McKendree Powerlifting Dominates Collegiate Cup with First and Second Place Finishes
By: Elizabeth Collins
Dec. 5, 2025
MIDLAND, NE–McKendree University’s powerlifting team made a statement at the USA Collegiate Cup, with the men’s team earning first place overall beating multiple teams including the defending National champion and the women’s equipped team securing second. Four male athletes won their individual weight classes, while five female athletes won their individual weight classes.
Pictures below–Men’s and Women’s McKendree Powerlifting Team
Photo Credit: Bradly Bechel
The meet was held November 24 and showcased McKendree’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate powerlifting. Head Coach Bradly Bechel praised his athletes not only for their podium finishes but for their character and conduct throughout the event.
“The team met and exceeded my expectations as professionals and young adults growing in this sport,” Bechel said. “Outside of the wins and first-place finishes, it is my athletes’ character and conduct I am most proud of.”
Bechel’s coaching style centers on communication, individualized programming, and long-term development. He does not separate training types by gender. Instead, he focuses on leverages and athlete feedback to guide growth and recovery.
“Every athlete has lifts that are more comfortable or reliable in training,” Bechel said. “Those lifts allow for accurate attempt selection on meet day.”
McKendree’s training model uses Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), requiring athletes to report fatigue and performance after each practice. This feedback helps prevent injury and help optimize progress.
“Fatigue is the main indicator of injury,” Bechel said. “Navigating that is our primary focus with programming.”
Bechel also emphasized the importance of coachability, tenacity, and hard work. He believes coaching plays a vital role in building confidence and resilience in athletes.
“A coach lays out a path that can build success,” he said. “Small wins build momentum toward confidence and autonomy. Long term, that builds character.”
Several athletes demonstrated resilience during the meet. Bechel talked about lifters who missed early attempts but came back to complete them successfully during later attempts.
“That is a small type of resilience we see every meet,” he said. “Athletes building confidence and not wilting under a mistake.”
Among the standout performances was 67.5kg lifter Esteban Mallory, who hit a personal best with a 315-pound bench press. It was his first time benching over 300 pounds in a meet.
“I was less confident because of the pauses,” Mallory said. “But Brad and Grayson were confident in me.”
Mallory’s preparation was both physical and spiritual. Before his heaviest lift, he listened to worship music and reflected on his faith. Mallory also adjusted his nutrition to peak for competition, increasing his carbohydrate intake and eating more frequently. He credited disciplined training and strategic coaching for his success at this meet.
“The hardest part was not overshooting,” he said. “Saving numbers for the meet was key.”
Looking ahead, Esteban’s goal for the future is winning Nationals. He believes the team performed well but also sees room for improvement.
Despite the room for improvement, McKendree’s results speak volumes. The men’s team claimed first place overall, while the women’s team earned second place, continuing their strong season.
Bechel sees these results as part of a larger journey. His focus remains on building athletes who are not only strong but resilient, coachable, and committed.
“Strength is the foundation,” he said. “But mindset determines how far you can go.”
