Three Rivers High School, Three Rivers, Mi

On a day two months in the making, our Lady Dawgs finally got to get under the Olympic bars and show their GRIT to the MHSPLA community, and their hard work paid off. Delayed by registration and weather issues, our first meet for our JV and Varsity teams came with ups and downs, but the GRIT that Ionia is known for repeatedly showed through. Led by the Leadership of Ella Udell, Jadyn Gardner, Nelly Shippey, Isabelle Vasquez, and Ava Buckhotz, the team pursued success with teamwork and passion. 

With 14 of our 19 lifters finishing in the top ten of their weight classes and seven bringing home medals, the light is shining bright on the future for our Lady Dawg Lifters. The Varsity finished Fourth out of 23 teams represented, while the JV team was the Regional Runners-Up. The support for our lifters as family and community members made the two-hour trip and cheered loudly as the team competed throughout the day. 

“The thing about powerlifting is that it is a dynamic sport that requires commitment and buy-in. It takes consistency and a habitual tenacity that builds into the will of the lifter. Something that these ladies have found. Sometimes you don’t perform at the level you want, but then you get back under that bar and push the weight repeatedly with your F.A.M.I.L.Y. cheering you on.” Coach Branch responded when asked about his perspective on the day's performance. “ I could not be prouder of this team. They are an amazing bunch and the way they take care of each other leaves me speechless. So proud.” 

It was an outstanding meet hosted by Three Rivers High School, Coach Yost,  and Coach Gilliam. Thank you for putting on such a fun event. 

Earning points for the 4th place Varsity Team:

• Cashmere Austin - 3rd Place Medal

• Isabella Glick - 7th Place

• Tanya Rojas - 4th Place

• Addison Roundtree - 7th place

• Isabelle Vasquez - Regional Champion

• McKenna White - 3rd Place Medal 

Earning Points for the JV Regional Runner-Ups:

• Ava Buckholtz 5th Place

• Teagan Frisbie 6th Place

• Maddie Lemke Runner-Up

• Bella Parmer - Regional Champion

• JoAnna Platte - 3rd Place Medal

• Angie Reyes - Runner-Up

• Enma Rio Miravalles 4th Place

• Nelly Shippey - Regional Champion

JV State Qualifiers from Saturday Include:

• Ava Buckholtz

• Maddie Lemke

• Bella Parmer

• Angie Reyes

• Nelly Shippey

Varsity Qualifiers will not be known until after the last regional at the end of the month as the top 22 lifters in each weight class qualify.