This section of our web page is devoted to honoring our leaders for the 2009-2010 season. Captains in our program have serious responsibilities in organizing practices, meetings, fundraisers, community events and other team related activities. Captains must display the character virtues that make powerlifting in our school a successful club sport. The captain is an extension of the coaching staff and we are very proud of our captains and their leadership abilities in and out of the weight room. We have included information about our captains and a picture of them in action.
Michael Hess - Junior
1- What are your goals for the 2009-2010 season in powerlifting – They can be team goals or they can individual goals you have for yourself – list at least 2-3?
I want at least 23 lifters to go to State and at least 13 to go to Nationals- this will set our team apart from the competition. Personally I want to set a PR in every lift at every meet through Nationals. I want to repeat at state champion and win nationals.
2- What do you like about powerlifting as a sport? What motivates you to train and lift? What are the hardest things about this sport for you – the biggest challenges/barriers?
Powerlifting helps you get stronger physically and mentally and it builds tremendous character. My teammates and the ultimate success of achieving goals motivates me to work hard at practice and prepare to compete. The biggest challenge for me is the self-discipline to stay healthy and watch what I eat - consistent nutrition is a huge barrier for me.
3- How important is nutrition to your success in the sport of powerlifting? What is some nutritional advise that you would like to share with your teammates that has helped you?
Nutrition plays a huge role in this sport and you have to be smart about understanding what good carbs are and what bad carbs are - Cut the bad carbs and sustain the good ones. Nutrition in powerlifting is like a helmet in football - cannot succeed without it.
4- What are your hobbies and interests outside of powerlifting?
I like to play sports, hang out with friends, hunt, watch movies / TV & have fun
5- What other school activities are you involved in and what leadership roles or accomplishments do you have to share with us from these other activities?
FBLA, Forensics, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, VP of Student Council, Math League, 4.0 GPA, HS, Band Council. I like to be a leader and feel I am a good role model to others in my words and my actions.
6- What is a famous inspirational message or quote that you would like to share that really motivates you or leaves a good impression on you?
Phi 4:13 - I can do everything through him, who gives me strength
Nicole Gantz - Senior
1- What are your goals for the 2009-2010 season in powerlifting – Yhey can be team goals or they can individual goals you have for yourself – list at least 2-3?
I want to place top 5 at State, qualify and attend Nationals & improve on all of my 1RM totals from last season. For our team I want us to send 5 girls to nationals, have 3 female medalists at state & fill up the open weight classes on our girls team to establish new records.
2- What do you like about powerlifting as a sport? What motivates you to train and lift? What are the hardest things about this sport for you – the biggest challenges/barriers?
I love the feeling of getting a great workout in the morning to start my day. More than anything, my lifting partner Katie Piekarski pushes me to get better every day and I love that. I like to reap the rewards of getting stronger and I want to reverse the social stigma that lifting is not for girls - I am proof that is simply not the case - lifting has done wonders for me.
3- How important is nutrition to your success in the sport of powerlifting? What is some nutritional advise that you would like to share with your teammates that has helped you?
Nutrition is vital in order to sustain peak performance. I have learned that empty calories hurt me in lifting and I need to eat nutrient rich foods - protein, usable carb's and all the correct amino acids to repair muscle tissue. If lifters are on top of their nutrition then they never have to worry come weigh in time.
4- What are your hobbies and interests outside of powerlifting?
I love to travel and hang out with my friends - I am extremely social and like to learn about others. I have learned alot from traveling outside the United States and I love new challenges and experiences.
5- What other school activities are you involved in and what leadership roles or accomplishments do you have to share with us from these other activities?
President of both FBLA and National Honor Society
Academic Decathlon member and regional champion
National Qualifier and State Champion in FBLA
2 time conference champion in Forensics
3 time conference champion in Math League
Also active in leadership roles with Student Council & Interact
6- What is a famous inspirational message or quote that you would like to share that really motivates you or leaves a good impression on you?
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just a little extra effort.
Kyle Holzem - Junior
1- What are your goals for the 2009-2010 season in powerlifting – They can be team goals or they can individual goals you have for yourself – list at least 2-3?
I want to win a 2nd State championship and I want to win my first National Title
I want a 1,500 lb Total this season
I want our team to take 1st in DII at State
I want our team to take 2nd or better at Nationals
2- What do you like about powerlifting as a sport? What motivates you to train and lift? What are the hardest things about this sport for you – the biggest challenges/barriers?
I love the fact that powerlifting is a friendly sport at the same as being extremely competitive. You can get psyched up to compete at a high level and be friends witht he people who you may have just beat or lost to - best of both worlds.
3- How important is nutrition to your success in the sport of powerlifting? What is some nutritional advise that you would like to share with your teammates that has helped you?
Nutrition is everything in this sport and it carries over to all sports - great life lesson. I started last season over 215 LBS and by eating correctly I was able to get to the weight class I was able to be most competitive at. My advise is to always eat breakfast - protein and carb's at the same time.
4- What are your hobbies and interests outside of powerlifting?
I love sports and lots of them. I am in football, baseball, wrestling and also have played hockey. I do wrestling and powerlifting at the same time - they both make me better. I also like to snowboard, wakeboard and play a little guitar here and there.
5- What other school activities are you involved in and what leadership roles or accomplishments do you have to share with us from these other activities?
I am in National Honor society and also am very active with the Math League. I am in the school band and jazz ensemble and enjoy playing at concerts and events.
6- What is a famous inspirational message or quote that you would like to share that really motivates you or leaves a good impression on you?
If at first you do not succeed then skydiving just is not for you
Jimmy Steinhorst - Senior
1- What are your goals for the 2009-2010 season in powerlifting – They can be team goals or they can individual goals you have for yourself – list at least 2-3?
I want to win the State title this year in the 142 lb class, finish in the top 5 if not first at Nationals at the 148 lb class and help all the new lifters try to reach their personal goals.
2- What do you like about powerlifting as a sport? What motivates you to train and lift? What are the hardest things about this sport for you – the biggest challenges/barriers?
"LIKE", I love powerlifting!!! It's a sport I feel very confident in. Powerlifting motovates me to get stronger and be more consistant. Sometimes it's hard to keep your weight where you want it.
3- How important is nutrition to your success in the sport of powerlifting? What is some nutritional advise that you would like to share with your teammates that has helped you?
Poor Nutrition is the #1 cause of issues with powerlifters. Stay away from fast foods and pop as much as possible. Sub sandwiches, power drinks, sandwich wraps are a good start with a lot of variety. Watch the condiments that you put on your foods and keep meals at a good protein to carb ratio
4- What are your hobbies and interests outside of powerlifting?
Skateboarding, bowling, fishing and hanging out with friends and family
5- What other school activities are you involved in and what leadership roles or accomplishments do you have to share with us from these other activities?
Art club - I'am currently the treasurer of that club.
6- What is a famous inspirational message or quote that you would like to share that really motivates you or leaves a good impression on you?
Never give up on your goals. This is a team where state and national champions are being made. Be proud of your accomplishments and always try to set reasonable & reachable goals no matter how tiny they might be.
