Power lifting is a sport not usually brought to many people’s attention on a normal basis, but at De Soto, even though this team is small, to its participant it is still important.

The team has never been very big, but its individuals have still done well.

For participants such as senior Lauren Mabe, who has excelled in the sport, power lifting is a worthwhile addition to the school.

According to Mabe, the seniors from last year were big motivators in the weight room. Even with them gone the team is still strong and will perform well with their absence.

“I think it will be good, I know I’ll do good. We have a lot of good things going on,” Mabe said.

Coach Brian King is also optimistic about the upcoming season.

“We’ve got a good combination of older lifters and younger lifters,” King said. “We will do very well. We have some kid who could set State records this year.”

The team does not have a set practice time, but many participate in weights class, and they all participate in after school weights in order to train for their upcoming meets.

These times allow the team members to get to know each other. The team also meets other individuals from other schools through power lifting.

Mabe has had this exact experience.

“I have friends that I see at the meets,” Mabe said, “I hang out with them.”

These meets allow the participants to interact with others from other schools. These interactions help students meet people from all different situations in life.

The team will be training together until its first meet. This meet will take place at Basehor-Linwood High School on Feb. 9. The team is expecting to do well in its first meet.