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,…
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.…
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,…
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:…
By Chris Dertz On Saturday, December 10th, over 50 high school students representing five area schools gathered at Golder College Prep in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood for a powerlifting meet. Golder College Prep, the newest member school of the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association (IHSPLA), hosted the aptly named Westtown…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…