McHenry Community High School hosted the Division 1A Illinois High School Powerlifting State Championship meet on May 9 featuring 12 teams from around the area, and several MCHS powerlifters earned state champion status in their respective events.
Also, the MCHS girls powerlifting team finished third in the state.
Because interest in powerlifting is growing, state championships were split into two events this year. The meet for the 2A division is May 30 at New Trier High School.
At the May 9 state championship meet, 145 athletes competed in nine different stations in the Upper Campus strength facility, and more than 100 volunteers helped keep things running smoothly.
Here are the individual state champions who took first place in their respective divisions:
Joshua Velazquez
Collin Meier
Nadja Micklinghoff
Alexie Galuszka
Azeneth Villarea
Dr. John Beerbower, director of McHenry Strength and assistant division head for MCHS physical education, health and driver’s education, said he was proud McHenry was able to host a state meet. He thanked fellow staff members and volunteers for the help.
“Watching our kids support their teammates and competitors alike reminded me why we do this,” Beerbower said.
