SEWARD, Neb. — The York University powerlifting team made history Saturday, Oct. 3, competing in its first official collegiate meet at the Concordia University USAPL Invitational. The Panthers delivered an impressive debut, earning a runner-up finish in the co-ed team standings.

Nine lifters represented York University in the program's inaugural competition, combining for three individual gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals.

York finished second overall with 58 points, trailing only Midland University, which claimed the team title with 100 points. Host Concordia University rounded out the top three with 49 points.

Leading the way for the Panthers were three individual champions. Kole Aldridge captured gold in the 90-kilogram weight class, Reese Leonard took first in the 110-kilogram division, and Zach Oakleaf earned the top spot in the 125-kilogram class.

Daniel Rivera (100 kg) and Isis Bickford (56 kg) each earned silver medals, while Jamie Watts (82.5 kg) and Karli Aldridge (60 kg) secured bronze medals. Zach Davis added a fourth-place finish in the 90-kilogram division, and Aiden McAllister placed fifth in the same weight class.

The historic meet also established the first men's and women's powerlifting records in York University history.

Kole Aldridge set the inaugural men's program records with a 205-kilogram squat, 145-kilogram bench press and 255-kilogram deadlift. He finished with a combined total of 605 kilograms and a strength index of 6.84, calculated by dividing the total weight lifted by body weight.

On the women's side, Karli Aldridge established the program's first records with a 110-kilogram squat, 55-kilogram bench press and 130-kilogram deadlift. Her combined total reached 295 kilograms, with a strength index of 4.94.

The strong showing marked an encouraging beginning for the Panthers as they continue building the university's newest competitive program. Throughout the meet, York's lifters demonstrated teamwork, determination and support for one another while setting a foundation for the remainder of the season.

With a runner-up team finish, seven podium finishes and the establishment of the program's first records, York University powerlifting has opened its inaugural season on a strong note.

The Panthers will return to competition Nov. 21 at Ottawa University in Kansas.