USD Club Powerlifting Dominates at 2026 USA Spring Splash

Competing against a strong regional field, the USD lifters secured seven individual titles and two runner-up finishes. Powerlifting competitions are scored by combining an athlete's heaviest successful attempt from three distinct disciplines: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. The sum of these three maximum lifts establishes the athlete's "Total," which determines final placement within their specific weight and age categories.

USD controlled the Teen 3 division in the 82.5-kilogram weight class, capturing gold on both the women's and men's sides. Emeline Ritsy took first place in the women's division with a 517-pound total, consisting of a 176-pound squat, 99-pound bench press, and 242-pound deadlift. In the men's division, Ephraim Roque claimed the top spot with a 948-pound total, built on a 308-pound squat, 237-pound bench press, and 402-pound deadlift.

The Junior divisions saw multiple podium finishes for the Coyotes. In the 75-kilogram class, Aaron Beacham secured first place with an impressive 1,141-pound total, execution a 396-pound squat, 270-pound bench press, and 474-pound deadlift. Teammate Darion Barker also competed in the 75-kilogram class, highlighting his day with a 342-pound squat and a 424-pound deadlift.

In the 82.5-kilogram Junior class, Tyler Erickson earned a second-place finish by posting an 1,196-pound total, featuring a 452-pound squat, 243-pound bench press, and a 502-pound deadlift.

USD lifters placed first and second in the 90-kilogram Junior division. Jace Jandreau captured first place with a 1,069-pound total, consisting of a 375-pound squat, 270-pound bench press, and 441-pound deadlift. Ethan Langseth followed closely in second place, compiling a 981-pound total with a 325-pound squat, 220-pound bench press, and 435-pound deadlift.

Rounding out the Junior division, Sam Klein put on a great display of strength in the 110-kilogram weight class to take first place. Klein recorded a 1,422-pound total, fueled by a 507-pound squat, 385-pound bench press, and a 529-pound deadlift.

In the Open divisions, USD continued its winning streak. Antoine Davis won the men's 110-kilogram class with an 1,136-pound total, hitting a 375-pound squat, 259-pound bench press, and 502-pound deadlift. In the women's 100-kilogram class, Kaitlyn Howrey secured first place with a 727-pound total, finishing the day with a 281-pound squat, 154-pound bench press, and 292-pound deadlift.

The impressive medal haul caps off a successful spring season for the USD Powerlifting program as the team continues to establish its footprint in regional collegiate powerlifting.