Phoenix, Arizona – July 30, 2026 – Two members of the Grand Canyon University Powerlifting team continued the program's successful offseason by capturing first-place finishes at the Powerlifting America WSS Powerfest. The Powerlifting America meet - held at WADE Strength Systems in Glendale - featured lifters from across the region competing in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, while also serving as an opportunity for athletes to qualify for future state and national competitions.
Competing in the junior division, GCU's
Nathen Binkley claimed first place in the 83-kilogram weight class, totaling 477.5 kilograms across his three lifts. His day was highlighted by a 170-kilogram squat – a new personal record.
"Nathen has been putting in a lot of hard work this summer, and it paid off with a new squat PR," said GCU Head Coach
Dawson Aaron. "If he stays consistent, there will be many more PRs soon."
The Lopes'
Isabella Bilyeu also earned a first-place finish while competing in the female 69-kilogram weight class, combining for a 250-kilogram total between the bench press and deadlift. In the process, Bilyeu broke the Minnesota state records in both lifts.
The performance marked Bilyeu's return to competition after spending the past year focused exclusively on training. During that time, she also moved up three weight classes from where she last competed at the NAPF University Cup in the Cayman Islands.
"Taking a year away from competing and focusing on getting stronger allowed Izzy to hit a 12.5-kilogram bench PR and a 25-kilogram deadlift PR," Aaron said.
The pair's performances continued an impressive stretch for the Lopes, who just had
24 lifters represent GCU at Powerlifting America Nationals in May.
"As we head into the school year, I am excited to see more of our athletes show off the summer progress they have made and help motivate the new lifters who are joining the team," Aaron said.
Next up for GCU will be the NAPF Bench Press Regional Championships in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, on October 30. Four current Lopes and one GCU Powerlifting alumnus are expected to compete internationally—a significant increase from last year's contingent of just two athletes.
