In its two years of existence, the University of North Florida Weightlifting Club has shown the nation its strength in more than one way.

When it showed up to face 41 different schools at the USA Weightlifting Collegiate National Championships in Charleston, Ill., Feb. 12-13, other schools were shown just how strong the Ospreys can be.

“That was pretty big,” Jesse Reynolds, the team’s president, said. “I was hoping for a top five finish since we lost our two top lifters after last season.”

Photo by David Rosenblum

UNF finished second in the meet, backed by the four members of the team who could make the trip.

Senior Kevin Caldabaugh placed sixth in the 152-pound (69 kg) class after he snatched 170.5 pounds (77.5 kg) and completed a clean and jerk for 220 pounds (100kg).

Freshman Chad Snowden placed 11th in the 187-pound (85 kg) class after completing a snatch for 209 pounds (95 kg) and the clean and jerk at 264 pounds (120 kg). He totaled 473 pounds (215 kg).

Senior Jesse Reynolds, who heads the team, placed fifth in the 231-pound (105 kg) class. He snatched 214.5 pounds (97.5 kg) and completed a and clean and jerk at 275 pounds (125 kg). He ended with a total of 490 pounds (222.5 kg).

Freshman Tony Palmieri placed sixth in the 231-plus pound (105+ kg) class. He snatched 242 pounds (110 kg) and completed a clean and jerk of 291.5 pounds (132.5 kg) for a total of 532 pounds (242.5 kg).

Reynolds felt the team performed well, stating that three of the four members exceeded their personal best lifts during the meet.

“Everybody went out there and out of us four, two of the guys were in their first nationals,” Reynolds said.

UNF originally qualified six members for the meet, but two couldn’t make the Student Government-funded trip.

UNF Weightlifting has existed on campus for less than two years and already has accomplished a considerable amount of feats in its existence, including playing host to the Joe Dube Classic. UNF is the only state university with a fully-sponsored weightlifting team in Florida.

Contact David Rosenblum at spinnakersports@yahoo.com.