This article was originally published in the McCook Gazette on Dec. 05, 2023.
In an exciting development for McCook High School, the inaugural year of the Bison Powerlifting team is well underway. Spearheaded by Coaches Joe Vetrovsky and Clint Hosick this new venture aims to provide students with yet another opportunity to participate in physical activities and improve their athletic performance.
Their first opportunity to compete was at the 2023 Creighton Prep Powerlifting Meet held in Omaha on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2023. Individual Weight Class Medal winners included Dalaney Brunswick - 1st Place and Kitiera Eschliman - 3rd Place in the Girl’s Division and Adyn Meyer - 5th Place Keagan Reece - 3rd Place Connor Ball - 2nd Place and Eidos Klein - 5th Place in the Boy’s division.
The idea of starting a powerlifting team has been in the works for several years, with the coaches ensuring that all the necessary groundwork was covered before launching the program. Both coaches strongly believe in the importance of the weight room and its impact on enhancing athletes' abilities, backed by their own experiences as football coaches. With the goal of offering as many opportunities as possible to the MPS student body, the powerlifting team became a natural extension of their commitment.
“We felt like this year we were ready to ‘fire things up.’ McCook has had a powerlifting team in the past. We are all about providing as many opportunities for our MPS student body as we can to participate in activities. This team was another way to do that. To top it off, we are both football coaches so our selfish nature is we believe in the weight room and the need to emphasize it to improve athlete performance.” Coach Verovsky said.
While Coach Vetrovsky has not personally competed in powerlifting, his extensive involvement in athletics throughout his life has made the weight room a second home to him. Drawing from his own experiences as a high school and college athlete, he understands the significance of strength training in achieving success on the field. As a coach, he now spends considerable time in the weight room, providing support and guidance to his athletes to ensure their success.
Safety is a top priority for the Bison Powerlifting team. Powerlifting, known for its strict adherence to rules and regulations, boasts a high level of safety compared to other sports. The coaches prioritize coaching proper lifting techniques and fundamentals, ensuring that participants are well-versed in executing lifts correctly. Moreover, the teammates support and spot each other during lifts, maintaining a focus on safety and injury prevention.
The response to the powerlifting team has been remarkable, exceeding initial expectations. The coaches anticipated some interest, but the roster quickly grew to include 20 enthusiastic participants. This overwhelming response showcases the students' eagerness to get involved in new activities and be part of a team.
Training for the Bison Powerlifting team is rigorous and comprehensive. All participants have a dedicated weight training class within their regular school day schedule, five days a week. Additionally, the team practices together twice a week after school, focusing on teaching the rules and techniques specific to powerlifting. The coaches ensure that the team is comfortable with the regulations and can perform at their highest potential.
Recognizing the significance of nutrition in performance and results, the athletes are provided with a "diet game plan." Emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition, the coaches encourage a healthy balance of macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, and plenty of water. It is widely acknowledged that 70% of athlete improvement stems from good nutrition practices.
Despite the differences in sport, Coach Vetrovsky approaches working with the Powerlifting team in the same way he does the football team. He aims to foster a competitive environment and help athletes reach their fullest potential. Being an alumnus of McCook High School adds extra incentive and pride to his role as head coach. His ultimate goal is to create a valuable experience for team members, one that will leave a lasting impact on their lives.
The Bison Powerlifting team currently consists of 17 boys and 3 girls. Their dedication and enthusiasm have already made a positive impression and set the stage for future success.
Coach Vetrovsky had an opportunity to visit with Wallis Marsh, a famous McCook High School graduate from the class of '85, who has shed light on the history of the powerlifting team. Wallis, who himself was part of the Bison Powerlifting team in the 80s, shared valuable insights, including pictures of their competitions. McCook High School had a dominant powerlifting team during the mid-70s and 80s, even hosting the state powerlifting meet at one point. Coach Dave Dunham, a notable figure in McCook, kickstarted the powerlifting team in the mid-70s, fostering a culture of achievement and goal-setting among participants. Wallis expressed how being a part of the powerlifting team brought him great joy and motivation, creating lasting memories.
With the guidance and dedication of Coach Vetrovsky and Coach Hosick, the Bison Powerlifting team is poised to continue the legacy of success established by their predecessors. As the team grows and develops, they hope to provide an equally impactful experience for their current participants, building a strong foundation for the future of powerlifting at McCook High School. The next Met will be on Dec. 16, 2023, in Lexington, where the plan will be to take the whole team.
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