Iwanski places 2nd in virtual powerlifting meet

The 2023 Powerlifting season opened for the Tiger powerlifters on Saturday, January 14, with the Blue Ace Power Invitational. The Tigers competed virtually, with sophomore Cason Iwanski earning a second-place medal for his efforts. Iwanski, one of four powerlifters competing for Stockton, placed second out of 29 competitors in his weight class. His marks were: Squat 350 lbs., 2nd; Bench 230 lbs., 2nd; Clean 245 lbs., 2nd; Total of 825 lbs., 2nd.

Katy Post, Zach Young and Trent Becker also competed and achieved respectable results, as well. Post finished 11th out of 17 competitors in her weight class, Young was 11th out of 26 competitors, and Becker finished 15th out of 29 competitors. Their marks were: Post—Squat 135 lbs. 4th; Bench 85 lbs., 13th; Clean 105 lbs., 10th; Total of 325 lbs., 11th; Young—Squat 315 lbs., 11th; Bench 200 lbs., 17th; Clean 215 lbs., 9th; Total of 730 lbs., 11th; Becker—Squat 235 lbs., 18th; Bench 170 lbs., 17th; Clean 195 lbs., 8th; Total of 600 lbs., 15th.

Powerlifting has been a sport at Stockton for four years, with Jalen Basart, a 2019 graduate of SHS, competing and medaling in one competition his senior year. According to Jalen’s dad, Justin Basart, who is the current head powerlifting coach, “Our powerlifting team got started by Jalen, who had some interest in this type of competition during his senior year. Jalen and Coach Clint Bedore went to one competition at which Jalen medaled in all three lifts.” Jalen’s dividends from the sport then piqued the interest of his younger brother, Rylan, who was looking to get bigger and stronger. “After getting beaten his sophomore year at the Beloit wrestling meet, Rylan decided he needed to lift to get bigger and stronger which would allow him to compete at a higher level,” stated Coach Basart.

Morning Ambush, a name which is quite apropos because a group or family of tigers is known as an ambush, was started shortly after that, and has maintained a dedicated group of lifters since that time. Besides Rylan, others joining the group early-on were: Camden Iwanski, Deyton Bedore, Justin Knoll, Max Moffet, Hayden Hilbrink, and Cason Iwanski. “Other students have been a part of the program, with some moving on to the next level, and others still lifting to stay in shape and be healthy,” said Coach Basart.

This season, Addie Struckhoff is the senior member of the Morning Ambush, having lifted for three years. Ambush also has younger student- athletes working to get better. Coach Basart noted, “Kolt Kuhlmann has been a part of our Ambush for three years, while Dayton Carpenter and Jace Kesler are the newest student-athletes to join our Ambush.” “We are also fortunate to have the help and support of Coach Janet Kuhlmann every morning, without fail,” added Basart.

The 2022 Powerlifting Team consisted of seven student-athletes: Coryn Hahn, Delany Snyder, Addie Struckhoff, Rylan Basart, Camden Iwanski, Zach Young, and Cason Iwanski. This group went to three competitions, competing very well and bringing home medals.

At the State Powerlifting Meet last season, Delany Snyder placed in the top three in all three lifts and finished third overall. Cason Iwanski placed in the top five in all three lifts and finished fourth overall. The impressive performances by Snyder and Iwanski earned them the distinction of being Stockton High School’s first Powerlifting State Placers.

Morning Ambush lifts/ trains five days a week at 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. As most would expect, Ambush works on strength, conditioning and agility, but student-athletes also work on their minds. “Waking up to be at the school, ready to start, at 6:00 a.m. is no easy task for a lot of people,” said Coach Basart. “Pushing yourself to beyond what your mind thinks you can do—sometimes to failure—then being able to work through failure is tough in this day and age,” he added.

It is Basart’s hope that the lifters learn life lessons while they are putting in their time and energy on a regular basis. “Our lifters support each other while helping push through the lifts and failures. Hopefully, failing sometimes in their weight room now, and then pushing through, will help these student-athletes cope later on in life,” Basart remarked.

To compete with the Tiger Powerlifting Team, student-athletes must be in one of Coach Bedore’s Weights classes, or in Coach Basart’s 0 hour 6:00 a.m. Weights class. Zero hour was conceived so student-athletes could lift in the morning to receive an elective credit, then use the normal class times to take a college class or another required course.

Having the virtual meet under their belts, the Tiger powerlifters will continue their hard work and prepare for upcoming competitions. Stockton’s next meet will be in WaKeeney at Trego Community High School on March 4th. “The group and its coaches are looking forward to an excellent 2023 season,” stated Coach Basart.