|
USAPL Youth Program
Priscilla Ribic, USAPL Athlete's Rep
Beginning September 21, 2003 the USAPL Youth Program began, encompassing our youth from the age of 10 through 13. The program is designed to be a fun introduction for our young lifters into the sport of powerlifting. Many have watched their parents, older brothers and sisters lift and now it is time for them to join the fun. Please read and enjoy the interviews of two of our young athletes, one Mathew Gremillion who is preparing for his first meet and the second, Kalyssa Maile who successfully completed her first meet on November 15th having an outstanding 9 for 9 day and is preparing to step onto the National platform on January 31st.
Kalyssa Maile
(Member of the Maile Clan including Larry, Janna, Jenn & Justin)
Age: 11
Grade in School: 6th Grade
What other sports/activities do you participate in and how often? I have dance twice a week and comp league soccer (Cook Inlet Soccer Club - CISC) 2-3 times a week.
Favorite pass time/hobbies? Reading, cooking and writing stories
How often do you go to the gym? 3 times a week
How long does your workout last? 45 minutes
How long have you been powerlifting? About 6 months on and off
Is it fun for you to go to the gym to workout and compete like the rest of your family? Yes. I really enjoy just doing it and being at the gym. It is fun to finally do what the rest of the family has been doing.
When is your next meet? 2004 Women's Nationals
Do you have any fears of lifting? Don't really exactly have any. Unless I am deadlifting, then I am afraid of my feet or hands slipping or not being able to lift it. Still get nervous when people watch me and don't like it when they watch me in the gym, but it is worth it.
How was your first meet experience? It was really fun at my first meet. Really nervous before during, but read between my lifts and watched other people.
Are you wearing any gear right now? If so, what? Regular squat and deadlift shoes, wrist wraps and knee wraps, and wearing Jenn's belt.
Matthew Gremillion
(Son of Joe Gremillion)
Age: 10
Grade in School: 5
What school do you attend? Lone Oak Middle School! Go Buffaloes!
What other sports do you participate in? Football, Baseball, Basketball
Favorite pass time/hobbies? Riding my horse, riding four wheelers, playing football, Talking (added by his dad)
How often do you go to the gym? 2-3 times a week
How long does your workout last? 30-45 minutes. |
 |
How long have you been powerlifting? I've been lifting with my Dad on and off for about 6 mounts. I've only been working the three lifts since football season ended.
Is it fun for you to go to the gym to workout and compete like dad? Yes. Because I get stronger and it keeps me from being bored while my dad works out. Also it's just fun.
When is your next meet? I think dad said we will try to do the Bobcat meet in February in San Marcos, Texas. If they have a youth division (added by his Dad).
Do you have any fears of lifting? I am afraid of dropping the bar on my foot when I deadlift, dropping the bar on my chest when I bench and falling over backwards when I squat. Mainly I am afraid of losing my grip and balance.
Are you wearing any gear right now? If so, what? No gear, except when I try on my dad's Z-Suit. (Dad is in the 220lb class - Priscilla)
Who are your favorite Powerlifters? Ernie Surrell because he breaks his own records and he is still lifting at his age. Matt Parsons because he looks like a guy from Linkin Park. DADDY. Gene Bell because he's a legend like Ernie.
What is your favorite lift? The deadlift because all you have to do is pick it up off the ground.
I would like to conclude by saying thank you to Joe and Larry for allowing me to interview their children. To both Matthew and Kalyssa, GOOD LUCK in your ventures on the platform, but most of all, remember to have fun, you have many, many years ahead of you.
Priscilla
|
