By Alex Forrest
Review Intern
This year, two girls have joined the powerlifting team for the first time ever.
Alex Kelly and Paige Stephens both competed at the Linden Regional.
‘The boys are actually really nice to us at the meets,? said Alex Kelly.
Coach Jason Larsen showed the girls some lifting techniques their first few days and since then, they workout alone after school.
Paige Stephens is the first girl in Lake Orion’s history to qualify for the girls state meet.
‘I would definitely encourage other girls to join right now,? Stephens added. ‘We really need a team because we can place at meets, but it won’t make much of a difference. It would be great to have a true woman’s team.?
Last year, the boys varsity Dragons won the powerlifting state championship and are looking to renew their win this year.
They took first in the varsity division at the Linden Regional on Jan. 13.
The meets are organized by weight class.
Lifters must either end with a qualifying total weight or place in the top three at a regional meet to qualify for states.
Connor Hopkins placed second in the 114-weight class, and Matt Turner placed third in the 132 class.
Chris Szadyr finished second while Kane Hayes placed third in the 194 class.
Jacob Ludwig came in second in the team’s highest weight class, 207, followed by Nate Fedorsin in third.
Phil Serzo, Pat Fehlberg and Matt Gatinger also qualified for the state meet, but did not place at the regional.
The teams next meet is in Fenton on Feb. 28.
‘I was really proud of our kids and happy to see their maturity, effort, and teamwork,? said Coach Jason Larsen.