Powerlifting club builds strength in numbers
IMAGE / Emilie Lewis
Senior Joey Clark bench presses. He is spotted by junior Teven Thonpson-Farrier (left) and senior Steven Struck.
Powerlifting is becoming more popular as the years go by.
The club is open to any high school student, male or female, athlete or non-athlete. Practices are Monday through Thursday from 2:40-3:40 p.m.
Mr. Jeremy Ferman, physical education teacher who runs the club with Mr. Darrin Conrad, said he likes that the club has a variety of participants.
“The best part about our powerlifting club is that it’s one of the clubs, might be the only club, that has such a big, diverse group of people” Ferman said.
Since Ferman is the football coach, the club was initially started for football players who were not in any winter activities to continue to work out for the next season.
However, it has grown so large that there are anywhere between 40 and 60 students in the weight room during practices.
Sophomore Nick Letterman works out.
In addition, Ferman said powerlifting is becoming more popular among girls.
He has noticed the number of girls lifting around Michigan increase over the last decade.
“It has grown so much now that this year the women’s division … has two divisions now,” Ferman said. “We have a JV and varsity division for women.”
The competition and evidence of his players’ growth is what pushes Ferman to continue the club.
“We wanted it as a club to reach out to different kids who may not be involved in athletics or other clubs,” Ferman said. “And to watch your kids become more self-confident and enjoy themselves, it’s a positive.”
Both Ferman and the lifters notice an improvement in life outside of powerlifting.
Ferman said he has seen “kids growing more confident, and that helps them in the classroom.”
Returning members Brandon Gibson and Nick Letterman have noticed an improvement in the sports they play.
“It has definitely helped with football and track,” Letterman said.
Other than contributing to his sports, Gibson enjoys being a member of the club for the atmosphere.
It’s a positive thing to do rather than the other stuff that’s out there. It’s a positive stress reliever.
— Mr. Jeremy Ferman, powerlifting coach
“Its a great atmosphere,” Gibson said. “Everyone is nice and encouraging.”
Ferman is hoping that the club will continue growing every year.
“It’s a great outlet for people.” Ferman said. “It’s a positive thing to do rather than the other stuff that’s out there. It’s a positive stress reliever.”
Kearsley is hosting its first powerlifting meet at home Saturday, Dec. 10, from 8:30 a.m to 1 p.m.
Birthday: June 3, 2000
Extracurricular activities: volleyball
Hobbies: Reading
Plans after high school: Go to college to be a sign language...
