By: Bianca Pando, Entertainment Editor
At Mills High School, the weightlifting unit may seem like just another Physical Education unit to pass the class. Many may picture this time to be something spent in solitude, pushing through another set at the gym. However the same cannot be said for the Mills Weightlifting Club, where the experience is anything but lonely. This club is not only a high school club, but rather a community where everyone shares the same goal, encouragement, and the same drive to push.
This newly established club was founded by Daniel Ingalsbe, a senior here at our High School. It differs from the other clubs as it is one that focuses on the physical, using the school’s gym, basketball courts, and track during flex time on Wednesdays and Fridays. Although many would limit the club to just being for physical improvement, it is so much more.
When first starting the club, Ingalsbe believed that it was important to put together a community with like-minded students, meaning anyone that wants to join is always welcomed.
“We welcome walk-in as long as you sign in, everyone is welcomed. Some people don’t want to weightlift, but we support athletics in general. We have the track and field open, we have the basketball courts opened as well,” expressed Ingalsbe.
While interviewing members of the club, it’s easy to tell why the club has so many people, as everyone is always so nice and supportive, no matter what level you may be at.
“I joined the club for self improvement and I just wanted to find somewhere to be instead of wasting my time.” explained Domenic Ocon (11) As we continued to talk, he shared how many don’t think about the mental aspect of it as well. “It has also impacted me mentally because it makes you build mental strength. You know when you gotta keep pushing and pushing and it applies to academics and sports as well, when you gotta keep pushing forward,” he added.
The club ensures that everyone is safe while using the weights, and they welcome staff members as well. German Gonzalez, a staff member at Mills High School stated, “I believe this club is different from the others in the sense of not only challenging the students physically but mentally as well, giving them a sense of purpose when it comes to weightlifting.”
Although the club may seem intimidating at first, it is truly a live environment, filled with nothing but support. If you’re ever interested in wanting to push yourself, testing your limits, not only physically, but mentally as well, the Mills Weightlifting is a great spot!
