Athletically, there isn’t a whole lot as a school we don’t have. There is an abundance of options when it comes to picking an after school sport, and enough teams to match almost any athletic ability and interest. But one group of athletes left out is power lifters.

Used as a way to keep athletes in shape in the off-season, power lifting teams combine the necessary weight training with a higher level of team spirit and competition. Consisting of three lifts in most competitions, the bench press, squat and deadlift, this sport is on the rise on the high school level.

District athletic and activity director Steve Deghand commented on adding a powerlifting team to the school.

“Since the activity is not recognized by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, it would have to be a club, not a team, but the more opportunities we can give kids the better off we are,” Deghand said.

“As far as powerlifting, it would be absolutly easier to add than other sports because we already have the facilities, and the coaches needed.”

In recent years, several area schools in the Kaw Valley League and elsewhere started power lifting teams for both girls and boys. Tonganoxie, Basehor-Linwood, Turner and Bonner Springs all field teams.

But why is there no power lifting team here? With a brand new enlarged weight room, a knowledgeable coaching staff, and the high level of athletic motivation the student body possesses, there should be no reason why we don’t have a power lifting team.

Even if they wouldn’t be a crowd pleaser, there are still sports the school lacks and needs to sponsor. Despite the lack of fans at a girls tennis match or a boys golf tournament, these athletes appreciate having an opportunity to practice and perfect the sports that they have a gift for, and no one should be denied that opportunity.

With well over 1000 kids, our school is officially in the big leagues athletically, and should be able to compete with larger and smaller schools at all levels.

The KVl needs to be taken more seriously as a competitor by larger leagues. If the league and the school want to compete on the same levels as larger schools, instituting powerlifting teams would be a viable step to that goal.

A powerlifting team would not only provide students with another sport to compete in, but would help atheletes who play multiple sports become stronger.

For the past 10 years, the school has been a powerhouse. With new building additions, a consistently talented student body and superb coaches, success in the sport of power lifting could easily be added to the record.

When facing larger schools with a history of success or tenaciously competitive smaller schools, there is no challenge, no sport, we cannot excel at. All the student body needs is an opportunity to face that challenge.