The Jim Thorpe Area High School powerlifting team received a special citation from state Rep. Doyle Heffley this week in recognition of its outstanding achievement in winning the Pennsylvania High School Powerlifting Association (PAHSPA) medium school (4A/5A) state championship.

The citation, presented on behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, honors the team’s exceptional performance and dedication, culminating in its first-place finish at the 2025 PAHSPA Championship meet.

The ceremony took place in the Jim Thorpe Area High School weight room, where Heffley personally congratulated the team and presented the official citation to head coach John McGowan, his coaching staff and the student-athletes.

“We are proud to recognize the hard work, determination and sportsmanship displayed by these athletes,” Heffley said.

Heffley added that the team’s success carries personal meaning for him because he trained as a powerlifter under Dr. Jake Boyer, the former Jim Thorpe Area School District superintendent.

Under McGowan’s leadership, the powerlifting program has grown in strength and discipline, with students training year-round.

The championship victory marks a milestone for the program and sets a new standard for the Olympian lifters.

Jim Thorpe also captured first place in the 2024 PAHSPA small school (3A/2A/1A) state championship.

“This recognition is a great honor,” McGowan said. “Our athletes earned this championship through dedication, perseverance and teamwork.

“I’m proud of each and every one of them.”