Sterling College to add Powerlifting
STERLING, KAN. – Sterling College has announced the addition of the men's and women's powerlifting program, beginning in the 2021-22 fall season. Matt Edwards has been named head coach of the Sterling College powerlifting program. Edwards is currently in his first official year as Sterling's Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Powerlifting is growing rapidly amongst high school student-athletes in the Midwest region. Sterling will plan to target those students, but also look nationally for students who want to compete. Other local schools that have powerlifting include Ottawa University, Friends University, Midland University, and Missouri Valley College.
"The addition of powerlifting for men and women helps us further the development of our athletic programs at Sterling College," said Vice President for Athletics, Scott Downing. "It showcases our new training facility and the resource we have in Matt Edwards, a Warrior alum. Coach Edwards has been on our staff with various responsibilities for several years and adding this team is the culmination of his personal growth and planning. We are excited to see what the future holds for this team and our Strength and Conditioning program."
Edwards graduated from Sterling College in 2014 with a bachelor's in Exercise Science. During his time at SC, he played football for the Warriors from 2010 to 2014 and was on the first-ever conference championship team in 2013. Edwards became a personal trainer after graduation and was in his position for a year before being promoted to a Director of Personal Training/Group Fitness Coordinator. In 2016, Edwards was the owner/operator of Elite Fitness and Athletic Performance. Two years later, Edwards began working towards becoming a collegiate strength coach, starting as a volunteer Strength Coach and Outside Linebackers Coach for the Sterling College football team. In 2019, Edwards had the opportunity of a nine-month internship with the Strength and Conditioning staff at the University of Kansas. Following his time at KU, Edwards became the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Sterling College in August of 2020. As a powerlifter, he also qualified for the 2020 USPA nationals in the 220 raw division.
"I am very honored to assist Sterling College in starting the powerlifting program and to be the head coach," said Matt Edwards. "Few people get the opportunity to do something like this, let alone at their alma mater. I look forward to developing a program that is centered on athletes displaying a great attitude of servant leadership as well as discipline, character, and an incomparable work ethic."
The Sterling College men's and women's powerlifting teams are actively recruiting for the 2021-22 season. Please fill out the recruiting form and if interested, contact Coach Edwards at matt.edwards@sterling.edu.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #swordsup. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
