Newcastle women compete in powerlifting meet

Submitted by
Don Botkin
 
Nov. 11 marked the last U.S. Powerlifting Association meet in the area for the year and the first powerlifting meet for two Newcastle women. Kacy Botkin and Brandi Williams competed in the recent USPA powerlifting meet, the Fall Brawl, hosted by 605 Grit Fitness in Rapid City, S.D. Both women joined three Newcastle men — Saul Larsen, Nick Brooks, and Don Botkin — in the local event, along with 28 other competitors from around the country.   
The primary lifts performed in competitive powerlifting events consist of the squat, bench press and deadlift. Various combinations of the lifts, types of equipment worn by the weightlifter, body weight and the competitor’s age
are all factors that determine which category a lifter competes in. The competition is a chance for lifters to test their training and strength
gains and to compete for state and national weightlifting records.  
Botkin began training for the Fall Brawl earlier this year at the Dogie High School gym. She has been weightlifting for almost eight years and decided to join the USPA this year and put her training to the ultimate test. Competing in the Master Division, she successfully completed eight of her nine attempted lifts in the full power raw category. She was awarded first place in the 50-54 age category and set five new Wyoming state records. When asked what made her want to compete, Botkin said, “I was inspired by watching the guys at the gym training and competing over the last several years, and I felt like powerlifting could also be possible for me.”  
She had attended a couple of powerlifting events in the past as a spectator but decided it was her turn to don a singlet and push some iron.  
Williams also threw her lifting belt into the ring and decided to test her mettle on the platform. She competed in the 75kg sub-master women’s raw push-pull category and tested in both the bench press and deadlift. Williams quickly excelled at her lifts and qualified five of her six lift attempts, setting five Wyoming state records. Williams also took first place in her category, giving her an amazing start to her competitive powerlifting debut. When asked what she thought about competing, Williams said, “I thought it was fun and inspiring. The supportiveness of everyone was amazing.”  
Brooks, Larson and Don Botkin all competed successfully at the Fall Brawl and were able to set some of their own state records and win placements in their respective categories. Brooks and Don Botkin have both competed in two meets this year in Rapid City, and Larsen has lifted in an impressive four meets, two each in Laramie and Rapid City.
The five lifters, along with about 10 other local powerlifters, have been competing in various USPA- and USAPL-sanctioned events throughout Wyoming and the surrounding areas for the past several years. The next USPA event in Rapid City is scheduled for early February 2022. Some of the Newcastle lifters will likely be competing in it. Results of the USPA Fall Brawl, future meet schedules and organization information can be viewed at USPA.net.
The competition in powerlifting can be fierce and requires many years of training to achieve proper lifting form and to develop the explosive power that it takes to successfully complete heavy lifts.  Managing training schedules, proper diet and muscle recovery time make powerlifting more than a part-time hobby. It takes a lot of dedication and consistency, but the rewards can be worth the grind.  Some of the local lifters have qualified for national titles and will be competing in larger venues around the country next year.
Meanwhile, training will continue for the Newcastle lifters, both male and female, at the local gyms.  They will chalk hands, wrap knees and wrists, cinch weight belts, lift heavy weights and set their eyes on the next big goals on the platform.