GISH Powerlifting Makes a Statement at Nationals

The weights are heavy, but the Grand Island Senior High Powerlifting Team is a force to be reckoned with. This year, the Islanders traveled to Killeen, Texas, to face off against the strongest student-athletes in the country. 

Following a successful season of growth and grit, the team proved that the GISH program is becoming a powerhouse on the national stage.

The program began at GISH just five years ago, thanks to the leadership and vision of Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Pat Doyle. 

"Powerlifting is great because 10 pounds is 10 pounds and it doesn't change for anyone," explained Doyle. "It favors those who are willing to put in the time and dedication to getting stronger—it will truly expose those who say they are working but in all reality, aren’t."

What started five years ago as a small group of 8 to 10 dedicated students transformed into a massive program now boasting more than 90 participants. This year marked the team's third trip to the National Championships. The progress and growth continues, as Doyle and the athletes build upon the culture and success.

In GISH’s first year at nationals in New Orleans, the Islanders had 6 national qualifiers; year two in Appleton, WI the Islanders had 10 national qualifiers, and year three (2026) in Killeen, TX the Islanders had 18 national qualifiers.

The growing number of national qualifiers from GISH shows one part of the Powerlifting Team’s success. Doyle and his athletes have created a positive culture that supports the program’s full success.

“In order to see success in powerlifting, you must be consistent with your training every day and every week of every month,” said senior powerlifter Hunter Christensen. “You can’t train hard for one week straight then train soft and without intent the next.”

Hunter knows what it takes, as he claimed the individual National Championship title at this year’s nationals. His victory wasn't just about a single lift; it was the culmination of four years of meticulous preparation.

Coach Doyle said Hunter’s success is built on more than just raw strength. He has mastered the "nuances" of the sport, from technical precision to the mental discipline required to compete at the highest level.

"He understands everything about the sport from the big to the little things," Doyle noted. "He has bought in 100% and understands the commitment it takes to be great."

Being a National Champion Powerlifter means that Hunter is overall the strongest at his weight and age in the entire country. 

But powerlifting means so much more to Hunter.

“Powerlifting has helped my physical health and mental health,” Christensen mentioned. “It has helped me build confidence within myself and helped me find my passion in life.”

In addition to Hunter’s national title, the GISH Powerlifting team also had several top 15 finishers. The GISH Boys Team also earned National Runner Up.

While the trophies are a point of pride, the GISH Powerlifting program serves a deeper purpose within the school. It provides a competitive outlet for students during the winter months, offering a home for those not involved in other activities during the season.

“I love seeing the growth of kids over the span of one year, let alone all four. Not only their strength, but their technique and overall confidence they gain by getting stronger and transforming their bodies,” Doyle said.

The powerlifters have become "culture setters" for GISH. By maintaining high standards for technique and safety in the weight room, these athletes set the tone for the entire school's athletic program. 

Hunter said Coach Doyle has been a true inspiration and role model.

“Coach Doyle made all this possible,” Hunter said. “Without him leading our team, there would have been no chance we could have left the footprint we did as two time state champs and national runner ups,” he added.

Coach Doyle said he couldn’t be more proud of his student athletes with their performance at nationals.

“They always have a willingness and drive to compete, work hard and gain strength, and have some really good attitudes and personalities that are extremely fun to be around!,” Doyle said of his powerlifters. “We were led by a great group of older kids who set the standard for what is expected and what dedication and commitment look like – and it showed with how well they competed.”

Doyle said competing at Nationals provided a great experience for many of the younger lifters. Seeing the "strongest of the strong" across the country has highlighted areas for improvement and fueled a new fire within the team.

The team is hungry to improve even more over the next year, and the students have bigger goals they want to achieve.

Congratulations to Coach Doyle, Hunter, and the entire GISH Powerlifting team on a historic season!

 

GISH Powerlifting Team Top Finishers at 2026 Nationals:

 

Boys Team - National Runner Up

 

Hunter Christenson - 110 kg - 1st place (National Champion)

Makenah Mazanec - 70 kg - 3rd place

Jaidon Soumpholphadky - 52 kg - 5th place

Jordan Summers - 48 kg - 8th place

Faith Puente - 75 kg - 8th place

Oscar Agustin - 67.5 kg - 10th place

Treyvon Alexander 125 kg - 12th place

Jeovanna Velazques Red Elk - 100+ kg - 12th place

Richard Vandara - 60 kg - 12th place

Evelyn Fierro - 65 kg - 13th place

Yareydi Chavira Matal - 82.5 kg - 15th place

 

These student athletes competed hard but finished outside of the top 15:

Mario Borrego - 125 kg 

Isabella Killion - 60 kg 

Miguel Martinez - 60 kg 

James Martin - 82.5 kg

Dax Kirkland - 90 kg 

Roman Devault - 75 kg 

Joseph Gonzalez - 90 kg