Pictured is Owego Free Academy (OFA) Junior, Lindsay Field, who recently achieved an unofficial record in the sport of power lifting. While participating at a recent event held at Norwich High School, Lindsay lifted 385 pounds in dead-lifting, which actually breaks the state record of 303.1 pounds within her age and weight class. Field continues training and is in search of a state-sanctioned event where she has set a goal to officially break the record. (Provided photos)
Owego Free Academy (OFA) junior Lindsay Field has achieved an extraordinary accomplishment in the sport of power lifting. Unofficially, Lindsay broke a New York State dead-lifting record while participating at a power lifting event at Norwich High School held in late March. Within her age and weight class, Lindsay lifted 385 pounds, which actually breaks the state record of 303.1.
In order to be recognized by the 100 percent Raw Powerlifting Federation and officially break a record, Lindsay will need to compete at a state-sanctioned event.
Lindsay’s mother, Alicia Field, explained, “The Norwich event was a learning opportunity to see if she could go further,” and added, “We are looking for a New York state sanctioned event.”
Sixteen-year old Lindsay has been lifting for nearly two years since her sophomore year of high school. She typically trains alongside other classmates, many who play on the OFA football team.
Lindsay shared that she has played both softball and field hockey as well, and commented, “I started to lift in the off-season, to keep active and busy.”
Pictured is OFA Junior, Lindsay Field. At age 16, Lindsay is a focused athlete and trains four days a week in power lifting. In this photo, Field is pictured during her unofficial 385-pound dead-lift at a March event held in Norwich, N.Y.
Initial training sessions were three days a week after school, and have now progressed to four. Lindsay works with a personal trainer, Jason Hall, twice a week, and in addition, she trains two other days at OFA. Lindsay credits Hall, as well as trainer, Chris Knerl and Varsity football coach, Steve Virkler, for working with her to improve her training process, which in turn aids in other events such as the bench press, squat events and power clean.
Lindsay worked with Hall just one week prior to the Norwich event, and in that short period of time improved her technique and increased her lifting ability.
Of all the events, Lindsay explained, “I like the squat and dead-lift best because they feature my abilities, especially the strength in my legs.”
Lifting isn’t just for athletes focused on breaking records in power lifting. Lindsay explained that classmates who are on the swim team, for example, often hit the weight training room as do students participating in track and field events.
With her junior year winding down, Lindsay has one exciting goal in mind for her senior year ahead. “I hope to try out for the football team,” Lindsay shared. If that goal is met, Lindsay would join the list of several other female OFA alumni who have been part of the Varsity team.
Lindsay thanks her parents, Alicia and Roger Field for their support as well as fellow lifter and friend, Micah Marshall.
“Micah has been there to teach and motivate me,” Lindsay commented, and in regard to her success to date, “I’m further than I thought I could go.”
Lindsay offers encouragement for others who may have an interest in power lifting.
“Try it,” Lindsay suggests, “It helps you become more physically fit.”
