The Platform: a Michigan High School Powerlifting Association Podcast

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dennis Reinhart, USPA bench press record holder and longtime Montrose powerlifting coach, Denny picks up where he left off with even more stories from the platform. He looks back on an 80-game football winning streak and walks through Montrose powerlifting's turnaround from its early days to a perennial contender. Denny also gets into the training weeds, sharing...

In Part 1 of our conversation with Dennis Reinhart, a USPA bench press record holder and one of the earliest figures in the MHSPLA, we trace his path from football into powerlifting and what it took to build Montrose's program from scratch. Denny shares the coaches and lifters who shaped him along the way, breaks down his philosophy on diagnosing a lifter's weaknesses, and explains why he preaches...

The podcast episode features an interview with Coach Tim Furno, a renowned powerlifting coach with a remarkable career. The conversation covers Coach Furno's background, achievements, and the development of his weightlifting program. It also delves into his experiences at Northern Michigan University and his impact on the Millington community. Additionally, the discussion highlights the national r...

The podcast episode features an interview with Coach Tim Furno, a renowned powerlifting coach with a remarkable career. The conversation covers Coach Furno's background, achievements, and the development of his weightlifting program. It also delves into his experiences at Northern Michigan University, his transition to Millington, and the athletes he coached. The discussion includes insights into...

The episode features an interview with Coach Darrin Conrad, a board member of the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association. The conversation covers topics such as Coach Conrad's background, his experience with powerlifting, changes in the sport, and positive developments at Kersley High School. Takeaways Community Support Sport Growth Chapters 00:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Positive Developme...

In this episode, Coach Levi Hoffman from Defiance College shares insights into building a successful powerlifting program, recruiting, training, and the growth of the sport in Ohio and Michigan. He also discusses the experiences and opportunities available to lifters in his program, as well as the academic offerings at Defiance College. The conversation with Coach Levi Hoffman covers the growth an...

The episode features Christian Lopez, a scholarship winner and powerlifting enthusiast, discussing his high school powerlifting journey, future plans, and favorite aspects of powerlifting. The conversation covers Christian's introduction to powerlifting, his experience in high school powerlifting, fond memories, and plans for collegiate powerlifting. Christian also shares his favorite lifts and ac...

In this episode, Chris Whittaker and Chris Gilliam interview Coach Dalton Neitzel, the head powerlifting coach at Northwood University. They discuss the program, recruitment, financial assistance, and the university's offerings. Coach Neitzel also shares insights into the programming and training for the powerlifting team. The conversation covers the recruitment efforts and gender split of the pow...

The podcast episode features an interview with Jeanne Park, a high school powerlifter and scholarship winner. Jeanne shares insights about her powerlifting journey, future plans, and the impact of powerlifting on her life. The conversation also covers the challenges and rewards of powerlifting, as well as the importance of community and support within the sport. Takeaways Powerlifting offers valua...

The conversation covers the introduction and overview of the Davenport University powerlifting program, Connor's background and introduction to powerlifting, the collegiate powerlifting experience, recruiting and retaining high school athletes, and the future of powerlifting and the role of high school programs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recruiting and retaining high school athle...

The episode features an interview with Celeste Hallett, a scholarship winner and powerlifting athlete from Mesick High School. The conversation covers topics such as family, hobbies, post-high school plans, the impact of powerlifting, mental toughness, fond memories, advice for new powerlifters, powerlifting as a school sport, and the growth of powerlifting at Mesick High School. The conversation...

The conversation covers the introduction and setup of the podcast, Coach Lusk's journey into powerlifting, the process of building a successful powerlifting program, and advice for coaches along with personal reflections on failures and lessons learned. The conversation covers the importance of leaving ego at the door in powerlifting, the significance of continuous learning and mentorship, reflect...

The episode features Nick Lundquist, the head coach for the 2025-2026 JV boys state championship team from Lakeville Community Schools. The conversation covers Nick's background, coaching philosophy, program success, and the challenges of powerlifting as a sport. It also delves into training methods, mentorship, and the growth of the Lakeville powerlifting program. Takeaways Powerlifting as a spor...

The first episode of The Platform podcast features an introduction to the podcast and an interview with Garrett Skurnit, discussing powerlifting, coaching, and life lessons. The conversation delves into the importance of patience in powerlifting, the future of the sport, and the impact of coaching on young athletes. Takeaways Importance of patience in powerlifting The future of powerlifting and it...