All four ISU lifters who participated in the UPA Raw Midwest Powerlifting Championship the last weekend of January brought home wins.

As noted by first-time competitors Ben Yoko, Chase Gross and Ian Anderson, not only did UPA run the meet well, but it also helped them learn about how meets are conducted.

“Overall, the competition went pretty well, but more importantly, it was a huge learning experience,” said Gross, sophomore in animal science. “The atmosphere, competition organizers and other athletes were all extremely willing to help and very knowledgeable.” 

Even Kody Larsen, senior in industrial technology and the only veteran ISU competitor at this meet, was impressed with how UPA ran the meet. 

“This was my fifth meet and it was the fastest meet I have ever competed in,” Larsen said. “It was great to finally get a team together and compete at a UPA sanction meet. The UPA always puts on a great meet. You’re lifting on a stage with the lights out and spot lights on you with the music is blaring [is] just an awesome atmosphere.” 

By the end of the weekend, all four lifters had their own successes and each brought home trophies.

Ben Yoko, senior in electrical engineering, was able to set a personal record in back squat and deadlift with 502-pound lifts for both. He placed third overall in the men’s junior raw AD (drug tested) division. 

Gross placed first in the 165 pound, 18 to 19-year-old AD division and broke three American records — squat, bench and total. 

Larsen had a meet total at 1,423 pounds, which is a 198-pound personal record on his meet total. He was able to take first in the men’s junior raw AD division.

Ian Anderson, senior in mechanical engineering, had a meet total of a little more than 1,100 pounds and was able to take second in the 198-pound men’s junior raw division.

With this past competition gone and out of the way, the lifters are back at their training and eager for more. 

“This was a great meet and experience for the whole team,” Anderson said. “We all left the meet happy, yet hungry for more. Everyone was already back in the club this [past] week looking to become better and add to our totals.” 

And there is another competition right around the corner.

“The weight club is putting on a small, low-key meet in April,” Yoko said. “[We] will probably invite the University of Iowa lifters and some people from Des Moines. Otherwise, the next official meet we are looking at is in November with the UPA in Dubuque again.”