North Star junior powerlifter captures state title in first major competition

North Star junior Molly Gontis began lifting as a freshman. It was a part of her preseason and in-season conditioning for soccer.

While the Cougars don't lift as a team, Gontis always took it upon herself to train and remain in the best shape possible to thrive on the pitch.

Gontis' best friend, Jamie Augustine, a graduate of North Star and world champion powerlifter, sparked her interest in powerlifting. At her very first powerlifting competition in February, at Forest Hills High School, Gontis won her division and the overall female title.

World record North Star's Augustine breaks world record in powerlifting

Through her training and the help of Dave Schleich, a decorated powerlifter himself, Gontis was ready to showcase her talents at the state level.

Gontis competed against four other girls in the 138-pound varsity weight division at the Pennsylvania State Coaches Powerlifting Association Championships on Saturday at Parkland High School. There were 215 powerlifters, including eight girls at the varsity level. Gontis squatted 235 pounds, set a personal best 130-pound bench press and deadlifted 235 pounds to claim a state championship in her division.

"It was very crazy and very chaotic, but it was exciting," Gontis said of her first major competition. "This is mind-blowing. I cannot believe it's real. Saturday was my birthday. I turned 18, and then went on to win states in my division. That was honestly the best birthday I've ever had."

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Gontis has learned a lot in a short amount of time from the likes of Augustine and Schleich, who is also the defensive coordinator for the North Star football team. Gontis is quick to share her knowledge of the sport as well as pick up pointers along the way from fellow competitors.

"I really like going to these competitions, meeting new people and helping one another," she said. "There's a lot of girls there and for some it's their first time lifting. I talk to them about what Coach Schleich has taught me, and they help me out as well."

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She spoke highly of Schleich, who has helped her develop her weightlifting and powerlifting skills.

"Coach Schleich saw me squatting 205 one day and said I should do powerlifting," Gontis said. "He is the best coach that I've ever had. He is a really cool guy. He encourages us and really pushes us to keep moving forward. When I started lifting, I was honestly scared of him. He is this big former marine, but he's a really funny, great guy."

Gontis is also embarking on another new adventure ahead of her senior year. She plans to play football this coming fall. Gontis signed up in November and has been training with the team ever since.

"I just figured, it's my senior year, I'm going to sign up for football and just go for it," she said. "Powerlifting helps with our form and tackling. Whenever I started lifting, I didn't think I was that strong. Now, I'm starting to get stronger. With the guys in the weight room, everyone is positive, encouraging and lifts each other up."

While attending North Star, Gontis is a part of the sports medicine program at the Greater Johnstown Vo-Tech, where she takes classes. She is planning to make sports medicine and powerlifting a major part of her life.

"I want to carry this powerlifting out when I'm adult," Gontis said. "After high school, I want to be a personal trainer. That's why I'm in the sports medicine class. You earn certifications. I really have a heart for fitness and nutrition and that is really why I am doing all of this."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: North Star High School PA junior earns PA powerlifting title