Powerlifting, led by weights coach Brian King, is one of the few activities at De Soto High School that many people do not know much about. Powerlifting is basically weights class on steroids. Students go to meets and compete in three different categories: Squat, Bench and Hang Cling.

It is similar to wrestling, in that students are split into divisions according to weight. There is the Junior division, which is sophomore and freshmen boys, the Girl’s division, and the Senior division which includes junior and senior boys.

Many kids enjoy participating in the meets because it offers competition and different ideas on how to train.

“I like going to the meets because it shows you what’s out there,” senior Tessa Scott said. “You think you’re really strong here in our weight room, but then you get to these other schools and see how they do, and it’s definitely a push to do better and get stronger.”

DHS takes about 20 kids to each meet on average, and King is hoping to take 30 kids to the state meet. The De Soto Powerlifting team generally finishes in the top third or fourth.

Junior Lauren Mabe set a meet record Jan. 28, and won her weight division. Senior Ryan Hicks has medaled in the hang cling at all the meets he’s been to so far this year, and sophomore Jared Jennings has been lifter of the meet for the past two meets. This means that he can lift the most weight per pound compared to the other students who compete at the meets.

“The kids get in the competitive setting and most have been setting personal records at every meet. We’re getting better every time we compete,” King said.

The next meet will be held on Feb. 25 in Belton, MO.