The Clarkston Powerlifting Club grunted and willed their way into third place at the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association’s state meet on March 19.
The Wolves finished behind Plainwell, who has won the national title three years running, and second place Flint Powers.
‘I was real happy with the results,? said Clarkston Coach Chad Looper. ‘In the four years that we have had the program going, I think we have achieved a lot.?
Steve McIsaac led the boys team with a first place finish at 207 pounds, his second straight state championship.
McIsaac set three state records during this year’s state championship: a dead lift of 630 pounds, a squat of 560 pounds and on his total of weight of 1,475 pounds.
‘I have confidence, I tell myself that I can do more than I think I can do,? said McIsaac. ‘I would say 70-80 percent of lifting is mental. Anyone can do what I do if they just put their mind to it.?
Aside from McIsaac’s herculean efforts, eight other Clarkston lifters placed at the meet.
On the boys side Nick Sorise (145 pounds) took second, Jake Meissnest (275) finished fourth, Brad Nettle (165) nabbed sixth place, Tim Hortsman (220) grabbed seventh and Chris Kato (242) ended up in 10th.
‘We have come so far. Three years ago we didn’t have enough people to fill the team,? said McIsaac.
Clarkston’s girls were led by Maggy Cornwell (220) who took home a second place trophy, and Meghan McIsaac (148) and Justine Morris (123) who both finished in eighth place.
On the season, the Clarkston powerlifting team competed in five tournaments this year, nabbing two first place finishes, one second and a fourth prior to their third place finish at the state championships.