Powerlifting is defined as a strength sport consisting of three different attempts of the maximum amount of weight a participant can bench press, squat or deadlift. Athletes at Apollo High School did not include the squat in their competition Saturday morning, but they did demonstrate a physical and mental strength that rivals any strongman.
While the state of Kentucky does not recognize powerlifting or weightlifting as qualifying events at the state Special Olympic competition, AHS has had an established powerlifting program for over 30 years. What started as a passion project of former AHS physical education (PE) teacher Obbie Todd, still continues today, even after his retirement.
Apollo health and PE teacher Kristy Julian took over the powerlifting program and competition two years ago from strength and conditioning coach Tyler Matthews. Now that Matthews has more female weightlifters, he is able to offer co-ed weightlifting classes.
“So I got the powerlifters and I am so thankful,” Julian said. “They are the highlight of my day.”
Julian said the students start training after Christmas by lifting two to three times a week and participating in the newly-incorporated Cross Fit program with Coach Warren. These classes also allow them to work with peer tutors and students with other abilities.
“It’s just not all about powerlifting — they have fun too,” Julian said. “You would see a different side of those kids. It’s just awesome to see the kids these days — everybody’s the same.”
With the arrival of prom season and many local activities, the most difficult part for Julian has been trying to draw the large crowds that once accompanied this competition when Todd was at the helm.
“Obbie Todd is amazing — he actually started all this powerlifting because it’s not part of the Special Olympics anymore,” Julian said. “It’s an individual thing that we’ve just tried to keep going. Coach Todd’s shoes have just been huge to fill. He just has this fire — he’s just an unbelievable guy.”
Although there were not record crowds in the AHS gym Saturday morning, there were many friends and family members in attendance, clapping, chanting and yelling words of encouragement.
Each and every participant received praise as they approached the weight bench or mat and after each of their sessions was complete. And although smiles and pride were in abundance, there was one participant that had an extra reason to smile.
Prior to the competition, the most weight sophomore Kevan Lynchard had deadlifted was 370 pounds. He and his peer tutor spotters and mentors set a goal of 385 pounds three weeks prior. But on Saturday, after adding additional plate after additional plate, Lynchard surpassed his previous best and set a new personal record (PR) with 405 pounds.
“He was struggling at 370 to just stand up,” Julian said. “It just shows what you can do with everybody cheering for you.”
Afterward, Lynchard could not stop smiling and sharing his accomplishment with others.
“My goal was 385, but I got more,” Lynchard said. “I’m excited. I did pretty good. I know I can — I just need to think I can.”
Julian said Lynchard’s accomplishment, along with that of the other participants, is one of the many reasons she looks forward to this competition.
“I love where they end up — from where they start to where they end,” Julian said. “To see them not quit and succeed because they press on, it’s just so inspirational I get chills.”
As to the future, Julian said she would love to see the program inspire the community the way it once did.
“I think it would make Coach Todd so happy if we could get it back to where he had it,” Julian said. “Where it was a big deal and everybody knows about it.”
