Tirth Patel makes history at District 214 by becoming the first IHSPLA state placer
In March 2024, Brad Jenisch, the powerlifting coach at Prospect High School, started promoting the Barbell Club and garnered interest from four students. One of these students, Tirth Patel, began lifting weights.
Tirth's interest in lifting stemmed from his experiences in middle school, where he was often bullied for being nonathletic. This changed when his wrestling coach saw potential in him and invited him to join the wrestling team during his first year at Prospect.
Tirth took up wrestling and has remained dedicated throughout his time at Prospect. However, in March 2024, Tirth discovered a new talent for powerlifting. His coaches recognized his strength and encouraged him to compete in junior varsity wrestling during his freshman year, where he honed skills that he later applied to the Barbell Club. Determined to excel, Tirth entered his first powerlifting regional competition in April and emerged as the individual regional champion.
Tirth's passion for lifting grew, and he committed to training every chance he got after school. While Barbell Club typically met on Mondays, Tirth trained diligently on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays when the weight room was open. After his regional victory, he shifted his focus toward the state competition, aiming to place well.
A few weeks later, he learned that he had qualified for the Illinois High School Powerlifting State Championship. Tirth continued to train rigorously, even during SAT testing and AP exams.
Tirth stated, “I was determined to place at state to make my parents proud and improve my overall lifts.”
At the state meet, Tirth achieved three new personal records in bench press, squat and deadlift in the 132-pound weight class, improving his total lift by 55 pounds in just one month. His consistent training paid off as he placed second at the Illinois High School Powerlifting Association State Championship.
This accomplishment marked the first time a student-athlete from Township High School District 214 placed at this meet, making history for Prospect High School and setting a foundation for future Knights in powerlifting. Tirth serves as an influential role model within the powerlifting community at Prospect.
In May, Tirth was recognized for being the first state placer at the IHSPLA State Championship during the Spotlight Assembly hosted by Prospect High School.