Flint, Mi – The 13 Ionia JV bulldogs who traveled to Flint Powers Catholic High School closed their season putting their best foot forward and building for the future. As a team, the JV bulldogs came together this season and truly became a family, and it showed again on Saturday. F.A.M.I.L.Y., our team motto (Forget About Me I Love You), runs deep in our team, our hearts, and it showed on the platforms on Saturday as our lifters spotted, encouraged, and cheered on their friends and fellow competitors all meet long. 

The hopes to bring home a trophy fell short today, but the future looks bright. Of our 13 lifters competing today, 5 placed in the top 10 in the state. Placing in the top ten from the Lady Bulldogs was Peyton Batista, who finished Second in the 105lb weight class. Ava Benedict followed closely with a 5th-place finish. Both these ladies put the powerlifting scene on notice and will be back with a vengeance next year. Carly Valera-Benavidez started to tap into her true strength and finished 9th in the 165lb weight class. 

The JV Men followed the Lady Dawgs' lead with their hard work and determination. Connor Morrison almost finished a great first year and a final lift but just came up short, finishing 9th in the 123-lb men’s class. Dillon Adams, who was finally getting healthy at the end of the year, did some amazing work and finished 10th in the 194-lb weight class.  

Each of Saturday’s lifters grew immensely throughout the year, and their powerlifting careers are just getting started. As a coaching staff and powerlifting community, we could not be prouder. Each lifter’s placements are listed below. 

JV Women

Peyton Batista 2nd 105

Ava Benedict 5th 105

Sophie Whorley 27th 132

Adriana Ogden 16th 148

Emily Anderson 16th 155

Carly Valera-Benavidez 9th 165

Ava Bowen 13th 165

JV Men

Connor Morrison 9th 123

Joey Anderson 17th 132

Dillon Adams 10th 194 

Deion Flint 17th 207

Paxton Melle 19th 242

Noah King 20th 275