Salem High School had three athletes competing at the USA Powerlifting Frozen Iron High School Classic at McKendree University on Saturday. Seniors Ethan Crouse and Hayden Hopkins and Junior Owen Becker all competed in the Varsity category for each of their respective weight classes.
Becker and Hopkins in the 82.5 kg class and Crouse in the 90 kg class.
Ethan Crouse took a very impressive 3rd place in his division in his first competition after cutting weight and dropping from the 100kg to the 90 kg class. He went 7 for 9 on his lifts with his best Squat of 165 kg/ 363.8 lbs, Bench 112.5 kg/ 248 lbs, Deadlift 182.5 kg/ 402.3 lbs for a total of 460 kg/ 1014 lbs.
Hayden Hopkins finished 6th in a strong 90 kg varsity class with a perfect 9 for 9 day and qualified for USA Powerlifting High School Nationals in Baton Rouge in April. His best lifts were Squat 167.5 kg/ 369.3 lbs., Bench 112.5 kg/ 248 lbs., Deadlift 187.5 kg/ 413.4 lbs. and a total of 467.5 kg/ 1030 lbs.
Junior Owen Becker had a strong showing with his 2nd place finish in the 82.5 kg varsity class with a 6 for 9 day and a total that qualified him for High School Nationals as well. His best lifts were Squat 210 kg/ 463 lbs., Bench 125 kg/ 275.6 lbs., Deadlift 255 kg/ 562.2 lbs. for a total of 590 kg/ 1300 lbs.
Salem Senior TJ Gillett was rostered to compete but had to scratch due to illness.
(Photos: Rene Crouse)
