St. Tammany Parish showcased impressive talent at the LHSAA State Powerlifting Championships, held on March 28. Local teams like Lakeshore, Pope John Paul II, and Covington achieved notable runner-up finishes. The competition featured 13 individual state champions from the parish, with Lakeshore鈥檚 Issiah Koontz lifting a total of 1,600 pounds in the 242-pound division. Numerous records were broken, highlighting the athletes' dedication and skill. Coaches expressed pride in their teams' performances and growth throughout the season.

By the Numbers
  • Lakeshore's Issiah Koontz was a state champion at 242 pounds with a total of 1,600 pounds lifted.
  • Covington's Brett Falco won the 148-pound category with a total lift of 1,575 pounds, setting a new state record for the bench press.
State of Play
  • Three local teams finished as state runners-up: Lakeshore (Division II), Pope John Paul II (Division IV), and Covington (Division I).
  • Pope John Paul II's girls' team established five state records during the competition.
What's Next

The upcoming powerlifting season may see increased participation as schools build off their successful performances. Coaches are likely to recruit and develop new talent to sustain the momentum and aim for higher placements in future championships.

Bottom Line

St. Tammany's strong showing at the state championships demonstrates the significant talent within its powerlifting programs. These athletes not only excelled individually but also fostered a competitive spirit that bodes well for the future of local powerlifting.