Story Courtesy of Connor Birchmeier, Powerlifting Head Coach

LEBANON, Ill. - The Davenport University powerlifting team showcased their strength and dedication at the USA Powerlifting 2024 Midwest Collegiate Regionals hosted by McKendree University Feb. 2-3. Despite being newcomers to collegiate powerlifting, both the women's and men's teams delivered outstanding performances that earned them admiration from competitors and spectators alike.

DU's women's team secured a commendable third-place finish overall out of six competing teams on Feb. 2, with notable achievements: Hailey Stamper demonstrated remarkable strength, clinching third place in the 56kg division. Valentina Sanchez-Sosa impressed with a second-place finish in the 67.5kg category. Marla Aymond commanded the competition with a first-place finish in the 75kg class. Rachel Wilkie showcased unparalleled strength, dominating the 82.5kg division with a deadlift of 182.5kg (402 lbs) and securing first place. McKenna Severt displayed resilience, earning a well-deserved third-place finish in the 82.5kg category. Lainey Stanko demonstrated exceptional talent, securing third place in the 100kg class and earning a spot at the upcoming USAPL Collegiate Nationals. Liz Cleveland established herself as a force to be reckoned with, securing first place in the 100+kg division, breaking the Wisconsin 100+kg Raw Open Total Record, and meeting the USAPL Raw Nationals Open Qualifying total.

The men's team from Davenport University delivered exceptional performances, earning a commendable second-place finish overall out of seven competing teams. Rey Cedeno secured second place in the 60kg category and qualified for the USAPL Collegiate Nationals. Jackson VanOverloop captivated the audience with a final deadlift attempt of 217.5kg (479 lbs), clinching first place in the 67.5kg division. Damien Freeman displayed determination, securing third place in the 82.5kg class and qualifying for the USAPL Collegiate Nationals. Jackson Jones impressed with a strong performance, earning second place in the 90kg weight class. Yuan Cheng Li emerged victorious in the highly competitive 100kg category, claiming first place and qualifying for the USAPL Collegiate Nationals. Dylan Rudicil impressed in his debut competition with a third-place finish in the 110kg weight class. Elijah Rudicil showed strength and determination, securing third place in the 125kg weight class. Notably, Elijah narrowly missed qualifying for nationals with a 2 to 1 decision on his final deadlift attempt of 272.5kg (600 lbs).

The exceptional performances of the powerlifting teams underscored their dedication and commitment to excellence. As they look ahead to the USAPL Collegiate Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 11th to 14th, the teams are focused and determined to build on their successes. With their unwavering determination and exceptional skills, the DU powerlifters are poised for continued success in collegiate powerlifting.