Carson-Newman University recently announced the addition of powerlifting to its list of student options for those looking to compete. The new offering, scheduled to begin in fall 2025, falls under the University’s Intercollegiate Recreational Sports Department, which already offers bass fishing, kayak fishing and archery.
Carson-Newman didn’t have to go far for leadership experience, tapping the university’s director of sports Jeff Boschman, who joined them in 2020. Boschman, whose experience includes competing in powerlifting and winning the USPA drug-free world championship in 2017, adds head powerlifting coach to his title.
Evaluating potential
“Coach Boschman has demonstrated his passion for Carson-Newman University and the sport of powerlifting,” said Hunter Sales, director of Intercollegiate Recreational Sports. “When evaluating potential sports that could be added to our growing sports lineup, this was easily identified as an avenue that could both provide value to prospective students and our university.”
Powerlifting involves competing in the areas of squat, bench press and deadlift. The accumulation of the best lifts of each create a total with the highest score winning.
“It’s weight-classed according to the federation we subscribe to, Powerlifting America,” said Boschman, noting that Powerlifting America falls under the umbrella of the International Powerlifting Federation, the the most recognized and competitive, drug free federation in existence.
“We will be competing in the university age class, where the highest aspirations are to qualify for the university nationals.”
Filling the gap
Boschman explains that the world of powerlifting has changed.
“Powerlifters used to train together in gyms and clubs, but those glory days are almost all gone,” he said. “Most powerlifters compete and train individually in public gyms and must pay for online coaching, buy all their own gear, pay for powerlifting meets and federation fees while wishing they had like-minded training partners.”
That, according to Boschman, is where Carson-Newman’s program plans to make an impact.
“We want to fill that gap by bringing all the most competitive lifters who want to train in an exciting, aggressive environment, using our brand-new specialized equipment. We will be one of the only schools in the country who offer the ability to be a part of a college powerlifting team with scholarships, a knowledgeable coach, medical care, all gear and associated fees covered.”
The opportunity to lead such a program at Carson-Newman is one the new coach relishes.
“I am excited to be on the other side now and help others achieve their goals and guide them through the process as my mentors did for me,” he noted. “When you are so passionate about something and it aligns with your gifting, you can’t help but acknowledge God in it. If you learn to invite God into the journey with you this thing becomes something that changes you on every level.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Carson-Newman and originally published by Baptist and Reflector.
