LG Leopard Athletes Show Their True Colors

Every athlete wants to win for their team, especially if they are in high school and almost to the end of their sports career. Some of our La Grange High School Men’s Powerlifting athletes shared the goal of making regionals, then state, and even planned to shave their heads if they were successful at the regional meet.

Apparently, winning isn’t everything, which was proven by Leopard athletes for this year’s men’s powerlifting meet for Region 4, Division 2, at the regional competition at West Hardin High School on March 9. At the event, LHS athletes exhibited that presence and progress is everything; but beyond that, they showed grace.

Cody Krupala, a Junior at LHS, was working all season to make it for the first or second place in his weight division (123) so he could go to the state competition. This is the second year that he and his coach, Carlos Guevera, have done the math and worked through many scenarios to give him the best shot at his regionals goal.

When Cody couldn’t quite get his last lift in at the weight he needed to go to state, he was immediately consoled by his coach, then his teammates. They physically held him up and switched places to give him affirmations. He was surrounded by his Leopard team, and as his mom, I was so touched. I chose not to take a picture. That moment and memory is sacred to the men that stood with my son, whose hard work was validated by his team even in loss.

Adults often expect the worst from teenagers, and many athletic events have unsportsmanlike players and parents. Our experience here in La Grange has been one of unparalleled support and encouragement from coaches and fellow players alike, win or lose. My son said he wanted to “make state” with this team before the Seniors graduated in May. As it turned out, this was exactly the team he needed to surround him when he didn’t. What a world it would be if all of our young men and women possessed the character exhibited by the LHS Men’s Powerlifting Team and coaches.