The Platform: a Michigan High School Powerlifting Association Podcast

Dennis Reinhart, USPA Record Holder & Coach, Montrose HS Pt 1 | The Platform Episode 13

In Part 1 of our conversation with Dennis Reinhart, a USPA bench press record holder and one of the earliest figures in the MHSPLA, we trace his path from football into powerlifting and what it took to build Montrose's program from scratch. Denny shares the coaches and lifters who shaped him along the way, breaks down his philosophy on diagnosing a lifter's weaknesses, and explains why he preaches consistency over genetics and patience over speed. He also revisits some of his most memorable stories, from the program's toughest meets to the legends of Montrose powerlifting. Part 2 drops soon with plenty more to say.

Tim Furno, MHSPLA Founder, Millington HS PT 2 | The Platform Episode 12

The podcast episode features an interview with Coach Tim Furno, a renowned powerlifting coach with a remarkable career. The conversation covers Coach Furno's background, achievements, and the development of his weightlifting program. It also delves into his experiences at Northern Michigan University and his impact on the Millington community. Additionally, the discussion highlights the national record setters and athletes trained by Coach Furno. The conversation delves into the history, achievements, and impact of powerlifting, highlighting legendary athletes, the preservation of knowledge, the emergence of female lifters, the transition to strongman competitions, and the development of powerlifting federations and associations. It also explores the evolution of women's powerlifting, the Olympic Search program, platform innovation, and the significance of state meet locations and hosts. The conversation delves into the pioneers of high school powerlifting, coaching and training techniques, strongman competitions, and rapid-fire questions, concluding with closing reflections and gratitude. Takeaways * Coach Tim Furno's early experiences at Northern Michigan University shaped his approach to weightlifting and powerlifting. * The development of the weightlifting program in Millington, Michigan was marked by Coach Furno's dedication to identifying and training exceptional athletes. The importance of preserving powerlifting history for future generations * The impact of personal choices on athletic careers Pioneers' impact on high school powerlifting * Competitive landscape of state meets * Coaching philosophy and training methods * Favorite lifts and accessory movements * Strongman competitions and speed in football * Practical jokes and mind games * Insights into favorite lifts and accessory movements * Gratitude and reflections Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast * 12:56 Discussion of York Barbell Club * 19:16 Transition to Millington, Michigan * 29:30 National Record Setters and Athletes * 35:38 Pioneering Female Lifters * 42:37 Olympic Search and Weightlifting Development * 54:04 Powerlifting Federations and Associations * 01:03:18 Strongman Competitions and Mind Games

Tim Furno, MHSPLA Founder, Millington HS Pt 1 | The Platform Episode 11

The podcast episode features an interview with Coach Tim Furno, a renowned powerlifting coach with a remarkable career. The conversation covers Coach Furno's background, achievements, and the development of his weightlifting program. It also delves into his experiences at Northern Michigan University, his transition to Millington, and the athletes he coached. The discussion includes insights into the York Barbell Club and notable alumni from Northern Michigan University. The conversation delves into the powerlifting legends, the challenges and successes of women in powerlifting, and the impact of the Olympic search on athletes. It explores the significance of Trump's role in powerlifting, the national record deadlift, and the legacy of powerlifting champions. It also highlights the challenges faced by female lifters, the impact of state meets for women, and the successes of female lifters in powerlifting. Additionally, it discusses the impact of the Olympic search on weightlifting and powerlifting, the influence on recruitment and opportunities for athletes, and the influence of the Olympic search on athletes in the powerlifting community. The conversation delves into the pioneers of high school powerlifting, focusing on the impact of Lloyd Coombe and Russ Hewsted. It explores their coaching styles, the significance of state meets, talent identification, training techniques, and the importance of speed in sports. The episode concludes with acknowledgments, humorous anecdotes, and discussions about social media and podcast availability. Takeaways * Coach Tim Furno's early experiences and background shaped his passion for weightlifting and powerlifting. * The development of Coach Furno's weightlifting program in Millington, Michigan led to the success of several national record setters and athletes. The powerlifting community has been shaped by legendary figures and national record achievements. * Female lifters have overcome challenges and achieved success in powerlifting, contributing to the sport's growth and diversity. * The Olympic search has had a significant influence on athlete recruitment, opportunities, and the development of weightlifting and powerlifting. The impact of influential coaches on the development of high school powerlifting * The significance of talent identification and speed in athletic performance Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast * 12:56 Discussion of York Barbell Club * 19:16 Transition to Millington, Michigan * 29:30 National Record Setters and Athletes * 36:08 Women in Powerlifting * 42:37 The Olympic Search

Darrin Conrad, Flint-Kearsley & MHSPLA Board Member | The Platform Episode 10

The episode features an interview with Coach Darrin Conrad, a board member of the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association. The conversation covers topics such as Coach Conrad's background, his experience with powerlifting, changes in the sport, and positive developments at Kersley High School. Takeaways * Community Support * Sport Growth Chapters * 00:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Positive Developments at Kersley High School

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