Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University men's powerlifting team will take center stage on Saturday, October 17, as the Bearcats host the 2026 USA Powerlifting Bearcat Classic at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (The Hett) on the McKendree campus.
Coming off a championship season in 2025, McKendree will showcase its program in one of the more unique competitive environments in collegiate powerlifting, welcoming athletes from Missouri Valley University and Washington University for the event.
"The Hett is hands down the best venue in collegiate powerlifting," Head Coach Brad Bechel noted. "We have a special opportunity here at McKendree to be able to use such a unique facility. Following our championship season last year, what better way to highlight our program and athletes than being on the Hett stage?"
Saturday's competition will feature 11 Bearcat lifters across nine weight classes, with athletes competing in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
McKendree's lineup includes Indiana Gray (52kg), Zacari Brown (67.5kg), Cohen Lesniak (75kg), Evan Dressel (82.5kg), Connor Chandler (90kg), Parker Anderson (90kg), Dale Dayton (90kg), Chase Lorbiecki (110kg), Cooper Quintero (110kg), Zach Rucker (140kg) and Tyren Holmes (140kg+).
While the Bearcats enter the event looking to build on the success of their championship campaign, the coaching approach remains focused on preparation and execution rather than projecting individual lifting totals.
"Hard to say what they'll be lifting outside of the game plan," Coach Bechel added. "They still have to execute."
Saturday's team competition will be determined using the DOTS scoring system, which evaluates lifting performances relative to an athlete's body weight. Teams may enter between five and 12 competitors, with the five highest individual DOTS scores from each team combined to determine the overall team champion.
Each lift will also be evaluated by three referees using a system of white and red lights. A successful attempt requires at least two white lights, while an unsuccessful attempt receives one or fewer. Additional colored indicators identify the technical reason for a failed attempt, including faults related to depth, movement or missed commands.
The day's activities begin with equipment checks at 7:30 a.m., followed by official weigh-ins at 8:00 a.m. Competition is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
The Bearcat Classic also provides McKendree an opportunity to showcase its powerlifting program to prospective student-athletes and supporters, highlighting the program's collegiate competition opportunities, athletic and academic scholarships, and individualized coaching.
Fans attending Saturday's meet are encouraged to visit the event's vendor booths and follow the McKendree powerlifting program on Instagram at @mckendreepowerlifting, along with USA Powerlifting Illinois at @usapl_il.
With a championship pedigree, a full complement of Bearcat competitors and the unique setting of The Hett, Saturday's Bearcat Classic presents another opportunity for McKendree powerlifting to put its program on display in front of a home crowd.
