STEAM Academy students dominate powerlifting competition, set national records

BRANTFORD, May 29, 2018 – Five students from Six Nations Polytechnic’s STEAM Academy have placed in the top three of their weight class at the Canadian Powerlifting Federation’s High School Championship, qualifying them for the World Championships taking place November 5 to 11 in Orlando, Florida this year. The students who competed were Kristen Tielve, Angelina Predojevic, Clayton Shipman, Braden Thomas, and Easton Johnson. All students participated in the 13 to 15 year-old age division.

“Through a lot of dedication and hard work, our students have shown the country what they’re made of,” said James Medway, teacher at the STEAM Academy and head coach of the powerlifting team. “Resiliency, goal-setting, and determination are all aspects of what we teach them and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved in such a short amount of time. This is just the beginning.”

 “The students have exceeded all of our expectations,” said Lindsey Johnson, Cayuga Language teacher at the STEAM academy and cross-fit coach. “With all five students advancing, we’re ready to show the world what the STEAM Academy has to offer.”

Kristen Tielve placed second in the 48 kg weight class, followed by Angelina Predojevic, who placed third. On top of that, Tielve set three different Canadian records for bench, deadlift, and squat in the 44 kg weight class. Clayton Shipman placed first in the 67.5 kg weight class, was named the overall best lifter and took home a trophy in addition to his medal. Braden Thomas placed first in the 125kg class, and Easton Johnson placed second in the 75 kg weight class.

STEAM Academy students receive a free membership to The Rise Centre upon enrolment and used the world-class facility to train for the powerlifting competition. "It is always a pleasure seeing new young enthusiastic lifters using The Rise Centre (TRC) to perfect their techniques,” said Robin Leworthy Wilson of TRC. “The SNP STEAM athletes have trained hard over the past few months and are well deserving of all the accolades they have recently received. All of the best to SNP STEAM athletes at the World Championships in November, stay positive, lift heavy and cheer each other on.”