As the barbell rises off the rack, senior Rylie Kalinsky takes a steadying breath. The clang of weights echoes through the room, but her focus is singular—on herself and the lift ahead.
The Powerlifting Club is home to about 25 members, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Practice normally consists of students lifting together and helping each other through pep talks and tips, Kalinsky said.
While powerlifting might seem intimidating, team members work to build a supportive community for new participants and to create a sense of belonging in the club, Kalinsky said. Sophomore Zak Kabbani, who joined the club this year after being introduced to powerlifting by his friend, sophomore Jack Bein, quickly discovered the sport’s wide range of appeals, Kabbani said.
“I’d say 50 percent of people primarily do weight lifting [as their main sport] and then [there are] people who use it to [train] for other sports,” Kabbani said.
For members like Kalinsky, powerlifting isn’t just a workout—it’s a passion. Many find inspiration in Team USA powerlifters like Ryan McDonald, who won two silver medals at the International Weightlifting Federation World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru in May. McDonald was the top medalist from Team USA.
“[In powerlifting terms], Ryan McDonald is a huge part of my life,” Kalinsky said. “He is the reason I do this, so I think of him before I lift.”
South’s powerlifting team competes with a goal of becoming healthier through powerlifting and nutrition, Kalinsky said. For Kabbani, the appeal of powerlifting lies in self-betterment and the sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing his own limits.
“I feel proud of myself when I move up [to a heavier weight],” Kabbani said.
The team competes in two large competitions against other high schools around Illinois: regionals in March, and state in June. During the competition lifters are split up by body weight, Kalinsky said. In order to win, they must lift more than their opponents within their weight group.
“You will compete with your starting [weight] by telling the judges what [weight] you’d like to begin with for each lift and work your way up from there,” Kalinsky said.
Powerlifting, which has been a club for three years, is a welcoming community for all students at South, and all new members are treated with kindness no matter the level of experience, Kalinsky said. The club allows lifters to be independent with minimal pressure as they are primarily focused on personal growth, Kabbani added.
“[Powerlifting] forms a really good community,” Kalinsky said. “I immediately fell in love with it. Seeing WPPeveryone be so supportive and kind was really heartwarming.”
Caroline Edelheit, Mia Koster, and Annie Rosinski contributed to this story.
