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RF’s First Powerlifting Meet

Writer's picture: Jesus AcunaJesus Acuna

Powerlifting reflections

On July 20th, 2024 the RF powerlifting team competed in the USPA Summer Slam at Tucson Strength.


As a team, they took home 12 medals, and 9 first-place finishes in their respective divisions, set numerous state records, and hit classifications with potential invites to the 2024 North American Championships!


Everyone in this picture embodies the “Resilient” spirit. I am honored and proud to have shared the platform with them and be a part of their team. 

RF powerlifting team

This competition was extra special because I shared it with my wife and business partner. When we opened RF, we knew we wanted to have a team. Our staff has been that team and seeing them compete along with members has been another level that we did not imagine, but we are proud and thrilled to see them grow at RF.



Jesus and Annette

Team Accomplishments




Annette medal

Annette set some goals for herself and crushed them by setting multiple state records, winning 1st place in her divisions, and hitting a Class I total that qualifies her for the North American Championships. 


Her numbers were:


Squat = 181.9 lbs/ 82.5 kg

Bench = 104.7 lbs / 47.5 kg

Deadlift = 220.5 lbs / 100 kg


Total = 507.1 lbs/ 230 kg


1st place in 48kg women’s open

1st place sub-master women 


Weighed in at 103.6lbs




Marc Medal

Marc Robinson


Our God Son, Marc Robinson, also took first place in his junior division, second place in his weight class, and hit a Class I total to qualify for the North American Championships. It was a very proud moment and his energy was infectious to the whole crowd. 


His numbers included

Squat = 418.9 lbs/ 190 kg

Bench = 226 lbs/ 102.5 kg

Deadlift = 457.5 lbs/ 207.5 kg


Total = 1102.4 lbs/ 500 kg


1st place in junior class 90kg

2nd place in 90kg men’s open



Beverly Medal

Beverly Pappas took us under her wing and had the team organized and prepared as if this was not our first time.  Thank you for that! Her accomplishments included: 


Squat = 236.75 lbs/ 107.5 kg

Bench = 143.25 lbs / 65 kg

Deadlift = 303 lbs / 137.5 kg


Total = 683 lbs/ 310 kg


1st place in 100kg women’s open. 


She says it was her, “First time on the platform since Dec 2019 and first time going 3/3 on squats!



Andrea medal

Andrea Enciso, one of our OG members and long-time friend was able to hit her numbers which included:  

 

Squat = 292.1 lbs/132 kg

Bench = 154.3 lbs/70 kg

Deadlift = 314.2 lbs/142.5 kg

Total= 760 lbs/344.5 kg


1st place in 90 kg women's open 


She had this to share, “This was an awesome experience for me! The team feel was on another level and it was awesome to know we were all in this together, even if we were each shooting for different things individually. I have my base now so I can set new goals for next year."



Karina medal

Karina Doughty is our right hand at RF. Seeing her buil dher confidence for the meet was simply amazing.  She mentioned this was on her bucket list and seeing her succeed was so inspiring!  She accomplishments include:


Squat = 170.9 lbs / 77.5 kg

Bench = 99.2 lbs / 45 kg

Deadlifts = 264.6 lbs / 120 kg

Total = 534.7 lbs / 243 kg


1st place in Submaster women's 110kg+


She said, "Stoked to push harder and go back in October."



Emilio medal

Emilio Robledo was our youngest lifter and trained through and around his high school summer football training. His accomplishments included:


Squat = 352.7 Ibs/ 160 kg

Bench = 264.6 Ibs/  120 kg

Deadlift = 135 Ibs / 60 kg


Total = 751 Ibs/ 340 kg


First place in the junior division for 100kg



Naomi medal

Naomi Drew started lifting weights at RF, almost 3 years ago. She quickly learned to enjoy the big lifts and jumped at the opportunity to compete. Her accomplishments included:


Squat=259 lbs/117.48 kg

Bench=132.3 lbs/60.01 kg

Deadlift=286 lbs/130 kg 


677.3 lbs total/307.49 kg 


1st place in 82kg for sub-master women

1st place in the open 82 kg women's division


She said, "First competition, hungry for more!



Marcy squat

A special shoutout goes to team player Marcy Gonzalez, she was unable to continue in the meet but quickly shifted gears to help the rest of the team succeed.  She showed great team spirit and we were all incredibly proud of her. 


Marcy finished with a squat total of 181.9 lbs/82.5 kg.


A special thanks to the staff


Coach Josh Perez took control of the show as team wrangler and did an amazing job keeping all of us ready and prepared. Thank you so much for your dedication and hardwork.


Coach Karina participated, helped, and was ready to lift anyone who needed some support.


Coach Alex was there to record videos and show support. Without him we wouldn't have the pictures of everyone. Thank you!


Closing thoughts


Competing in my first powerlifting meet has been a long time coming for me. It was amazing to do it as a team and locally. I could not have imagined it better.


Here are my accomplishments:


Jesus medal

Squat - 424.25 lbs / 192.84 kg

Bench - 286.5 lbs / 130.22 kg

Deadlift - 512.5 lbs / 232.95 kg


Total - 1,223.25 lbs / 556 kg


1st place in 100 kg men's submaster

2nd place in 100 kg men's open


More importantly, I was able to do it with our team, my wife, and my godson.


My brain is mush, my body is sore, and my heart is full.


A big thank you to Teri at Arizona Physical Therapy AND Dr. Mike at Connect Chiropractic Tucson. I was wearing down the last few weeks of training. My shoulder and back were smoked. Without these two awesome people, I would not have made it to the meet.


The Resilient Fitness powerlifting team, staff, and community. You all are awesome! The texts, the support, the coffee runs, and the willingness to help each other succeed. I’m speechless and honored to be surrounded by such wonderful people. RF does not exist without you!


Danny Sawaya, Selma Hubjer Sawaya, Mia, and the Tucson Strength community. You all ran a top-notch meet and made everyone feel welcome. It was a pleasure to be in my old stomping grounds and see what has been built. It’s an honor to be part of the Tucson Strength history. I would not be near the trainer or business person without it.


Thank you.


The best for last, thank you to my wife and partner. Annette E Acuña, you crushed this weekend setting records and taking home medals. You lead from the front and I am a lucky man to have such a strong, powerful, and beautiful partner waking step by step on this journey.


Thank you to my nephews, in-laws, and sister for taking videos and cheering everyone on. Thank you to my son and daughter for celebrating with us and hanging out all day.


So much more to say, but I’ll pause for now and leave you with the lifts. 7 out of 9 lifts and proud to have done them all.


What is next?

We have 5 members registered for a competition in October. Our training begins the last week of July. If you'd like to join our Resilient Barbell groups, message us via email below and schedule a complimentary intro session. See you soon!


Team Resilient



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