A member of the WSU Strength and Conditioning Club broke state and national records in the Washington State United Powerlifting Association’s (UPA) competition in Kennewick last Saturday.
Three students represented WSU for this one-day competition that tested the students’ lifting skills. Forty-four men and women, ages 16 to 69, competed in both novice and experienced divisions.
Ibn Mahama, a junior political science major, was one of the students who competed last weekend. Mahama broke records in the UPA Drug Tested RAW Division, meaning no equipment was used for his lifting. Mahama, who weighs 194 pounds, was able to squat 565 pounds, bench 390 pounds and dead lift 630 pounds.
He said he did various weight training techniques that included resistance training and box pulls to prepare for this event. Mahama trained for two hours, five times a week.
“I was excited (to win) because it was a step up in my rank,” he said. "My ultimate goal is to make it to the All-American competition in my weight class."
He plans to compete in the Washington UPA competition again in Kennewick this September.
Jake Renouard, a senior criminal justice major, also competed on Saturday. At 266 pounds, he was able to squat 425 pounds, bench 350 pounds and deadlift 550 pounds.
The third person to represent WSU in the competition was Aaron Olanie, a project assistant in the School of Economic Sciences. At 237 pounds, he was able to squat 600 pounds, bench 355 pounds and deadlift 675 pounds.
Jason Dronen, a junior kinesiology major and Strength and Competition Club president, said he was proud of how the students performed.
“It was awesome to see WSU represent the Cougars,” he said.
The Strength and Conditioning Club hopes to eventually host a weightlifting competition in Pullman.
“It’s going to take a lot because there is a lot of liability involved,” said Angela Teal, a junior kinesiology major and vice president of the club. “But all we need is a bar and weight and an open space to compete.”
Teal described the lifters' training process as a progression.
"We start with what we know we can lift and then add on to that,” she said.
Both Dronen and Teal, who did not compete in last week's competition, are considering competing in the next UPA competition in September.
“It’s more about doing your personal best than about breaking records,” Dronen said. “I’m looking forward to the experience and competition against myself.”
The Strength and Conditioning Club is open to all students.
“No experience is needed,” Teal said. “Just a want to learn about weightlifting.”
The next meeting will be held on March 21 at 5 p.m. in Bohler Gym M80.
