“Our team had a remarkable performance at the State Championships,” Team SkellaFit Powerlifting coach Rich Houchin said. “Their dedication to training and preparation shone through in every lift they made. Each athlete surpassed their goals, showcasing not only their physical strength, but also the incredible support and camaraderie they have built together.”

“SkellaFit is the first to win the Team trophy that will act kind of like the Stanley Cup,” APF/AAPF State Meet Director Arthur Little said. “Each year another winner will be added to the trophy. They will keep it for a year and bring it back when they compete in 2026!”

The weekend’s demonstration of strength felt particularly significant as the Women’s Division competed on International Women’s Day.

“Seeing so many powerful women at the meet reinforced in me why I put in the work at Skellafit on a weekly basis,” competitor and new State Record Holder Tina Robbins said. “It’s about supporting each other to be the best versions of ourselves and having accountability. We’re tougher in unity than in division.”

Courtesy Photo Connor Bagnell competes at the Michigan APF/AAPF State 2025 Powerlifting Championships in Royal Oak. Bagnell, of Alpena, won first place in the men’s APF Raw Junior (20-23) Full Power 67.5.

Skellafit Powerlifting will move on to participate in the APF/AAPF Nationals Meet June 12-15 in Royal Oak.

Results

SkellaFit Powerlifting won the APF/AAPF Michigan State Team Championship trophy as well as the following individual awards, many of which have been submitted for State Records:

∫ 1st Place Women’s AAPF Raw Master Full Power (50-54) 110 — Tina Robbins, Alpena, MI*

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Classic Raw Submaster Full Power (33-39) 110 — Elle Bee, Posen, MI*

Courtesy Photo Team SkellaFit poses with the APF/AAPF Michigan State Team Championship trophy they won in Royal Oak this past weekend.

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Raw Master Full Power (45-49) 110 — Cristi Johnson, Alpena, MI*

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Raw Open Push Pull 110 — Laura Lewis, Posen, MI*

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Classic Raw Master (45-49) Push Pull 90 — Brandy Shooks, Presque Isle, MI

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Classic Raw Master (45-49) Push Pull 110 — Karen Grochowski, Alpena, MI

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Classic Raw Submaster (33-39) Push Pull 75 — Katie Edgar, Alpena, MI*

∫ 1st Place Women’s AAPF Classic Raw Submaster (33-39) Push Pull 75 — Katie Edgar, Alpena MI*

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Classic Raw Open Push Pull 90 — Katie Jones, Alpena, MI

∫ 1st Place Women’s APF Classic Raw Submaster (33-39) Push Pull 75 — Krista Hempel, Hawks, MI

∫ 1st Place Men’s APF Raw Junior (20-23) Full Power 67.5 — Connor Bagnell, Alpena, MI

*Designates State Record Submitted for review.