TEMPLE, TX – The energy was electric at the Frank Mayborn Convention Center on Wednesday evening as the Temple Tem-Cat powerlifting team hosted the highly anticipated Temple Invitational. Competing in a crowded field of powerhouse programs, the Tem-Cats secured an 8th place finish overall.

What made Temple's performance particularly noteworthy was their discipline; every Tem-Cat athlete competed unequipped, relying purely on raw strength and technique while many opponents utilized supportive gear. Lake Belton ultimately took the top spot on the podium, claiming 1st place with a team score of 60 points.

Podium Finishes and Standout Performances

With medals awarded to the top five finishers in each weight class, several Tem-Cats fought their way onto the podium against stiff competition.

Mariah Gaines led the charge for Temple in the 220 lb division, securing a 3rd place finish with a massive total of 735 lbs. Gaines put on a clinic of consistency across all three lifts:
Squat: 280 lbs
Bench Press: 130 lbs
Deadlift: 325 lbs

Joining her on the podium was Chloe Watkins, who earned 3rd place in the 165 lb division with a solid total lift of 575 lbs. In the 198 lb class, Kamiya Porter powered through to a 4th place finish, moving a total of 695 lbs, while Alixxiya Minor also secured 4th place in the 148 lb division with a total of 610 lbs. Rounding out the medalists was Madison Sapp, whose 530 lb total earned her 5th place in the competitive 123 lb division.

Full Temple Results

The Tem-Cats showed impressive depth across nearly every weight class. Here is how the full roster performed:

Madison Sapp (123 lb): 5th Place – 530 lbs
Emily Stanfield (123 lb): 7th Place – 465 lbs
Lilyian Wilkerson (132 lb): 7th Place – 510 lbs
Alixxiya Minor (148 lb): 4th Place – 610 lbs
Kayla Slauson (148 lb): 11th Place – 460 lbs
Chloe Watkins (165 lb): 3rd Place – 575 lbs
Willow Pratt-Sims (165 lb): 6th Place – 525 lbs
Kamiya Porter (198 lb): 4th Place – 695 lbs
Kaylyn Wolf (198 lb): 6th Place – 660 lbs
Alaina Lopez (198 lb): 7th Place – 585 lbs
Mariah Gaines (220 lb): 3rd Place – 735 lbs
Mattie Whittemore (220 lb): 6th Place – 580 lbs
Ginger Evans (220 lb): 8th Place – 520 lbs

The Tem-Cats will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, proving that their raw approach to the sport can compete with the best in the region.