Whitehall, Wis. — The Kasson-Mantorville powerlifting team delivered a dominant performance at the Whitehall meet this past weekend, capturing first place overall for both the boys’ and girls’ teams and showcasing the depth, toughness, and rapid growth of a program that continues to raise the bar.
Leading the way on the girls’ side was senior Leila Galloway, who earned Best Female Lifter of the Meet after a standout showing in the 114-pound class. Galloway posted a 195-pound squat, 125-pound bench press, and a 300-pound deadlift for a 620-pound total, narrowly missing a remarkable 315-pound deadlift attempt at a bodyweight of just 109 pounds.
“In 30 years in this sport, she’s the best female lifter I’ve ever coached,” said Coach Murphy. “She outlifts girls who outweigh her by 50 to 80 pounds and has the potential to become a world qualifier.”
The varsity boys also delivered championship performances across multiple weight classes.
In the 114-pound class, Carter Howell claimed first place. At 181 pounds, 10th grader Cameron Evans secured first with a massive 1,115-pound total, highlighted by a 435-pound squat, 265-pound bench, and a meet-clinching 415-pound deadlift.
“Cam has been with me since seventh grade, and he’s one of the most impressive young lifters I’ve ever seen,” Coach Murphy said. “His final deadlift locked up the win, and you could feel the emotion in the room.”
Another first-place finish came from Slade Knudson in the 198-pound class, totaling 1,105 pounds with lifts of 415 squat, 245 bench, and 470 deadlift. Now an 11th grader, Knudson has shown dramatic improvement over the past two seasons.
Strong runner-up performances also contributed to the team title, Evan Carling (11th grade) placed second at 148 pounds, totaling 860 pounds, narrowly missing his final deadlift attempt that could have earned him the win. At 165 pounds, senior Jensen Claffy earned second place with a 1,045-pound total.
On the girls’ side, additional first-place finishes came from Faith Kanthack (148 lbs) with a 425-pound total, and Bevin Klampe (165 lbs), who totaled 600 pounds.
The team’s depth was on full display in the junior varsity and junior high divisions, where numerous lifters earned podium finishes and gained valuable experience. Notable performances included first-place finishes from Remy Smith and Connor Milene, strong showings from seventh graders Eli Loneman and Jack Gunther, and several athletes competing in their first year or first meet.
“This sport isn’t easy,” Coach Murphy said. “Being 148 pounds and having 400 pounds on your back is the definition of mental toughness. Powerlifting is an individual sport—you get out of it exactly what you put in.”
Coach Murphy credited the program’s success to a strong support system, including assistant coaches Logan Murphy and Sydney Kanthack, as well as team captains Aiden Long, Jensen Claffy, and Leila Galloway.
Coach Murphy also expressed pride in the growth of the program since taking it over, noting that participation has increased from just over a dozen athletes to 35–45 lifters each season. He emphasized that powerlifting provides an opportunity for students of all athletic backgrounds to find success.
He also praised the commitment of parents who travel long distances to support their athletes, calling their dedication a vital part of the team’s culture.
While the long season takes its toll, Coach Murphy said moments like Whitehall make it worthwhile.
“Watching these kids succeed, face adversity, and experience the emotion that comes with hitting a big lift is what makes this program special,” he said.
