Forks Powerlifting Club Earns Medals at First USA Powerlifting Competition
Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 6, 2026
The Forks High School Powerlifting Club took another big step forward on Saturday, July 25, competing in its first-ever USA Powerlifting (USAPL) event at the Festival of Steel held at Grace Gym in Ellensburg, Washington.
The Festival of Steel represented a higher level of competition than the Washington State High School Powerlifting meets the Spartans have previously attended. Athletes competed in the traditional three lifts—squat, bench press, and deadlift—on a single competition platform throughout the event.
Despite the increased level of competition, the Spartans once again returned home with outstanding results.
Individual Results:
Logan Ramsey – 1st Place (Teen Division)
Kolton Cornish – 1st Place (Teen Division)
Kade Highfield – 2nd Place (Teen Division)
Connor Roberts – 3rd Place (Teen Division)
Also representing Forks was Kingston Steffen, who competed with determination, sportsmanship, and pride throughout the competition.
While each Forks athlete competed in their respective Teen Division weight class, the experience extended far beyond medals. Lifters from across the western United States, including Nevada, California, and Arizona, traveled to Ellensburg to compete. This gave the Spartans the opportunity to watch and learn from elite and world-class powerlifters while experiencing the atmosphere of a premier USA Powerlifting event.
“The experience was invaluable,” said Forks Head Coach Trevor Highfield. “Our athletes not only challenged themselves against strong competitors, but they also had the chance to observe some of the best lifters in the region. It was a tremendous learning opportunity.”
An additional highlight of the weekend was Kolton Cornish and Logan Ramsey qualifying for the USA Powerlifting National Championships, which will be held next April. Qualifying for Nationals is a significant accomplishment and reflects the dedication and hard work both athletes have invested in their training.
The Forks High School Powerlifting Club plans to continue competing in future USA Powerlifting events while also returning to the Washington State High School Powerlifting competitions during the school year.
The club extends its sincere gratitude to the Forks community for its continued support. Community generosity has allowed these student-athletes to travel, compete, and gain experiences that help them grow both on and off the platform.
The Spartans returned home with medals, new knowledge, and even greater motivation as they continue building one of Washington’s emerging high school powerlifting programs. With two athletes already qualified for Nationals, the future of Forks powerlifting continues to shine.
