[Powerlifting] Friends University Powerlifting Open recap

WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons hosted their first-ever powerlifting meet in program history, dubbed the Friends University Open on Saturday (Feb. 11) in the Multi-Purpose building.

Nearly 60 lifters were on hand to compete, with each enjoying a dedicated warm-up room & ample space for spectators in the school's Garvey Center multi-purpose room.

Sophomore Chase Martindale (SO/Wichita, Kan.), a local Wichita product, won the best collegiate lifters award after a stellar second deadlift attempt. Martindale, along with junior women's powerlifter Harley Lang (JR/Halstead, Kan. ), put up national qualifying marks to give the Falcons 20 qualifiers for the 2023 Collegiate Nationals, the most since the inception of the program.

Junior Tapanga Morgan (JR/Konawa, Okla.) also achieved a personal best on her deadlift and earned the top female lifter of the meet honor.

"USA Powerlifting is excited for the future of collegiate teams in Kansas and we're looking forward to more meets and collaboration in the future," said Kate Jones, USAPL Kansas Director.

Additional schools that competed included Coffeyville Community College, William Jewell College and Ottawa University.

"I want to, first of all, thank everyone who worked so hard to make this competition a success," said Joe Belden, Friends University powerlifting head coach and strength and conditioning coach. "It was a great opportunity for us to host a meet on campus, not only for our lifters but for future recruits as well."

The entirety of the event was live-streamed and can be viewed on-demand at https://kcacnetwork.com/friends/