everyone is super cool, and the progress is a lot of fun. Seeing yourself improve is fulfilling.”
Mason Embrey placed first in the 148-pound weight class following a total lift weight of 1,030 pounds behind a 375-pound squat, a 230-pound bench press and a 425-pound deadlift. Landen Barger, the first-place finisher in the unlimited division, ended the competition with a total lift weight of 1,395 pounds, including a 525-pound squat, a 540-pound deadlift and a 325-pound bench press.
Barger said he knew he had to “absolutely match” everything Jimmy Leiato of River Ridge pulled while deadlifting. Leiato pulled 615 pounds, so Barger pulled 525 pounds. Leiato then pulled 625 pounds, so Barger followed up with a deadlift of 530 pounds. Finally, Leiato pulled 640, so Barger deadlifted 540, and was able to secure a five pound victory in the end.
“It felt really good. This is my third meet of the season, the third meet that I’ve won,” Barger said. “I’m really hoping to sweep every meet this year, including state. Staying on that track, it feels really good.”
Sam DeJiacomo, 220-pound division, finished second with a total of 1,210 pounds behind a 440-pound squat, a 505-pound deadlift and a 265-pound bench press.
“I’m much improved from my first meet of the season. At my first meet, I bombed out because of my bench. I’m happy with second, but I’m definitely looking to take home gold next time. I’m looking to get better, especially on the bench. I’ll hone in on that form,” DeJiacomo said. “I make sure that I trust my body to its fullest capability. I like to use my brain to really make sure I’m moving everything properly and that I have all my cues in, use my breathing and embrace the lift.”
Charles Smith, 165, another second-place finisher, concluded the meet with a total lift weight of 1,045 pounds behind a 335-pound squat, a 235-pound bench press and a 475-pound squat. Andrei Bubon, another second-place finisher, saw a total lift weight of 715 pounds behind a 235-pound squat, a 135-pound bench press and a 345-pound deadlift.
Third-place finisher Bear Gannie, 114, finished with a total lift weight of 425 pounds, including a 135-pound squat, a 95-pound bench and a 195-pound deadlift. Noah Brewer, 132, also finished third with a total lift weight of 715 pounds behind a 255-pound squat, a 145-pound bench press and a 315-pound deadlift. Gio Sanchez, 198, took third with a total lift weight of 1,050 pounds behind a 375-pound squat, a 255-pound bench press and a 420-pound deadlift. Colin West, of the unlimited division, also placed third with a total lift weight of 1,355 pounds behind a 515-pound squat, a 290-pound bench press and a 550-pound deadlift.
Emma Norman, 105-pound division, was the top finisher for the girls, placing second, followed by Kiana Neir, 165 pounds, who finished third.
Norman concluded the meet with a total lift weight of 450 pounds behind a 165-pound squat, an 85-pound bench press and a 200-pound deadlift. Neir had a total lift weight of 645 pounds, including a 225-pound squat, a 140-pound bench press and a 280-pound deadlift.
Other members of the girls powerlifting team who placed in Olympia included Savannah Walker, 132-pound division, seventh place; Liberty Manley, 148, 12th; Madelyn Lawson, 181, ninth; Sophia Garbarini, 181, 10th.
Other members of the boys powerlifting team who placed were: Jordyn Butler-Brown, 132, fourth place; David Barber, 242, sixth; Tyler Gray, 165, fifth; Dallas Mitchell, unlimited division, sixth; Ethan Owens, 165, 10th; Joseph Mitchell, 220, 10th; and Gavin Taber-Thomas, 181, 11th.
The teams will next compete at the Stanwood High School powerlifting competition on March 23. Hoghaug said this meet is an opportunity for athletes who didn’t get to lift in Olympia to compete, as well as athletes who need another meet to qualify for the state competition.
“If you’re intimidated by powerlifting, honestly, don’t be,” DeJiacomo said. “Your biggest enemy in powerlifting is yourself. Everyone here is your biggest supporter. Everyone is here for you. Everyone will cheer you on. There’s a lot of competition, and everyone wants the gold, but everyone will also support you when you win the gold.”
