Youth Powerlifter Tyler H. Takes 1st Place at the 2024 USAPL Roseville Rumble
This past weekend, American Strength member Tyler Henseler competed in his very first powerlifting meet at the 2024 USAPL Roseville Rumble held at Roseville High School in Minnesota. Hosted by Roseville Powerlifting and Nash Lueken, this meet brought together youth, teen, and high school competitors to showcase their strength and dedication. At just 14 years old, Tyler not only stepped onto the platform for the first time but also achieved remarkable success, securing 1st place in the Men’s Raw Teen I (14-15), 75kg division.
Tyler’s Impressive Meet Day Stats:
Squat: 374 lbs (170 kg)
Bench: 231 lbs (105 kg)
Deadlift: 352 lbs (160 kg)
Total: 959 lbs (435 kg)
Reflecting on Meet Day
Tyler shared that his favorite part of the meet was being surrounded by other lifters and experiencing the energy of the day. While he admitted to feeling nervous at first, he quickly settled into the rhythm, focusing on lifting exactly as he had trained under the guidance of coach Ken Graack. Tyler expressed pride in his performance and is already looking forward to his next meet, with a clear goal of continuing to refine his technique—particularly on his deadlift.
Support and Preparation
Tyler’s family emphasized his dedication to recovery in the lead-up to the meet. He prioritized eating well and getting plenty of rest to ensure he performed at his best. They also shared their gratitude for having a coach like Ken to guide Tyler, not just in training but in developing his overall approach to strength training and competition.
In addition to his family and coach Ken, Tyler would like to extend a special thanks to fellow American Strength member Noah H., who is also coached by Ken. Noah played a significant role in Tyler’s preparation, offering guidance during training sessions and being a source of support on meet day. From helping Tyler stay focused to recording all his lifts, Noah’s mentorship as a more experienced competitor was invaluable.
Coaching That Builds Lifters for the Future
Ken Graack, Tyler’s coach, praised his dedication and ability to execute under pressure. “All through training, Tyler listened and executed perfectly on meet day,” Ken said. “It’s rewarding to coach younger lifters and instill the importance of quality movement early on. These fundamentals will carry them as they continue to grow in the sport.”
Ken also highlighted how American Strength provides a space for high school athletes to level up their training. “Many of these kids strength train at school for sports, but they come here to refine their mechanics. We focus on proper technique, gym etiquette, and taking care of their bodies, whether it’s for powerlifting meets, sports, or lifelong fitness.” Ken works with high school athletes from several local schools, including White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Roseville, North St. Paul, Hill-Murray, Stillwater, and surrounding areas, helping them build a solid foundation for strength training and competition success.
Looking Ahead
With his first meet behind him, Tyler has set the foundation for a promising powerlifting journey. His success reflects the strength of the American Strength community, from expert coaching to the support of fellow members. Congratulations, Tyler, on an outstanding performance—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
Interested in youth powerlifting coaching? Learn more about our coaching programs here.