Breaking PRs has been an essential goal of the FGCU Weightlifting Club’s growth this year.
The FGCU Weightlifting Club has been busy this year lifting weights and setting competition records. Their success culminated in a second consecutive Collegiate Nationals appearance on April 3-6 at the Georgia International Convention Center.
Last year, the club had two people qualify for nationals and three members place. This year, Julia Azzopadri represented the group, placing sixth in the nation in the 55kg (121 lbs) weight class and benching 131kg (289 lbs) between the Snatch and C&J, Clean and Jerk categories.
“The club has been around since 2024, and we have future plans for more competitions and fundraisers on campus that we are currently discussing amongst the other officers,” Cameron Cooper, FGCU Weightlifting Club president, said.
The club has 20 active members and aims to increase these numbers with the high-intensity categories featured in competitions.
“We’ve sent a number of competitors to nationals with some placing top 10 amongst other college students,” said Cooper. “We’ve also had members of our team place first and top three in the entire state of Florida in Collegiate competitions.”
Last year, Cooper placed second in the 140kg (308 lbs) class.
These victories for the club pushed them to a higher level, but despite the intense training, the club is more than just competitions. It’s an opportunity to make friends that can last a lifetime.
“Enjoying the time with my teammates is my favorite part of the club,” Cooper said. “We are always looking for more people to join our roster. The more teammates and competitors, the better.”
The club has added Olympic lifting aspects, including “Clean and Jerk” and “Snatch,” and has a power lift portion that includes bench press, squat, and deadlift.
Coaches are available to newcomers who look to try weightlifting and check out the club. Camille Reyes, a powerlifter in the club, mentioned the competition and their interest within the club.
“We were most excited to get members to states from both power and weightlifting.” “I enjoyed meeting new people, and everyone should come into the club with an open mind.”
Last year, Reyes placed second in the 100kg class and qualified for nationals. She plans to continue working hard to increase her placement.
The club’s secretary, Anthony Meda, joined the club in 2021 and has witnessed its growth and improvement as an athlete.
“We’re currently working with our officer team to plan more on-campus competitions and fundraising events for the future,” said Meda.
Meda has loved the friendships he has made in the club. Something as minor as spotting a fellow club member on a lift can lead to a long-lasting friendship.
“My favorite part of being in the club is spending time with my teammates during competitions; those experiences are always the most memorable,” said Meda.
For those looking to get involved with the club, they train at Untouchable Fitness from Monday to Friday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
“Feel free to drop by come to a practice, and we’ll get you started with everything you need!” Meda said.
