Story Courtesy of Head Coach Connor Birchmeier

LEBANON, Ill. - In only its second year as a program, the Davenport University powerlifting team made history at the 2025 USA Powerlifting Midwest Collegiate Cup Series, held at McKendree University on Feb. 8. A total of 31 athletes (18 men and 13 women) represented the team as both squads dominated the competition to secure first place with an impressive 81 points each. This marks the first time in the program's history that both teams earned the top spot at a competition. Consisting of primarily freshmen and sophomores, both teams showed exceptional strength and determination, setting several new records and proving that DU is a rising powerhouse in collegiate powerlifting.

Women's Highlights

The women's team delivered outstanding performances, with first-place finishes in the following weight divisions:

• 48kg (105 lbs): Delaney Sousley – 1st Place
• 52kg (114 lbs): Hailey Stamper – 1st Place
• 70kg (154 lbs): Marla Aymond – 1st Place
• 75kg (165 lbs): Jordyn Harris – 1st Place
• 100kg (220 lbs): Evelyn Edenburn – 1st Place
• 100+kg (220+ lbs): Liz Cleveland – 1st Place

Among the standout achievements was Sousley, who set the Collegiate Raw American Record in the squat with an impressive 145kg (319 lbs). Sousley also showcased her strength with a 77.5kg (171 lbs) bench press, which became a Michigan Open State Record. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of Best Female Lifter with a remarkable 501.98 DOTS score. For those unfamiliar, DOTS is a ranking system that compares lifters across different weight classes and genders by factoring in their body weight and total lifts. The higher the DOTS score, the more impressive the lifter's performance relative to their weight class. Cleveland continued her dominance by breaking both the Wisconsin Raw Open Deadlift Record with a 210kg (463 lbs) lift and the Wisconsin Raw Open Total Record with a total of 507.5kg (1118 lbs).

Men's Highlights

The men's team also turned in exceptional performances, securing first-place finishes in the following weight divisions:

• 60kg (132 lbs): Rey Cedeno – 1st Place
• 67.5kg (148 lbs): Sean Murray – 1st Place
• 82.5kg (181 lbs): Zach Yuhaz – 1st Place
• 100kg (220 lbs): Jackson Jones – 1st Place
• 110kg (242 lbs): Yuan Cheng Li – 1st Place
• 140+kg (308+ lbs): Conner Lane – 1st Place

Jadryan Rosario, a freshman competing in the 56kg (123 lbs) weight class, had an outstanding performance at this meet. He set multiple Michigan Open Records across his lifts:

• Squat: 167.5kg (369 lbs)
• Bench Press: 112.5kg (248 lbs)
• Deadlift: 197.5kg (436 lbs)
• Total: 477.5kg (1052 lbs)

Additionally, Yuhaz set the Michigan Raw Open Squat Record with a massive 285kg (628 lbs) lift. Cedeno also set the Michigan Raw Open Bench Press Record with a 130kg (287 lbs) lift.

Nationals Roster Expands

The competition served as an opportunity for several athletes to qualify for nationals, with three newly securing their spots for the USAPL Collegiate Nationals in Oklahoma City, OK, from April 3rd to 6th:

• Jack Bargas in the men's Raw 90kg (198 lbs) division with a 640kg (1410 lbs) total, with room to spare.
• Cali Brown in the women's Raw 60kg (132 lbs) division with a 295kg (650 lbs) total.
• Tyson VanOverloop in the men's Raw 67.5kg (149 lbs) weight class with a 532.5kg (1177 lbs) total.

11 women and 11 men will represent Davenport University at the USAPL Collegiate Nationals this April, as they continue to build on their remarkable success.

A Historic Victory

This historic victory marks the first time both the men's and women's powerlifting teams have secured first place at the USA Powerlifting Midwest Collegiate Cup Series. With 31 athletes competing and numerous records set, Davenport's strong showing has set the stage for an exciting appearance at the USAPL Collegiate Nationals this April.