Powerlifting National Champion

by Greg Kassen ’18

Lindsey Raker ’18, a health and wellness graduate from Greenwood, Ind., made Bearcat history in April by becoming the University’s first national powerlifting champion when she took first place in the women’s 72kg weight division at the USA Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals. The progress that she made can be seen throughout her four years at McKendree, as she placed outside of the top 20 in her first year, achieved fourth her sophomore year, and came home with the third-place title as a junior.

“It feels very rewarding to walk away from McKendree with a national championship,” Lindsey said about her senior performance. “I had a goal of graduating with a national title and it feels incredible to know everything I have put in over the last four years has paid off.” Lindsey does not take all of the credit for her success, however. She credits her coaches and her teammates as essential to her success, saying “this championship is not just mine… this is our national championship.”

Lindsey especially mentions her father as an important part of her success. A high school defensive line coach, he was her first trainer in the weight room, showing her the techniques as she accompanied his football team during lifting and conditioning. When she went away to college, her father continued his support as her “biggest fan from back home,” according to Lindsey. Now after graduation, Lindsey’s powerlifting training has decreased dramatically as she focuses on her career instead: aiming to join the Indianapolis Fire Department where her father is employed. She also hopes to coach a powerlifting team one day, saying that she would love to give back what she was taught.