![](https://miamivalleytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/128433730_web1_STATE-CHAMPS-21_22.jpg)
The Bradford girls powerlifting defended its D-V, VI, VII state championship last weekend.
Photos Provided By Don Selanders
![](https://miamivalleytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/128433730_web1_josh-derstine.jpg)
Bradford’s Josh Derstine won the 125-pound title at the Division V, VI, VII state powerlifting championships.
Photos Provided By Don Selanders
BRADFORD — Longtime coach Greg Hale has built a dynasty at Bradford High School in the sport of powerlifting.
One look inside the Bradford weight room with all of the trophies displayed — many state championship trophies — is proof of just how successful the powerlifting program has been over the years.
Now, Greg’s son Curt, who was powerlifting state champion himself while in high school, is helping develop the kids.
And the tradition of success continues under the Hale family tutelage as the Bradford girls claimed yet another state title on Saturday in the Division V, VI and VII competition.
The Lady Railroaders compiled 5,385 pounds — bettering runnerup Madison Plains by 280 pounds.
Bradford was in second after the lightweight classes with 2,385 pounds, but dominated the heavyweight classes with 3,000 pounds.
Finishing second for Bradford were Sarah Beckstedt (195) 730 pounds, Bella Brewer (175) 685 pounds , Remi Harleman (Unlimited) 850 pounds and Shayleigh Swick (115) 605 pounds.
Taking fourth were Isabella Boyer (135) 585 pounds and Zoe Brewer (145) 620 pounds, while taking fifth were Jenna Shellabarger (125) 575 pounds and Rebecca Sowers (Unlimited) 735 pounds.
Taking seventh was Addison Miller (115) 360 pounds and taking eighth were Mackenzy Hemmelgarn (115) 355 pounds, Emma Smith (155) 510 pounds and Destiny Clark (175) 480 pounds.
Derstine wins
The Bradford boys finished sixth as a team with 9,235 pounds.
Josh Derstine (125) won his weight class with 845 pounds.
He had a 350-pound squat, 175-pound bench and 320-pound deadlift.
Taking second were Brick Burgett (125) 725 pounds and Garrett Trevino (145) 985 pounds.
Finishing third were Keaton Mead (165) 1,130 pounds and Ben Kitts (155) 995 pounds.
Patrick Puthoff (125) finished fifth with 615 pounds.