The spirit of competition was overshadowed by the spirit of remembrance. The goal of finishing first came in second to the goal of honoring a departed friend and co-competitor.
The Clarkston High School powerlifting team on Saturday, Feb. 21 staged the first of what they hope will be an annual event, an internal meet in memory of Kelly Ray Firby.
Firby, 17, died Nov. 28, 2003 in a traffic crash on I-75 near Clintonville Road. A member of the CHS football, track and powerlifting teams, he left family and friends who vowed not to forget him.
Kristen Bradish, his girlfriend, was one of the organizers of the special meet, in which the Wolves formed three-member teams for their own unique competition.
They invited people to watch the action, asking for donations to be used for new equipment for the club sport.
‘I tried to think of something Kelly would want,? Bradish said. ‘He loved to compete, so another competition for everyone else would be something ideal.?
Firby’s mother, Michele England, was moved by both the team and the many supporters who attended the event.
‘He was truly loved by many,? England said. ‘I appreciate everyone.?
The event was both therapeutic and motivational. While trophies were awarded, that didn’t seem to be the primary motivation in this special competition.
‘This has been a pretty tough season for a lot of the kids. I think they’ve really pulled through and used it as a positive thing.? Bradish said. ‘A lot of kids are achieving some goals they had set for this year, and they’re doing it today. I’ve seen a couple of best records. They’re self-driven.?
The motivation and the memorial were shown in several ways. Some of the female powerlifters carved Firby’s initials into their belts. Their t-shirts featured #79, Firby’s football jersey number, and the word, ‘Headstrong,? taken from the song recorded by Limp Bizkit.
‘The word really represented what powerlifting is about,? Bradish said. ‘It’s not about being the biggest kid. It’s not about being the strongest kid. It’s about being mentally prepared.?
Coach Chad Looper said he was impressed with the team’s efforts and flattered that Firby apparently looked up to him.
‘The whole point of the event is to show tribute to him,? Looper said. ‘It means a lot to me as a coach to be able to coach him during the time he was here.?