Tarlac State University Powerlifters ranked third overall in the National Interschool and Novice Powerlifting Cup held at the Centro Hall of Sta. Lucia Mall in Manila last January 17-19, 2025.
Ken Andrey Austria, a fourth-year marketing student from the College of Business and Accountancy, broke a record and won a gold medal in the men's 105kg college category. Austria was also given a College National Record for lifting the heaviest weight during the competition.
Another gold medal was brought home by Vince Gerald Gutierrez, a first-year law student, who competed in the men's 83kg college category.
Austria and Vince Gerald are set to join the Asian University Cup, an international competition in India that will be held in May.
Moreover, first-timer Arron Bautista, a second-year nursing student, bagged a bronze medal under the men's 105kg novice category, while Lisha Mae Gutierrez, a fourth-year secondary education student and pioneering female member of the TSU Powerlifters, won two silvers in the novice and college categories under 47kg.
"Sabi nila 'Excellence is when you break a standard,' 'yun daw ang definition ng excellence. When you can break, you can go further beyond your standards. Natutuwa ako dahil meron tayong ganito sa TSU, we are proud of all your achievements," TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco told the athletes during their courtesy visit last January 23.
The University of the Philippines ranked first in the competition, followed by the Our Lady of Fatima University in Pampanga.
This is the first national competition of the TSU Powerlifters, with 14 out of 28 members representing the university together with Mr. Hilario Romen III, coach, and Mr. Wesley Equila, assistant coach.
The team is aiming to send more delegates to succeeding competitions.
National competition journey
Lisha, who garnered two silver medals, shared that she held back her tears during her last attempt at deadlift. Instead, she bowed before the crowd and only cried when she saw her teammates.
“Di ko po talaga masabi na successful e, kasi ini-aim ko po talaga 'yung gold. Kini-crave ko 'yung gold, parang kinondisyon ko 'yung sarili ko na if not gold, 'wag na lang. 'Yung mga projected ko na weights, hindi sila lumitaw. Hindi ko rin po nabuhat yung 100kg sa deadlift na dati ko namang nabubuhat sa gym. So, sabi ko, silver na lang. Pinapakawalan ko na 'yung gold," Lisha said in an interview.
However, the female powerlifter is keen on improving for the following competitions.
“Iri-redeem ko naman po 'yung sarili ko. Pero papalakas muna po ako kasi medyo alanganin. Pero ganoon naman talaga sa sports. Nandoon pa rin naman 'yung dedication ko, 'yung passion ko, atsaka hunger for gold," Lisha added.
On the other hand, Lisha and Vince's other sibling, Zyrus Gervi Gutierrez, an elementary education student, fell short of winning a medal.
Zyrus, Caedmon Dyre Catalan from the College of Business and Accountancy, and Francis Benedict Quito from the College of Computer Studies experienced difficulties during the weigh-ins, prompting them to abruptly lose weight to match their first weigh-in results.
As a result, they felt a little weaker during the competition, given their small food intake and few hours of sleep.
On improving their performance, overcoming struggles
Zyrus said he is currently preparing for a "comeback" on "stealing a chance" to return on the podium this year. During the Northern and Central Luzon competition, Zyrus bagged a gold medal along with his siblings.
In addition, he started conditioning himself for the Luzon Regionals in April with Quito, who is also into bodybuilding and was once a duathlon athlete.
Meanwhile, some members are also preparing for the Central and Northern competition in September this year.
Yet, according to team captain Austria, some members hesitate to join competitions due to financial constraints since their training would require athletes to shell out money for the right equipment, among other expenses.
“Maraming nag-tryout sa team, kaso 'yun lang 'yung mga main points, hindi lahat mapo-provide in terms of financial (matters). Kaya 'yung mag-join lang sila, 'yung matapak lang sila sa platform, big achievement na 'yun kahit wala silang nakuhang medal, 'yung nag-show up lang sila," Austria told OPA.
Aside from financial concerns, the eldest Gutierrez said stress was a significant factor during their preparation and training. Like their body, they also need to train their minds to focus on the competition while balancing academics.
Regarding female recruitment, the powerlifting team now has two new lady lifters joining Lisha. (jlmm-OPA)
