Shippensburg University Olympic Weightlifting Team seniors Nicole Martorella and Devin Grove competed at Weber State University, in Ogden, Utah, in the Under 25 Championships (U25) and University Nationals on April 21 and 22.

Both lifters broke personal records in both lifts, the snatch and the clean and jerk, as well as a Senior Nationals qualifying total posted by Martorella for the 53kg weight class. Martorella, no stranger to the national stage, set personal records in the snatch, 68kg, clean and jerk, 81kg, as well as her meet total, 149kg. Her performance earned her a bronze medal in the snatch and competition total for U25, as well as a 6th place finish for University Nationals.

Grove, competing in the 77kg weight class, also had a spectacular performance with personal records in both his clean and jerk and competition total. He hit his opening snatch at 105kg, but missed his subsequent two lifts. He came back strong in the second half of his session and made a 136kg clean and jerk. 

The snatch, clean and jerk also gave Grove a personal record competition total as well.

“Lifting at University Nationals was an amazing experience,” Grove said. “It’s back to the drawing board to prepare for the future.”

Coach Kyle Fields said he was made proud by his lifters, and they came prepared to make some big lifts. 

“They performed very well. Traveling, competing on a big stage and letting six attempts prove the months [of] hard work is a tough task and they stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park,” Fields said. “The experience gained is like no other.”

Both lifters will not compete until the American Open in July. They will be joined by fellow students who are looking to qualify for next year’s University Nationals.

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