Warriors Win Equipped Title at Collegiate Nationals

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Midland University delivered a dominant showing on the national stage over the weekend, finishing as the runner-up in the Men's Raw division while capturing the Men's Equipped team title at the 2026 USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championships.

The Warriors totaled 51 team points in the Men's Raw standings, placing second behind McKendree University, while posting 78 points to win the Men's Equipped national championship.

Midland's success was fueled by a series of podium performances across both divisions, including multiple national champions.

In the Men's Equipped division, the Warriors claimed five individual national titles. Braden Watson opened the meet with a first-place finish at 52 kg with a total of 498.5 kg, while Rudy Morales followed with a title at 56 kg (537.5 kg). Grant Vanarsdel (125 kg, 862.5 kg), Kaleb Linares (140 kg, 948.0 kg), and Brandon Ward (140+ kg, 970.0 kg) each added national championships to power Midland to the team crown.

Additional podium finishes in equipped competition included Sammy Tramonte, who placed second at 60 kg with a 597.5 kg total, and Javier Martinez, who finished runner-up at 82.5 kg with 770.0 kg.

In the Men's Raw division, Midland produced three national champions. Felipe Garza secured the title at 52 kg with a 470.0 kg total, Danerian Actlis won the 75 kg class with 757.5 kg, and Sean Koch dominated the 140+ kg division with a 975.0 kg total.

Overall, Midland placed 10 athletes on the podium across the two divisions, highlighting the program's depth and strength at the national level. The Warriors have won 14 team titles since the program started, including the last seven equipped titles and six of the last eight raw championships.