MN Powerlifting News

Powerlifting was brought to the city of Mankato this year, and hosted by Bethany Lutheran College. This event bought out 65 strength athletes from across Minnesota to compete for the title of champion. These champions both women and men alike crossed every age category and level of experience. From the first time competitor, to the world champion we had great lifting from the start of the day to the very last lift.

For the women's category brought 11 lifters Kristi Trussel whom has only competed in a couple contests so far won with a decisive wilks score of 392 points. Kristi topped this off with a big 319 pound deadlift. The women's also saw a first time lifter take second place, Stephanie Leonard scored a 318 wilks point total and completed all her lifts perfectly for the judges. A great start to a promising competing future. 

The Masters men contest, whom those whom don’t know what is defined as a ‘Master’ are competitors whom are 40 years of age or older. Masters in Powerlifting prove that age means nothing with respects to ability. Winning the Masters contest in decisive fashion was Brian Hudyma, whom has been competing since the most early days of Powerlifting with a 467 wilks total. Taking second place was Sid Rid. Taking third place was the heavyweight Callistus Schissel whom had a massive bench of over 500 pounds. 

The open contest (for those of any age group) brought out a group of lifters whom hail from a place called Jackals Gym. Coaching this group of lifters is multi world champion Brad Gillingham. Three of the Jackals lifted some of the heaviest weight of the contest. World Game team member Nick Tylutki finished the day with a 661 deadlift and a 1661 pound total winning the 220 pound weight class. Two Powerlifting brothers Jordon and Jon Krogman were major stars of the event. Jordon placing second to Nick Tylutki with a 1543 pound total. His brother Jon in the 242 pound weight class matched the massive deadlift of Nick with 661 pounds.

This contest also brought a performance which demonstrated a bright future in Powerlifting. Teen lifter Luke Klien whom is built much like his coach Brad Gillingham weighing in over 330 pounds set three American records. This included a 600 pound squat, 380 pound bench press and 1603 total. 

The bench only portion of the contest winner was the lumberjack David Lewis. Followed by new coming Mike Riley whom at his first contest smashed a master bench record by over 30 pounds.

Best Lifter honors go to 

Women: Kelly Gabrielson 

Men: Jon Krogman 

Best lifters were determined by whomever got closest to the national record total 

Special thanks goes out to: