ALPENA — Team SkellaFit Powerlifting continued its winning streak on Oct. 24, at Rochester Performance Gym’s Fall Classic, bringing home 10 first-place medals at the United Powerlifting Association-sanctioned meet while welcoming three new athletes to the team’s growing roster.
Returning lifter Brandy Shooks of Presque Isle led the way with three gold medals, earning first place in Raw Masters 2 Full Power (75 kg), Raw Masters 2 Bench Only (75 kg), and Raw
Masters 2 Deadlift Only (75 kg).
Fellow Alpena lifter Kayli Frantz also captured three first-place finishes, winning Raw Open Push/Pull (90 kg), Raw Open Bench Only (90 kg), and Raw Open Deadlift Only (90 kg).
The competition also marked a successful debut for three new members of Team SkellaFit
Powerlifting.
● Jessica Tebo of Alpena earned first place in Raw Submasters Full Power (100 kg).
● Bonnie Wirgau of Alpena claimed first place in Raw Masters 2 Full Power (110 kg).
● Meghan Carriveau of Herron took home two gold medals, winning Raw Submasters Push/Pull (110 kg) and Raw Submasters Bench Only (110 kg).
For Shooks, the medals were meaningful, but the team’s support stood out even more. “More than anything I’m incredibly proud of my team. What we’ve built is so much bigger than lifting weights. It’s a community that shows up, cheers each other on, celebrates every win, and reminds us why we do this in the first place. The lifts are amazing, but the people make it unforgettable,” Shooks said.
That reputation for bringing energy and encouragement has become a hallmark of Team SkellaFit at competitions across the state.
Meet Director Steve Stuecher, owner of Rochester Performance Gym, praised the Alpena-based team for the atmosphere they create.
“We love having the Skellafit crew in the building! Energy levels are always +10 with your team,” Stuecher said in an online post.
The Fall Classic marks another milestone for Team SkellaFit Powerlifting, which continues to grow both its competitive success and its community of lifters, from first-time competitors to seasoned veterans.
Next, Team SkellaFit Powerlifting heads to Baton Rouge, Louisiana from Nov. 16-20 for the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) World Championships. All six Team SkellaFit entries have been confirmed, with Shooks and five additional teammates preparing to represent Northeast Michigan on the international stage against lifters from more than 12 countries.
At last year’s WPC Worlds in Durban, South Africa, Team SkellaFit brought home 10 first place, one second place, and broke five world records.
“We intend to have a very successful year in Baton Rouge,” said SkellaFit owner and head coach Cristi Johnson, “Bu, it’s never been about the medals for us. We are here to spread joy and celebrate the strength of these women.”
As the team prepares for the world championships, its success reflects more than the medals earned on the platform. Team SkellaFit continues to build a community rooted in strength,
encouragement, and a shared passion for helping athletes reach their potential
