LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL POWERLIFTING ASSOCIATION
About Us
A tradition of strength. A community built to last.
Our history
High school powerlifting began as a way to bring competition to football off-season strength programs. Teams gathered to demonstrate individual and team strength. One such event took place in 1965 under the direction of Dr. Billy Jack Talton, then a football coach at Bastrop High School.
In 1979, Louisiana Tech University hosted one of the first High School Invitational Meets, also under Dr. Talton’s direction. He was an instructor of Physical Education and the university’s Powerlifting Coach. The Tech Invitational would eventually host the North Regional for the next 20 years.
During the 1980s, powerlifting developed into a sport in its own right. The Louisiana High School Powerlifting Association was formed in 1983 to organize and govern competition for high school athletes. In 2012, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association officially recognized powerlifting as a certified sport.
Growing across Louisiana
The sport includes male and female athletes who compete according to body weight. To qualify for the State Meet, athletes must first compete in one of six regional competitions—North, South, East, West, Central, and Bayou—and meet the qualifying criteria established by the LHSPLA.
Under the direction of the LHSPLA Executive Committee, high school powerlifting has continued to grow. Invitational meets provide opportunities to compete before the regional and state championships. State Meet participation grew from 46 athletes in 1983 to 1,025 in 2022.
A LEGACY BEYOND THE PLATFORM
Dr. Billy Jack Talton
Dr. Billy Jack Talton’s influence extended beyond developing strong athletes. He helped develop the coaches, officials and mentors who would carry powerlifting forward.
Former athletes remember his high expectations, encouragement and lifelong mentorship. The relationships built under his guidance continued long after competition, helping shape Louisiana’s powerlifting community.
His legacy lives on in the opportunities created for students and in the people who continue to guide them.
OUR PURPOSE
Mission Statement
The LHSPLA exists to promote the sport of powerlifting, educate athletes, coaches and parents, and continually invest in the present and future of High School Powerlifting throughout the state of Louisiana.
OUR FUTURE
Vision Statement
We believe our strength comes from creating lifelong enthusiasts who remain an active part of our growing community. We strive to have our student athletes become adult leaders.