Kennard-Dale wins PSCPA state powerlifting championship

No, it may not get the same publicity as more mainstream sports. But powerlifting has plenty of adherents, and that includes at the high school level.

At the Pennsylvania State Coaches Powerlifting Association (PSCPA) state championships this past weekend, Kennard-Dale made quite the splash. The Rams won a large school, "Raw" division state championship. (Teams that compete in the Raw division do not wear supportive gear, which can help athletes lift more weight.)

Kennard-Dale's team members were Justus Phalen, Matt Vincent, Devin Walters, Aaron Affeld, Jason Cooper, Will DelGrande, Phil Herndon, Joe Reinke,  Mike Young and Dan Kreter.  The team was coached by Coach Joe Hasson and Coach Andy Loucks.The  Rams also won the "Best Newcomer Team" Award.

In addition, four Kennard-Dale athletes set state records:

- Jason Cooper, 148-pound division weight total.- Justus Phalen, 198-pound bench press and total.- Mike Young, 181-pound division JV bench press.-Dan Creter, 242-pound division JV squat, bench, deadlift and total

In addition, those four also won individual state championships in their respective divisions.

A brief breakdown of competitive powerlifting: Athletes compete in three events -- the bench press, deadlift and squat. A competitor's heaviest single lift in each event is measured, then the three are added to produce a total. The most total weight wins.

For more on the PSPCA, head here.