USAPL Jr Nationals

Racine Wisconsin

Three Minnesotans competed at the Teenage/Jr. Nationals in Racine, Wisconsin on June 17th-18th.  Minnesota has a lot to be proud of with the quality of lifters that it is producing from the Teenage/Jr. level all the way up to the Masters level.  Our accomplishments are the direct result of the quality of support and competitions that we are given in this great state.

Jake Moller made his debut on the National platform competing in the 181 lbs. weight class in the 18-19 year old division.  Jake faced some very strict judging in the squat and was unable to get in his opener.  I saw him lift at the Minnesota state meet and I was impressed with his intensity.  He is a very strong kid!  I never got a chance to talk to him after this meet, but I think he will come back next year stronger and more determined than ever to get on the medals platform.

Cory Nelson competed in the 198 lbs. weight class in the Jr (20-23 year old) division.  Cory took home the silver medal for team Minnesota with a total of 1,655.5 lbs.  Cory competed in a very tough weight class, but I expect him to take home the gold within the next two years if not both of them.  Cory squatted 632.5 lbs and I think he has the state record in his cross hairs.  He benched a new state record with 451 lbs.  He pulled an easy 572 on his second attempt, but couldn't quite get his third attempt.

I competed in the 275 lbs. weight class in the Jr. (20-23 year old) division.  I took home the silver medal with a 1,892 lbs. state record total.  My squats all went great, but I stepped back with 766 on my third after I lost my balance on top so I was stuck with my second attempt of 742.5 lbs for the state record.  I benched a PR 473 lbs. on my third attempt for a state record.  I attempted 710 lbs. for the National meet record in the deadlift, but ran out of gas and missed it at my knees after making my second attempt with 676.5 lbs. easily.

- Jon Krogman