As the host of one the very first events to be classified as powerlifting, this brought SCU full circle and brought great joy to the staff and administrators of the Health Sciences department.

Powerlifting was first recognized as a sport in 1960. As an epicenter of sports medicine on the West Coast, SCU was a fitting location for this year’s competition - involving 60 of the nation’s top power lifters seeking qualification to move on to the world championship. The competition was opened to any currently enrolled two- or four-year college student with a USPA membership.

The United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) is an organization created and run by experienced lifters with an interest in advancing powerlifting as a sport, showcasing the results of athlete’s hard work all while competing in safe and comfortable environments. Holding fully-staffed events throughout the year with inclusive guidelines and relatively open enrollment opportunities, the association allows a great many athletes to gain experience and advance their careers. The Collegiate National Competition was just one of these many national events.

Impressive Results

The athletes participating in the national competition showed excellent strength and skill in their sport. The day’s best lifters were Brenna Patterson in the women’s category, and Isaiah Nguyen-Vazquez in the men’s. Nguyen-Vazquez – a student from California’s CSUF – lifted a competition total of over 1081 pounds. Patterson, from UCI, gave an excellent showing as well with a competition total of over 815 pounds.

Both athletes were proud to be drug tested and passed, as USPA endeavors to educate those interested in the sports of body building and weightlifting of the importance of remaining drugfree. In fact, the alternative title of the competition was the “Drug Tested Raw Collegiate National” underscoring the importance of this factor.

Sponsors for the event included:
* Iron Rebel
* Granite Supplements
* Quest Nutrition
* US Iron Club
* Fortified Barbell

The USPA issued a special thank you to SCU, its students and Dr. David Foster for hosting the event, as well as to spotters and assistants who staffed the competition.