The 2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships were nothing short of legendary for Gryphon Strength Barbell. For the second straight year, our athletes brought home both the Male Best Team Award and the Female Best Team Award, cementing our reputation as one of the strongest and most unified teams in the state.

Every lifter contributed to this historic achievement, showing grit, resilience, and championship spirit. Here’s a full breakdown of each athlete’s performance.

Women’s Team Highlights

Michelle Woogen – A Gritty Debut

• Snatch: 51kg, 54kg, close miss at 58kg (2/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 61kg, 64kg (2/2, power variations to protect injury)

• Total: 118kg – 1st place in category

Michelle’s first meet with Gryphon Strength was inspiring. Coming off a non-weightlifting injury, she showed courage and composure, helping secure valuable team points.

Lydia Marquez – Perfect 6 for 6

• Snatch: 38kg, 40kg, 42kg (3/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 51kg, 54kg, 57kg (competition PR)

• Total: 99kg – 2nd place in category

Balancing a demanding school schedule, Lydia delivered a flawless performance, hitting a competition PR total and proving her consistency under pressure.

Lucille Murphy – Rock Solid Competitor

• Snatch: 65kg, 68kg, miss at 71kg (2/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 88kg, 92kg, 95kg (competition PR)

• Total: 163kg – 1st place in category

Lucille once again showed why she’s a cornerstone of our team, powering through tough warm-ups to secure a competition PR and gold.

Alexandria Zikoyanis – Strong Recovery

• Snatch: Miss, miss, 46kg (1/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 58kg, 61kg, 64kg (3/3)

• Total: 110kg – 1st place in category

After a rocky start in the snatch, Alexandria came back with determination, sweeping her clean & jerks to lock in first place.

Emma Sabini – Resilience Personified

• Snatch: 0/3 (bomb out)

• Clean & Jerk: 86kg, 88kg, 90kg (3/3)

Emma’s day didn’t start as planned, but her comeback in the clean & jerk showed true grit and respect for the sport. We couldn’t be prouder of her fight.

Claire Weche – Triumphant Return

• Snatch: 56kg, 58kg, 60kg (3/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 68kg, 71kg, 74kg (3/3)

• Total: 134kg – 1st place in category

After two years away from competition, Claire returned with a perfect 6 for 6 performance, proving she’s back and stronger than ever.

Megan Alvey – Huge PR Day

• Snatch: 66kg, 69kg, 71kg (competition PR)

• Clean & Jerk: 87kg, 91kg, 95kg (competition PR)

• Total: 166kg – 1st place in category

Cutting to the 69kg class for the first time, Megan delivered a massive PR total and a flawless 6 for 6 day.

Men’s Team Highlights

Bryan Jow – Masters Champion

• Snatch: 107kg, 111kg, 114kg (3/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 134kg, 138kg, 142kg (3/3)

• Total: 256kg – Best Overall Masters Male Lifter + 1st place

Bryan dominated with a perfect day, setting the tone as he prepares for Masters Worlds later this year.

Marc Marquez – Best Overall Male Lifter

• Snatch: 121kg (1/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 144kg, 149kg (2/3)

• Total: 270kg – Best Overall Male Lifter + 1st place

Balancing his new career as a sheriff, Marc still delivered a $300 prize-winning performance, proving his resilience and strength.

Christian Tsakanikas – Big PR Battle

• Snatch: 125kg, 130kg (2/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 165kg (competition PR), miss at 172kg

• Total: 295kg – 1st place in category

Christian chased the Best Male Lifter title, hitting a competition PR clean & jerk and tying his best-ever total.

Adam Gordon – Newcomer Impact

• Snatch: 117kg, 120kg, 123kg (competition PR)

• Clean & Jerk: 146kg, 151kg, miss at 156kg (PR clean)

• Total: 274kg – 1st place in category

In his debut with Gryphon Strength, Adam showed why he belongs, hitting multiple PRs and securing gold.

Samuel Anderson – Strong Comeback

• Snatch: 125kg, 130kg, 134kg (3/3)

• Clean & Jerk: 155kg (1/3)

• Total: 289kg – 1st place in category

Returning just weeks before States, Samuel delivered a solid 289kg total, sealing another category win for the team.

Team Legacy Continues

From rookies to veterans, every lifter contributed to Gryphon Strength Barbell’s sweep of the Best Team Awards at the 2025 New York State Championships. This victory wasn’t just about medals—it was about resilience, unity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

We are beyond proud of our athletes and can’t wait to carry this momentum into the rest of the season.