True Resilience with Ritah Asiimwe

Two thieves broke into Ritah’s Grandma’s house wielding machetes and hammers. Knowing her family was in the other room, Ritah distracted the thieves calling attention to herself; they chased her out of her home, cornering her on a quiet street. Ritah’s goal was to get them away from her loved ones.

Hours later, Ritah woke up on the ground in a pool of blood, her dominant right hand hacked off by machette and dangling by a tendon – the thieves had left her for dead…

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And They’re Off! Records fall at Charger Regional

Records fell at the 2023 Charger Regional, which officially kicked off the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association (IHSPLA) season on February 28th at Stagg High School in Palos Hills. Brian Buglio (Meet Director) hosted one of the largest meets in regional competition. More than 100 lifters from Lockport, Marist, Romeoville, Sandburg, and Stagg High Schools competed in the annual Charger Regional.

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High-Performance Nutrition: Choose Foods that Rot and Spoil!

As an athlete, have you ever wondered “what should I eat?” or as a coach, have you been asked the same question?

Pro and elite athletes come to the Chicago-based sports nutrition consulting firm SportFuel seeking answers to the most detailed sports nutrition questions—the tip of the iceberg, the top of the pyramid, the ultimate fine-tuning. They’re looking for the best practices for fuel timing, the perfect pre-game meal or snack, what to eat during activity, what to have afterwards for optimal recovery, or what to eat to gain or lose weight.

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IHSPLA State Meet and Diaper Drive

On Saturday, May 28th, more than 200 student-athletes representing 20 Chicago-area high schools gathered at New Trier High School in Northfield for the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association’s (IHSPLA) 2022 State Meet. The State Meet is the culminating event of the IHSPLA powerlifting season. During the 2021-2022 season, regional meets were held at several high school campuses. The top performing teams then received bids to send lifters to compete at the state meet.

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Deshaun Watson: is a 6 game suspension enough?

More than two dozen women have filed charges against Watson. An internal investigation believes there was wrongdoing. So the only problem is this: the punishment does not fit the crime. Minimally, the punishment of a 6-game suspension does not send a clear enough signal that sexual misconduct is not acceptable.

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Gravity Defied at IHSPLA Warrior Regional

Spectators and competitors moved in unison to the middle of the McHenry Community High School Upper campus weight room. Logyn Frappoly, a McHenry senior, took her place under a barbell; a barbell that was loaded with 365lbs. This would be Logyn’s 3rd and final squat attempt at the Warrior Regional Powerlifting Meet. A successful lift would give Logyn a perfect 3/3 on her squat attempts. Even more importantly, a good lift would earn Logyn yet another spot in the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association’s (IHSPLA) record book as the heaviest squat ever completed by a female lifter in the 181lbs weight class. The crowd was mostly quiet as Logyn shouldered the load. As soon as she unracked the weight, cheers filled the weight room as teammates, competitors, and spectators yelled and screamed encouragement. She began her descent

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2022 Illinois H.S. Powerlifting Season

IHSPLA Gearing Up For Spring 2022 Powerlifting Season! by Chris Dertz It’s time to replenish your supply of chalk and make sure that your singlet, lifting belt, and Chuck Taylors still fit! The 2022 Illinois High School Powerlifting Association (IHSPLA) 2022 spring season will be here soon! The last few years have been tough on…

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Creatine: Benefits and Drawbacks

By Matt Klem In high school athletics, the use of creatine has been a controversial topic, often leaving athletes and parents with questions regarding the potential benefits and consequences that it can have on athletic performance. However, there is emerging evidence indicating that if used in conjunction with a balanced diet and a consistent exercise…

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Forever Athlete with Dr. Matt Wiest

Dr. Matt Wiest is a father, husband, entrepreneur and author. He resides in Minnesota where he takes pride in building community around empowerment and education in well-being. Being an athlete has really shaped his identity and his mission is to help high performers get truly clear on who they are and how they show up…

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Strength and Support

Officer Holecek and the rest of the department were always open-minded, patient, and understanding with me, but in my experience, gym-goers seemed entitled, condescending, and unwelcoming. I was too afraid and insecure to step foot in their territory. This was different. In the basement gym of the police station, I was welcomed and ultimately found confidence and a love for weightlifting. 

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