The Henryetta Lady Knights flexed their strength on the biggest stage of the year as three athletes delivered outstanding performances at the OGPCA Girls State Powerlifting Championships, highlighted by senior Hailey Lewis bringing home a bronze medal.
Competing in the 220-pound division, Lewis secured a thirdplace finish in a field stacked with elite lifters from across Oklahoma. The accomplishment marks her third time as a state placer, an extraordinary achievement that caps off an impressive high school powerlifting career.
Coach Adler praised Lewis’ dedication and growth throughout the season.
“I am so glad I was able to be a small part of Hailey’s journey this year to becoming a three-time state placer, and Knight Nation should be super proud of her!” he said.
The magnitude of the accomplishment cannot be overstated. With more than 500 lifters competing across 11 weight classes per division, simply reaching the podium required exceptional strength, preparation and mental toughness. Lewis delivered all three when it mattered most.
But the Lady Knights’ success did not stop there. In the 198-pound division, Grace Pollard earned a strong seventh-place finish, battling through one of the most competitive brackets of the day. Teammate Rachael Burden also turned in a determined performance, placing 11th in the same division.
While Pollard and Burden narrowly missed the podium, both achieved personal bests at the state meet – an accomplishment every lifter strives for.
“I am super proud of these three young women representing Henryetta today,” Coach Adler said. “While Grace and Rachael did not make the podium, both of them hit personal bests today while lifting.”
For Lewis, the bronze medal serves as the final chapter in a career defined by consistency, discipline and perseverance. For Pollard and Burden, their performances signal continued growth and the promise of even greater success ahead.
When the stage was largest and the competition fiercest, Henryetta’s Lady Knights rose to the occasion.
Congratulations to Hailey Lewis, Grace Pollard and Rachael Burden on representing Henryetta with strength, pride and determination at State. Knight Nation has every reason to celebrate.
