Malta Powerlifters Flex Their Muscles

Powerlifting teams from across the State of Montana representing their respected schools, all converged and competed in Helena on March 8-9. AA teams such as Billings Senior, Bozeman High, GFH, and Missoula Sentinel make up the majority of the competitors, but other smaller schools such as Class A Miles City, Dillon, and Class B schools Malta, Three Forks, and Fairfield were making their mark at this year's event.

The United States Powerlifting Association is the governing body through out the state. The USPA has established standards for the technical lifts of each powerlifting event. Events include the Squat, Bench and Dead Lift.

The Malta competitors which consists of some young but salty athletes in Sophomore Landon Retan (Defending Champion) and 7th Grader Ali Retan (First competition.)

Throughout the day, the athletes were getting exposure to the USPA strict rules of technical lifting with State, National and International referees on hand. Throughout the meet the Mustangs were able to score some big lifts to win in their respected weight class and age group.

Sophomore lifter: Landon Retan is an individual state powerlifting defending champion, claiming the Squat, Bench, and Deadlift titles in 2023 as part of the Fairfield Powerlifting Team. This year he competed in the Bench Press and Deadlift events for 16-17 year olds, in the 198-220 LBS Weight Class. The Sophomore stepped on stage in front of the competitors, spectators, and cameras to score 2 huge lifts and bring home 2 individual championships. Landon's (pause) bench press of 270 LBS, and his deadlift of 400 LBS was just enough to hold off the 12 other challengers and repeat as the HS State Bench Press and Deadlift Champion. Landon's Deadlift of 400 LBS also qualifies him to compete in the HS National Powerlifting Championship if he were to choose to compete. Landon also participates in Football and Track for the Malta Mustangs.

7th Grader: Ali Retan was competing in her first powerlifting meet, competing in the Squat and Deadlift events for 13-15 year olds, in the 124-130 LBS weight class. Being the youngest and lightest competitor, Ali had to start each event flight, and she was able to work through her nerves and score 2 huge lifts and bring home 2 individual championships. Ali's deadlift of 210 LBS, and her squat of 175 LBS was just enough to hold off the 4 other challengers and claim her 1st HS State Squat and Deadlift Championship. The 7th Grader's deadlift of 210lbs, was only 16lbs away from setting a new 13-15 Girls MT State Record, a record that she will be working to break and claim, as she still has 2 more years in her age group. Ali also participates in Volleyball, Basketball and Track for the Malta Middle School M-ettes.

In the end, the Bozeman High Hawks were able to bring home the team title and championship banner, as a 5 person team is needed to compete for the team title. At next year's competition, we are hoping to get more athletes from Malta to field a full Powerlifting Team. Since this competition is not an MHSA sanctioned sport, all cost are paid for by the athlete themselves. However, if you are interested in being a sponsor for one of the athletes for next year, please contact John Retan at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help support the athletes.