The North Platte IronDawgs powerlifting team started their season this quarter in a big way, as
it already has several athletes qualified for the Nationals tournament, which will be held in
Killeen, Texas in March of 2026. Returning to Nationals will be Aadyn Smith for the boys, along
with Carlie Berliner, Abbie Hankla, Myah Porter, and Grace Wilke, for the girls. Joining them as
qualifiers so far will be Gabby Gartner, Karly Knapp, and Jayden McBeain. Coach Arttie Parker
expects there will be more qualifiers to come. “We have roughly 40 lifters this year, with
several returning medalists from various meets last year, such as Cole Tomlinson and Adyson
Stroud, that I think have a strong shot at qualifying. Plus, we have several new girls that have
joined the team that I think have a real shot at doing some damage at the state, and potentially
national level, also. Team-wise, we took 4 th in the nation as a co-ed team, which was awesome.
This year, our girls’ team looks to be seriously strong and might be in national contention, as
well. It’s going to be exciting.” The team’s first event will actually be a home triangular on
November 22 against Niobrara-Verdigre and McCook, before heading to Creighton for the
annual Early Bird meet.