East Central University Athletics

ECU Powerlifting Earns Strong Showing at USAPL College Nationals

5/15/2026 1:47:00 PM

NEW ORLEANS, LA – East Central University's powerlifting team competed against some of the nation's top collegiate programs at the USAPL Collegiate Nationals held April 9-13 in New Orleans, with seven ECU lifters qualifying for the national meet.
 
As a team, ECU's Men's Raw Team placed 26th out of 108 universities at Collegiate Nationals, improving on last year's finish. The Women's Raw Team also improved from the previous season, placing 73rd out of 108 universities competing at nationals.
 
Leading the way for the Tigers was Sydney Robinson, who earned a podium finish for the second consecutive year with a fifth-place finish in the super heavyweight division. Robinson delivered an impressive performance, recording a 40-pound personal record squat of 705 pounds, a 22-pound personal record bench press of 352 pounds and matching an all-time best deadlift of 650 pounds.
 
Competing alongside Robinson in the super heavyweight class was Hunter Franks, who placed seventh out of 11 lifters in the division. Franks posted a 727-pound squat and a 363-pound bench press during competition.
 
Senior Myles Branson competed in a highly competitive 110KG weight class and improved on last year's national performance. Branson finished the meet with a 584-pound squat, a 325-pound bench press and a meet personal record deadlift of 523 pounds.
 
Senior Amree Wingfield represented ECU in the Women's Raw 90KG division, placing 15th out of 27 competitors. Wingfield became the only female lifter to score points for ECU's women's team at Collegiate Nationals, an important accomplishment for the program. She recorded a 369-pound squat, a 170-pound bench press and a 330-pound deadlift.
 
Freshman Paityn Seiger was the only freshman representing ECU at nationals, competing in a deep 56KG women's raw division. Seiger finished 35th out of 41 lifters while going 6-for-9 on her attempts. She totaled a 237-pound squat, 121-pound bench press and 248-pound deadlift. Coaches noted the national experience will be valuable as she continues to develop within the ECU powerlifting program.
 
Senior Briana Perez competed as a guest lifter and closed out the meet with a strong 380-pound deadlift. Linsey Reed also competed as a guest lifter, totaling a 264-pound squat, 165-pound bench press and 341-pound deadlift.