Warriors Excel at Southern Collegiate Cup

HOUSTON, Texas — Midland University's men's powerlifting team delivered a commanding performance at the 2024 Southern Collegiate Cup Series, winning the equipped division and finishing second in the raw division. Danerian Actis led the way for the Warriors, earning the Men's Equipped Best Lifter award after dominating the 82.5kg weight class with a total of 725kg.

In the equipped division, Adrian Avalos claimed first place in the 60kg weight class with a 552.5kg total, while Michael Gonzalez earned the top spot in the 75kg class with a total of 692.5kg. Actis was joined on the podium in the 82.5kg division by teammate Michael Garza, who finished second with a 645kg total. Midland also excelled in the 90kg weight class, where Ethan Haynes secured first place with a 675kg total, narrowly edging out teammate Grant Crook, who took second with a 660kg total.

The raw division saw standout performances as well, highlighted by Landen Longoria's first-place finish in the 67.5kg class with a 550kg total. Jason Duran earned second in the 82.5kg division with a total of 627.5kg, while John Strauch also secured a runner-up finish in the 90kg class, posting a total of 640kg. In the 140kg division, Gabe McNeill dominated with an impressive 757.5kg total, and Nicholas Kuehl completed the Midland sweep with a second-place finish at 705kg.

Midland will take a break from competition until the start of next semester when they begin preparing for the 2025 Collegiate Nationals. The championships will be held in Oklahoma City on April 3-5.