BLACKFOOT — Blackfoot High School will host the annual Bronco Power Invitational on Feb. 16, bringing together a competitive field of student-athletes from the local area and surrounding districts. The meet, which is scheduled to run from 1 to approximately 8 p.m. in the Blackfoot High School Student Center, serves as a significant showcase for regional powerlifting talent and a high-stakes environment for those looking to test their limits.
This is a historic event for the state, as it marks the first sanctioned powerlifting meet hosted by a high school in all of Idaho. The competition is sanctioned by both the American Powerlifting Federation and the Amateur American Powerlifting Federation.
The competition follows a standard powerlifting format focused on three big disciplines: the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. Each participating athlete is granted three attempts in each category. Because the event is sanctioned, athletes have the unique opportunity not only to break school records but to set official state and national records.
The success of this event and the strength of the local program are due in large part to the support of Linda Higgins, the APF State Chair. Higgins has been a tireless advocate for integrating powerlifting into high schools since she began her work with the federations. Her mentorship has been an integral factor in the success of Blackfoot’s student-athletes, several of whom have already set records within the federations.
Beyond the individual achievements on the platform, the Bronco Power Invitational serves as the primary fundraiser for the Blackfoot High School powerlifting program. This year, the program aims to use donations to purchase sanctioned equipment so the team no longer needs to borrow essential gear for competitions. These funds are reinvested directly into the student-athletes to cover specialized safety gear expenses, further cementing the high school’s strength and conditioning program as a leader in the region.
This event represents a special opportunity for the community to come together and support local lifters who have dedicated countless hours of effort to their fitness and discipline. The organizers are encouraging members of the community to attend and provide the high-energy atmosphere that the sport demands.
Admission for spectators is free, making it an accessible event for families and sports enthusiasts alike. For those seeking more information regarding the event schedule or how to donate to the program, please contact Geoff Roberts at his Email robegeof@sd55.org.