On Feb. 21 the Goodrich High School powerlifting team Martian ‘Cleaned? competed at Croswell/Lexington High School. Cross/Lex hosted a ‘Push/Pull? meet consisting of only two events, Bench Press and Dead Lift. The Martians fielded eight athletes, with all eight taking home a medal.
In the women’s division, seniors Chynna Blaker and Erica Main took first and second place medals (respectively) in the 165-pound and 181-pound weight class. The women’s team also took the division’s second place team trophy.
In the men’s varsity division: senior Danny Gustinis took a first place medal in the 220-pound weight class and senior Ryan Walker took the second place medal in the 194-pound weight class. Junior Aaron Fraker took a second place medal in the 114-pound weight class. Junior Kyle Farner took a second place medal in the 220-pound weight class.
In the men’s junior varsity, eighth grader Matt Hutchins took a second place medal in the 132-pound weight class, eighth grader Gage Blaker took a third place medal in the 145-pound weight class.
The Martian lifters competed in a regional state qualifier on Feb. 28 at Fenton High School. Fenton hosted over 500 athletes from around the state. The competition was very strong.
In the men’s varsity division, senior Matt Fauth and Fraker both took third place honors, in the 145-pound and 114-pound weight class. This secures them a place to compete at the state championship on March 20-21st at Whitmore Lake High School.
In the women’s division, Blaker and Main took first and second place honors in the 181-pound weight class. Juniors Katie Englemen (152-pound) and Jennifer Eisinger (123-pound) both took second place medals. All four girls are now eligible to compete in the state championship. The Martian women brought home third place honors as a team. This is the second team trophy that the Martian women have brought home this season.
The next competition will be today at Vassar High School. This is the last Regional Qualifier before the state championship meet.
‘So far we have ten athletes that have qualified for the State Championship meet at Whitmore Lake,? said Peter Burkett, head coach. ‘We have been training very hard. The kids are pumped and ready to push some iron. They have worked hard this season. I am hoping that the rest of the team can qualify for the state meet at Vassar this weekend.?