WSU to Host and Compete in National Weightlifting Championships

OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University will host more than 350 competitors in its world-class athletics’ facilities during the 2018 University National Weightlifting Championships, April 19-22 in the Stromberg Complex’s Wildcat Arena.

Student athletes from around the country, including the WSU weightlifting club, will compete in Ogden for the chance to earn the title of the Strongest College in America.

“We are incredibly excited for a great weekend of weightlifting,” said Matthew Barker, Stromberg Complex facility manager and WSU weightlifting coach. “The Wildcat Arena is the perfect venue for this event because of its ease of access, great lighting and its excellent look and feel.”

This is the second time WSU has been selected to host the three-day event. In 2015, the university held one of USA Weightlifting’s largest university competitions, accommodating nearly 500 competitors and 150 coaches. 

“We are pleased to once again return to Utah for another championship,” said Phil Andrews, USA Weightlifting CEO. “The support we have seen over the past several years from Weber State University and the wider Utah community is a large reason why we are returning to the state for our fourth event in five years. We hope the hundreds of athletes, coaches and technical officials who come to Ogden take advantage of the great hospitality Utah has to offer.”

WSU is partnering with Visit Ogden and the Utah Sports Commission to provide regular transportation between downtown Ogden and the WSU campus. Athletes will stay in the Courtyard by Marriot Ogden and Ben Lomond Suites.

The combination of coaches, competitors and event officials will draw an estimated 450 people to Ogden.  

Admission to the competition is free for WSU students with a valid Wildcard I.D. General admission is $15 a day and can be purchased online. For those who cannot attend, the event will be broadcast live at USAWeightlifting.org.

For the first time in the WSU weightlifting club’s history, more women than men will compete. Their team will consist of four females and two males.

Medals will be awarded to top individual lifters and teams. Additionally, the competition doubles as the primary qualifications for the World University Championships, which is one of the largest multi-sport events in the world.

“We are all excited to represent Weber State at this national event,” said McKay Barker, WSU weightlifting club president. “Our coach has prepared us well, and we all feel healthy and strong headed into this meet.”

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Rachel Badali, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • rachelbadali@weber.edu

Contact:

Matthew Barker, Stromberg Complex facility manager and WSU weightlifting coach
801-626-6742 • matthewbarker2@weber.edu