Stephan, an insider linebacker on the Springboro football team, began training with Springboro’s Josh Doran about three months ago.
Because of his football commitment, Stephan lifts three times a week.
Regardless, he set state and world records in the bench press, squat and dead lift in the 198-pound, 14- and 15-year-old amateur class. Stephan, who weighs 185 pounds, benched 200 pounds, squatted 260 pounds and deep lifted 360 pounds for a 820-pound total.
Since it was his first competition, Stephan said he was “really happy” with the records, which he hopes to break at his next meet, possibly in October.
Stephan enjoys weight lifting because it allows him to “let all my anger out,” he said.
His father, John Sukola, said he knew Stephan was physically strong, but he was most impressed by his mental toughness he displayed at the meet.
“When you’re 15 and strong, sometimes your mind can get in the way,” his father said. “He had question marks about his confidence.”
Those question marks have been replaced by exclamation points.
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