The Platform: a Michigan High School Powerlifting Association Podcast

Levi Hoffman, Defiance College | The Platform Episode 9

In this episode, Coach Levi Hoffman from Defiance College shares insights into building a successful powerlifting program, recruiting, training, and the growth of the sport in Ohio and Michigan. He also discusses the experiences and opportunities available to lifters in his program, as well as the academic offerings at Defiance College. The conversation with Coach Levi Hoffman covers the growth and development of powerlifting in high schools, the transition to raw lifting, and the impact of training programs on student athletes. Coach Hoffman also shares insights on the importance of failure and the success of his program at Defiance College. He discusses the Border Battle event and the expansion of collegiate powerlifting. Takeaways * Powerlifting as a lifelong sport * Opportunities and support for lifters at Defiance College Powerlifting has seen significant growth and development in high schools, with a transition to raw lifting and the impact of training programs on student athletes. * The importance of failure and the success of the powerlifting program at Defiance College, as well as the expansion of collegiate powerlifting through events like the Border Battle. * The significance of variation in training programs and the mentorship role of coaches in the development of student athletes. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview * 09:31 Lifter Experience and Competition Schedule * 17:54 Academic Offerings at Defiance College and Partnerships * 23:18 Defiance College's Transition to NAIA and the Growth of Powerlifting * 35:09 Coaching Philosophy and Training Programs * 41:13 Speed Set Questions and Accessory Exercises * 47:53 Expansion of Collegiate Powerlifting

Christian Lopez, MHSPLA Scholarship Winner, Nouvel Catholic | The Platform Episode 8

The episode features Christian Lopez, a scholarship winner and powerlifting enthusiast, discussing his high school powerlifting journey, future plans, and favorite aspects of powerlifting. The conversation covers Christian's introduction to powerlifting, his experience in high school powerlifting, fond memories, and plans for collegiate powerlifting. Christian also shares his favorite lifts and accessories, offering advice for those considering powerlifting for the first time. Takeaways * Powerlifting journey * Collegiate powerlifting * Favorite lifts and accessories Chapters * 00:00 Christian's Future Plans and Advice

Dalton Neitzel, Northwood University | The Platform Episode 7

In this episode, Chris Whittaker and Chris Gilliam interview Coach Dalton Neitzel, the head powerlifting coach at Northwood University. They discuss the program, recruitment, financial assistance, and the university's offerings. Coach Neitzel also shares insights into the programming and training for the powerlifting team. The conversation covers the recruitment efforts and gender split of the powerlifting team, Dalton's academic failure and career shift, the challenges of coaching powerlifting, and a rapid-fire Q&A about lifting preferences and accessories. Takeaways * Powerlifting Program at Northwood University * Financial Assistance and Scholarships * Training and Programming for Powerlifting Recruitment efforts for the powerlifting team at Northwood University are focused on building a diverse and dedicated group of athletes. * Dalton's academic failure led to a valuable lesson about pursuing a career that brings fulfillment and passion. Chapters * 00:00 Programming and Training * 27:33 Rapid-Fire Q&A

Jeanne Park, MHSPLA Scholarship Winner, Troy HS | The Platform Episode 6

The podcast episode features an interview with Jeanne Park, a high school powerlifter and scholarship winner. Jeanne shares insights about her powerlifting journey, future plans, and the impact of powerlifting on her life. The conversation also covers the challenges and rewards of powerlifting, as well as the importance of community and support within the sport. Takeaways * Powerlifting offers valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork. * The powerlifting community provides support and encouragement for new lifters. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion * 05:44 Participation in Powerlifting at West Point * 11:04 Recognition of Jeanne's Accomplishments * 17:34 Rapid Fire Speed Set Questions * 23:27 Social Media and Future Plans

Connor Birchmeier, Davenport University | The Platform Episode 5

The conversation covers the introduction and overview of the Davenport University powerlifting program, Connor's background and introduction to powerlifting, the collegiate powerlifting experience, recruiting and retaining high school athletes, and the future of powerlifting and the role of high school programs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recruiting and retaining high school athletes for the growth of the sport and the collegiate powerlifting experience. Takeaways * Collegiate powerlifting programs offer scholarships and a comprehensive athletic experience. * Recruiting and retaining high school athletes is crucial for the growth of the sport. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Program Overview * 29:01 The Future of Powerlifting and the Role of High School Programs