Students at BYU–Idaho gathered Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the John W. Hart Building to participate in a campus-wide powerlifting competition.

The event was open to men and women of all levels, according to weight class, and featured the three standard lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift. 

Organized through the university’s Campus Recreation and Fitness/Wellness departments, the meet aimed to promote student wellness and provide an introduction to strength-sport competition in a friendly environment. 

“I look forward to this all semester,” said Jace Stubbs, employee of the Campus Recreation and Fitness/Wellness department. “Being up close with all the participants as they go for their lifts is such a roller coaster of emotions.”

Participants competed across multiple weight classes — historically, events at BYU-Idaho include lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight divisions.

Spectators filled the Hart Gym, cheering on classmates, friends and fellow lifters throughout the morning and late afternoon.

Safety was a priority: spotters and certified supervisors were present to ensure proper execution of lifts and a supportive atmosphere for competitors.

All participants range in experience, from picking up the week prior to having years of experience. 

“I just started a week ago,” said Kayla Blaser, a senior studying elementary art education. “This isn’t like to win for me, but to see how much I can do for the next competition.” 

Organizers stated they plan to continue offering the meet in future semesters to encourage involvement in strength training within the campus recreation program. 

The competition included three events:

Deadlift — A compound powerlifting movement in which an athlete lifts a loaded barbell from the floor to a standing, locked-out position. The lift tests total-body strength, with primary emphasis on the posterior chain.

“I have participated twice and won once, but I much prefer working it instead. ” Stubbs said.

Squat — A foundational powerlifting lift in which an athlete lowers their hips until the thighs are at least parallel to the ground and then returns to a standing position while supporting a weighted barbell across the upper back. The squat measures lower-body power and stability.

“This event really does open your eyes at your abilities,” said Daniel McCoig, a junior studying finance. “You find yourself topping your practice and getting the best reaction from the crowd.”

Bench press — A powerlifting exercise in which an athlete lies on a bench and lowers a barbell to the chest before pressing it back to full extension. The lift evaluates upper-body pushing strength, particularly in the chest, shoulders and triceps.

“Seeing everyone lift more than me is very intimidating” Blaser said. “But everyone is so encouraging, and when you are up to lift, all you hear is cheers.”

“I feel empowered being around all these women in this so-called 'men’s' field,” said Lindsey Moorhouse, a junior studying therapeutic recreation. “No woman is looking out for herself here, we are all cheering on each other.”

Many women at the competition say they feel a responsibility to prove their credibility from the moment they step into a room, knowing that expectations for them may differ from those placed on their male peers. 

“We [women] are strong in our own way and to diminish that is awful,” Moorhouse said. “We are here to uplift and empower others, no matter the gender, and you mainly see that with the men.” 

The event was not just a test of physical strength, it became a celebration of community, resilience and shared achievement, showing that powerlifting on campus is about more than records: it’s about encouraging everyone to lift each other up.

“Everyone's excited to cheer for them as they hit their PRs, and your heart aches for them as they fail their lifts or get flagged,” Stubbs said.

Winners were announced on BYUI Fitness Instagram page @byui_fitnessactivities.