Badger powerlifting season began on Jan. 17,  and the Badgers took first place in the home opening meet.

Sophomore Jack Jerome placed first in the 165 pounds weight class.

¨The first meet was really successful, and I am really excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for all of us,¨ Jerome said. ¨I just have to continue to lift heavy in practices in order to win for the remainder of the season.¨

Jerome is competing for his second year in varsity powerlifting.

¨Last year was really cool to go to Regionals and compete,¨ Jerome said. ¨My main goal this year is to compete in State and be a top contender.¨

Junior Kyle Arriola also placed first in the season opening meet.

¨This season is going to be great, and I am so proud of all of the guys who competed in the meet,¨ Arriola said. ¨I think as a whole we will have a really good year and if this team continues to work hard, then we will send a lot of guys to State.¨

Arriola is in his third year of powerlifting and he said that his main goal remains the same.

¨The plan has always been to go to State, and this year I am more confident than ever that I will make it,¨ Arriola said. ¨The competition out there is tough, but I believe in my abilities and know that if I want to make State, then I have to work harder than all of my opponents.¨

Sophomore Owen Seaver also competed in the opening meet and surprised himself with his lifts.

¨I really like powerlifting and think that I will get better and stronger as the season goes on,¨Seaver said. ¨I am younger than a lot of the guys that I am going against, but I will not let that stop me from going into each meet and competing with my best effort.¨

This is Seaver’s first season powerlifting.

¨I think as time goes on I will be a really big competitor,¨ Seaver said. ¨I will keep working hard and work to be successful.¨