HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College powerlifting team turned in a strong performance at the Lark Invitational on Sept. 19 at the Yost Center, earning 10 individual weight-class championships while posting several impressive totals across the men's and women's divisions.
Hesston had 11 lifters compete at the invitational, with six women and five men. Ten Larks finished first in their respective weight classes, while Nolan Wilkins placed second and Zach Stephens finished third in the men's 120-kilogram division.
On the women's side, Sam Gam won the 52-kilogram division with a 295-kilogram total, including a 110-kilogram squat, 65-kilogram bench press and 120-kilogram deadlift. MaCayla Cano claimed the 57-kilogram title with a 307.5-kilogram total, highlighted by a 125-kilogram squat and 125-kilogram deadlift.
Isabella Jensen won the 63-kilogram division after totaling 315 kilograms, with a 112.5-kilogram squat, 62.5-kilogram bench press and 140-kilogram deadlift. Jasmine Richards delivered one of the meet's biggest totals, winning the 76-kilogram division with a 465-kilogram total that included a 185-kilogram squat, 90-kilogram bench press and 190-kilogram deadlift.
Aubrey Yocham won the 84-kilogram division with a 387.5-kilogram total, while Aiko Keanaaina captured the 84-plus-kilogram division after totaling 402.5 kilograms.
The Hesston men also collected four weight-class championships. Jayden Johnson-Keller won the 105-kilogram division with a 600-kilogram total, recording a 227.5-kilogram squat, 132.5-kilogram bench press and 240-kilogram deadlift.
Braiden Hodgett posted the highest total among Hesston lifters, winning the 83-kilogram division with a 727.5-kilogram total. Hodgett's performance included a 272.5-kilogram squat, 155-kilogram bench press and 300-kilogram deadlift. Wilkins finished second in the same division with a 530-kilogram total.
In the 120-kilogram division, Stephens placed third with a 645-kilogram total after lifts of 260 kilograms in the squat, 165 kilograms in the bench press and 220 kilograms in the deadlift. Jacob Woods rounded out the Hesston individual champions by winning the 120-plus-kilogram division with a 655-kilogram total, including a 260-kilogram squat, 145-kilogram bench press and 250-kilogram deadlift.
As a team, Hesston lifters combined for 5,330 kilograms in total weight across their three-lift totals, providing a strong showing in front of the home crowd at the Lark Invitational.
