- Croswell-Lexington HS, Croswell, Mi -   On the first Saturday of March, the Bulldogs JV Powerlifters took to the road and traveled to the Thumb for the JV State Powerlifting Competition at Croswell-Lexington High School. It was a day celebrated with personal records accomplished by every lifter competing and even a top-five placement by sophomore Nelly Shippey. With eight lifters qualifying for the state meet, seven of them were first-time competitors this season. Coaches from around the state complemented Coach Branch on the service of the Bulldog Lifters and their willingness to help spot, communicate, and befriend their fellow competitors.  “One of our goals this year was to walk away from every meet with coaches and lifters knowing the quality and character of the Ionia Bulldogs. We wanted people to know that G.R.I.T. is our mantra, our identity.” Coach Branch stated. “I could not be more proud of the G.R.I.T. and growth our kids demonstrated all year.” Nelly Shippey brought home the only medal for Ionia on Saturday, but that was not the team's only accomplishment. Ean Henry, Maddie Lemke, Andrew Paton, Angie Reyes, and Bella Parmer all record personal records at their final meet of the season. For many, it was their first competition of this magnitude, and each is excited for the growth they see for next year. “I just know that with time and effort, the team can continue to get stronger and better.” Angie Reyes confidently stated after successfully deadlifting 225 lbs on her final lift.  The JV season is now over, but nine Bulldogs look forward to the Varsity Season’s State meet next weekend at Lake Orion High School as the best lifters from the state come together to compete. 

Mona Shores HS, Norton Shores, Mi -   On Saturday, the Bulldog lifters came out swinging and competed with some of the best lifters in the state and showed that they have the GRIT and tenacity to be a force this year at the state competition and in the coming years. Competing against 30+ teams at each level, the Ionia Bulldog Powerlifters toon on lifters from around the state in one of the most competitive meets that had a total of over 500 lifters competing in it.  The Lady Dawgs took Third Place at both the JV and Varsity levels. Bringing home Medals were Bella Parmer (1st), Jadyn Garnder (2nd), McKenna White (2nd), Angie Reyes (2nd), and Bralynn Bledsoe (3rd). Earning Points for their teams were Rain Pinnow, Enma Rio, Hannah Luttman, Teagen Frisbie, Tanya Rojas, Addyson Roundtree, Ella Udell, and Isabella Glick. The Male Lifters took 7th at both levels in competition against 31 teams while the JV took 7th out of 32 teams. Both teams worked hard and competed well. Earning points for the team were Ean Henry, Jay Ledesma, Ariel Rojas, Andrew Paton, James Crissman, Brennen Brownell, Gabriel Hatfield, Seth Woods, Clayton Beaulieu, and Carlos Ogdon.  The regular season is now over and we wait to hear from the MHSPLA for confirmation on state qualifiers heading into the JV and Varsity State meets.   

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 Bucholtz, 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 Bucholtz -  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 Bucholtz 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.