KILLEEN,TX (DTV) – (03/27/2026) – The Davison JV Powerlifters have put the program on the big stage after the boys dominated and claimed the title of the 2026 national champions! The girls also had an impressive showing at the national competition in Killeen Texas finishing in the top 5 with 3rd place! Davison also won the combined overall team championship.
“The kids are working so hard. And it’s really cool to see everybody come together this far from home.” said powerlifting coach Zachary Wagner, who is lovingly known as “Coach Wags”
Up next is the varsity members who started competing early Friday morning. Keith Wheeler took 3rd in his weight class at nationals. Tori Schumacher, Mackenzie Arden, and Bella Keasler all finished in the top 10 but did not medal.
“The mindset is always, you know, kind of what the mindset is in every Davison athlete. We’re going to compete, we’re going to drive, and we’re going to show the world what we got.” said Coach Wags.
This is only the 4th year of the program and Coach Wags says he is going to continue pushing these powerlifters forward not only in powerlifting, but in life.
“My message to the kids has always been, what does it take to break you? And it’s a Nick Saban thing. And so just because something happens to you on the last play, it can’t affect the next play, it can’t affect the next lift. And I tell these kids that, you know, yes this is for powerlifting, and yes Nick Saban is a football coach. And yes, you know this is all sports and that, but in life that’s going to happen to you. You’re going to be on your way to work and you’re going to get a flat tire. Does that ruin your week? You know, what does it take to break you? Don’t let it break your focus. Don’t let it break your concentration. Stay focused and stay in gear. And really, that’s what our focus is with these kids. And when you do that, great things are happening and it’s showing and it’s really cool.”
You can listen to the full interview HERE
Or follow their journey on the Davison High School Powerlifting Facebook page