IHSPLA History & the Tiger Regional

By Jim Davis, Ed.M., MA, RSCC*D I was sitting in a folding chair in the basement of the YMCA in Niles, Illinois. 23 at the time, I’d been powerlifting alongside my football career. Strength played a major role in my life and it was now a competitive sport for me. I trained hard for this…

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Toss the Trophies (from Bedrock Edu.)

Wait. Don’t toss the trophy… The title is a misnomer. Trophies are awesome. Goals are essential and when they are accomplished, they should be celebrated. In sports, it comes in the form of a trophy or a ring, in business it might be a bonus or promotion. Celebrate the milestones, you’ve earned it. When the celebration is over, take time to frame the experience. That is, tell the story of what just happened. Work to understand the process that led to the outcome and find joy in that process.

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The Power of Service-Learning in 2022

For coaches using sport as education, remember to create opportunities for service-learning. It is one of the most powerful ways connect your team to the community.
The New Trier Powerlifting Team has been active for more than a decade. From the beginning, they have held tight to an important mission: “Human development through the pursuit of competitive excellence and commitment to community.” The group is in its second year as a varsity sport, competing primarily in the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association.

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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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Empowered by Powerlifting at NASA Nationals

The ballroom was full of sweat, AC/DC, and chalk dust. Athletes from around the country had come to Oklahoma City to compete on a national stage. NASA (Natural Athlete Strength Association) was hosting its annual High School Nationals competition, there were strong athletes everywhere… for two young girls, powerlifting has given them so much more than physical strength.

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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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The Gathering of the Iron Tribes Begins…

2022 IHSPLA Season Kicks Off at the Charger Regional Author: Chris Dertz On Saturday, February 26th, the first meet of the 2022 Illinois High School Powerlifting Association (IHSPLA) season commenced on the campus of Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois. Representing the IHSPLA’s South Suburban Region, powerlifters from Sandburg, Romeoville, Marist, and…

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One of the Greats: Coach Bobby Bowden

by Dr. Pat Ivey In 2021, we lost a legendary college head football coach. I never personally met Coach Bobby Bowden but I did have a chance to hear him speak at a national conference. The room was packed and everyone was eager to hear him present. If you ever listen to any of his…

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The Relationship Between Posture, Stress, and Chronic Pain

Posture is not as simple as your mom telling you “sit up straight”.  Rather, it is a product of common daily actions (like sitting, driving, or using a smartphone). Actions which are continuously executed result in an enhanced ability to recreate, due to increased neurological proficiency. Without an intervention, this cycle can significantly exacerbate poor posture, leading to chronic pain during daily life. This is because an improvement in posture is essentially a reduction in the amount of tension placed upon the bones by the muscles. 

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