Farwell hosts second annual power lifting meet Saturday

 By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sports Writer

Athletes from all across the state of Michigan packed into Farwell High School on Saturday. This was the site of the second annual powerlifting regional, and it was even bigger than its initial year. According to Farwell athletic director Zak Spryszak last year’s event had a total of 157 lifters, while this year that exploded to 323.

“The meet showcased many local schools including St. Louis, Pinconning, Standish-Sterling, Coleman and many more,” Spryszak said. “It also showcased schools from all over the state including Escanaba from the Upper Peninsula and Dowagiac, who is located in the southwest corner of the state.”

Hosting an event of this magnitude is no easy feat either; in fact it took quite the group of people to make it go off as a success.

“The Farwell community came together to make this event happen,” Spryszak said. “It included 90-plus volunteers to host an event like this. This is no small task for a small community. It proves that Farwell is a place that loves their student athletes and will do anything to improve their athletic experience.”

As for the event itself, Elk Rapids won regional championship plaques in both the boys’ and girls’ portion of the event. As for varsity, Mesick was the champion on the girls’ side and Swan Valley won the championship plaque for the boys.

“This was a big event for our community that brought so many powerlifters to Central Michigan to compete at a great event,” Spryszak said. “We are confident that this is only the beginning to a long tradition of hosting a powerlifting meet on a yearly basis. This sport is only growing in the state of Michigan and Farwell is excited to be part of the charge as it grows stronger from year to year.”