Nine athletes who competed at USA Para Powerlifting’s 2020 Regional Qualifier held January 18 on Logan’s campus qualified to represent the U.S. in Bogota, Colombia, in March 2020. That competition will serve as the last stop in the competition cycle, qualifying athletes for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Qualifying athletes included:
- Johnathan Coots with 88kg bench
- Ashley Dyce with 112 kg bench
- Blaze Foster with 108kg bench
- Christian Largo with 141 kg bench
- Luis Gonzalez Poma with 110kg bench
- Garrison Redd with 122 kg bench
- Ahmed Shafik with 193 bench
- Jacob Schrom with 210 kg bench
- Nicklaus Toedebusch with 82 kg bench
Those nine were among a total of 13 athletes from the U.S. and Canadian teams who competed at Logan’s Wellness Center. Dozens of Logan students, faculty and staff were on hand to volunteer for the event, which was also supported locally by Harris-Stowe State University and Paraquad.
Adaptive exercise specialist Aaron Murray said he was thrilled to represent Paraquad and show the organization’s support for individuals within USA Para Powerlifting (USAPP). “The USAPP has such a large impact on the community of disabled individuals,” he said. “I really enjoyed learning more about the atmosphere, the requirements the athletes are committed to and the importance of technique training over overall strength.”
Tim Herlihy, MS, LAT, ATC, head athletic trainer and health services specialist for Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, was also on hand to lend support during the competition.
Tim said it was a great atmosphere and allowed the Harris-Stowe student athletes the opportunity to be a part of a community event. “I think they really enjoyed the chance to help the para powerlifters compete to the best of their ability and reach their goals,” he said. “We definitely look forward to getting more involved in what USAPP is doing and supporting para powerlifting athletes as they compete.”
