IHS Powerlifters impress at the State meet
The IHS Powerlifting Team 2009, “Raising The Bar.” — Freshman Sa’Kendra Norwood and Kaytlyn Bales competed at the State meet lifting against, approximately, 250 other powerlifters. In the end, the toughest competition the duo faced was their own inexperience. (Barry Byers)
The two athletes, along with their teammates, have resurrected the sport at Italy High School. The powerlifting program only traveled to one meet last year. This season, however, the group traveled to all the required powerlifting meets earning a trip to compete in State.
With approximately 250 powerlifters at the State meet, the event was overwhelming to the girls in the beginning. The duo also encountered several miscues that hurt their totals.
“I was penalized for a wobbling bar on my squat, not locking my knees completely and a false start. But that’s was my inexperience as a Freshman competing at the state level for the first time. I didn’t know that a crooked bar was even a penalty,” said Sa’Kendra.
Despite her early struggles at the meet, Sa’Kendra exclaimed with a smile, “I am really looking forward to next year!”
Sa’Kendra Norwood may have finished out of the medals this time, but like Arnold Schwartzenagger in the Terminator movie, “She’ll be bauck!”
Kaytlyn Bales had a total of 615 pounds and won the 5th place medal.
Kaytlyn is the daughter of Jennifer and Craig Bales who are both teachers at Italy High School. Craig is also Italy’s head football coach and Athletic Director.
Jennifer explained, “Just the fact that both these young ladies got to go to State is awesome! We are all proud of their determination to see it through. The unfinished lifts really hurt their rankings but both Sa’Kendra and Kaytlyn are looking forward to next year!”
Kaytlyn was sitting in 6th place late in the meet and realized she could claim the 5th spot by adding more weight. Kaitlyn squatted 270 pounds to claim 5th place which was about 25 pounds more than she needed and only 20 pounds from 4th place.
“The competition is based on total scores so if you cannot complete a lift early in the meet it can really lower your overall total,” added Jennifer.
Congratulations to Sa’Kendra, Kaytlyn, the entire IHS Powerlifting Team and coaches for a job well done this season. Your team didn’t just, “Raise The Bar,” you all raised school spirit as well!