Lions excel at National University Championships, three named to FISU America Games

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The  Mars Hill University's Olympic Weightlifting team traveled to Salt Lake City to compete at the 2026 University Nationals.

Sebastian Rose (60kg) kicked off the weekend, snatching 86kg and earning silver in the clean and jerk with 112kg, as well as silver in total with 198kg. Nahshon Paul (65kg) followed, sweeping silver across the board with a 109kg snatch and a 136kg clean and jerk. He also secured All-American honors with a 245kg total.

Senior Reagan Best (53kg) was up next, totaling 135kg with a 59kg snatch and a 76kg clean and jerk in her final University Nationals appearance. Alyssa Jordan (58kg) closed out the night by securing silver with her opening snatch at 79kg before unfortunately injuring her elbow on her third attempt and having to withdraw.

On Friday, Alex Lambert (79kg) snatched 108kg and clean and jerked 130kg, totaling 238kg in his third appearance on the University National stage. Pricilla Webley (63kg) went 3/3 in the clean and jerk, finishing at 89kg.

Makiyah Nickerson (63kg) became a three-time University National Champion, earning gold in the snatch (89kg), silver in the clean and jerk (110kg), and gold in total (199kg). This performance also secured her All-American honors. Her results this weekend earned her a spot on Team USA this fall at the FISU Games.

Bryce Eberhardt (88kg) posted a 124kg snatch, 161kg clean and jerk, and a 285kg total, earning All-American status. Sam Wainwright (88kg) closed out Friday night with a silver sweep, lifting 132kg in the snatch, 170kg in the clean and jerk, and totaling 302kg, also earning All-American honors.

Sophomore Madi Muse (69kg) achieved a 4kg competition PR in the snatch (74kg) and a 9kg competition PR in the clean and jerk (99kg), for a massive 13kg total PR. Senior Kamal Rustom (94kg) snatched 114kg for a 4kg PR, then clean and jerked 155kg to match his best. He narrowly missed 165kg on his third attempt, finishing with a 269kg total.

Rubie Dobbins (86kg) kicked off the final day early. Returning from a back injury, her goal was to have fun and contribute team points, and she did just that. She snatched 64kg, clean and jerked 81kg, and totaled 145kg.

Ivy Gunn (77kg) followed with a bronze sweep, lifting 88kg in the snatch, 110kg in the clean and jerk, and totaling 198kg. Her performance also earned All-American honors. Ariana Acosta-Ramirez (86+) finished strong, clean and jerking 88kg.

Will Wainwright (110kg) snatched 134kg, clean and jerked 174kg, and totaled 308kg. As a track athlete currently in season, hitting these numbers is no small feat. He also earned All-American status. Wyatt Vanderlois (110+) made his national debut, lifting 122kg in the snatch, 153kg in the clean and jerk, and totaling 275kg.

For the first time in program history, the men's team made it onto the podium, making a huge improvement from 6th place last year to 2nd place this year.

Makiyah Nickerson, Ivy Gunn, and Sam Wainwright  officially qualified for the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima, Peru.

Head Coach Malgorzata Andersohn stated, "This is an incredible accomplishment and a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance these athletes have shown in their training and competition."

Makiyah Nickerson (63kg), Ivy Gunn (77kg), and Sam Wainwright (88kg) earned their invitations through outstanding performances at the 2026 University Nationals and will now have the opportunity to compete on an international stage against some of the top collegiate athletes in the Pan American region.

She added, "To have three athletes qualify for such a prestigious event is a huge achievement for our program, and we couldn't be more excited to see them represent our school. Congratulations, Makiyah, Ivy, and Sam! What an amazing opportunity and well-deserved honor!"