The USOEC weightlifting team is back on track with their regular lifting schedule and have their sights set on the National Collegiate Championships which will take place on April 8-10 in Shreveport, La. The weightlifting team was taking a light week of workouts after having much success at the National Junior Championships this past February.

The weightlifting team consisted of freshmen Patricia Park, Jerilyn Smith, Tim Scott and Sophomores Britta Carlson, Andrew Vrabel, Michael Evans, Chris Lenahen, Maxwell Cretcher, Levi Hoffman, and Dominic Lambaria.

Not only did the weightlifting team accomplish a number of personal goals but were also able to secure three medals. Sophomore Chris Lenahen received silver in the Men’s 94 kg, freshman Tim Scott also received silver in the Men’s 69 kg, and freshman Patricia (Trisha) Park received bronze in the Women’s 48 kg.

Head coach Andy Tysz said that things are starting to get back on track and that the team is going full speed into their practices.

“It’s nice to be back into the swing of things and get everyone lifting on typical, normal practices again,” Tysz said. “Right now the key things we are focusing on are maintaining our strength levels and just getting prepared for competitive lifting. It all goes back to process before product. It always has and it always will.”

Park said that she is also glad the practices are back on the regular schedule and is looking forward to participating in the Collegiate Championships.

“The thing I am really excited about is moving up a weight class and showing everyone my potential,” Park said. “The rise in weight class is going to be a challenge to say the least, but overall it’s helping me improve my strength and just give me something to shoot for as far as my personal records go and to always do my best.”

With less than five weeks of training left, Tysz said that his team is always going in a positive direction, but they need to remain focused on their competitive movements and continue to perfect their process so that when the Collegiate Championship does arrive, the product will fall into place.

“This sport obviously has a lot of physical attributes to it but there’s a lot of physiological hurdles people will always encounter,” Tysz said. “You have to always continue to be competitive and have that fire and spirit when you compete. I always tell my team that no one can take that away from you. As long as you have a successful attitude and show up with your ‘A Game.’ no one can deny you of anything.”

The weightlifting team that will travel down to Shreveport, La will range from 18-20 athletes all participating in various weight divisions for men and women’s competition.