Meet Our South Dakota State Chair — Houston Wentzel 💪 Houston Wentzel has been involved in powerlifting since 2014, beginning his journey in local, unsanctioned high school meets across South Dakota. In 2016, he entered the USA Powerlifting scene by traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he attempted a Teen 1 American Deadlift record — an experience that fueled his passion even further. After placing 3rd at USAPL High School Nationals in 2018, Houston remained dedicated to the sport through college, helping with local meets as a judge, spotter, and loader. In 2021, he began coaching at the high school level, where he built a team of 45 athletes — several of whom have gone on to compete and place at USAPL High School Nationals over the past three years. Now, as the USAPL South Dakota State Chair, Houston is focused on growing the sport across the state. His goals include hosting 2–4 meets annually, expanding the state’s membership to 100+ lifters of all ages, and continuing to build ...