Sandusky Weightlifting athletes earn top honors at national meet

Eleven athletes representing Sandusky Weightlifting competed at the Virus Weightlifting Series 1 during the Arnold Sports Festival, which took place March 5-8 in Columbus. Three of the club's athletes competed in the women's 11U division. Quinn Drury captured first place in the 36kg class while Charli Grueshaber finished second in the same class. Ava Yetter earned gold in the 40kg class, and her total also secured a bronze medal in the 13U division. In the 11U Best Lifter rankings — an evaluation of athletes across all weight classes — Yetter and Drury placed third and fourth, respectively. Sandusky Weightlifting was well represented in the 13U division with four athletes. On the men's side, Trae Dauch won the 36kg class and placed seventh in the 13U Best Lifter rankings. On the women's side, Kamden Opfer took first in the 36kg class. Competing in a highly competitive 44kg class, Kate Yetter earned a bronze medal and finished fifth in the 13U Best Lifter standings. Hailey Sprenger rounded out the group with a first-place finish in the 48kg class and was named the 13U women's Best Lifter. Four additional athletes competed in older age divisions. In the women's 15U division, Ella Barnard placed third in the 69+kg class. Grayor Opfer represented the team in the men's 17U 60kg class, earning a silver medal in the clean and jerk. In the women's 17U 63kg class, Amiya Drury won bronze in the snatch and finished fifth overall. Caleb Sprenger competed in the Junior men's 71kg class, placing eighth and earning the 6-for-6 award for successfully completing all his lifts. Overall, Sandusky Weightlifting athletes recorded numerous personal bests and broke several state records. The team is coached by Ryan Kyle, Bill Kyle, and Leslie Drury. Their next national-level competition is scheduled for June.