Nicholls Student Veterans Association hosts powerlifting fundraiser

Nicholls Student Veterans Association, along with Bayou Barbell, hosted their second annual powerlifting fundraiser event, Lifting for a Cause, under the Nicholls Soccer Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 6.

The funds raised during the event were donated to Louisiana State Police Troop C Grant-a-Wish Foundation.

Lifters took part in three events including bench press, squat and deadlift.

For each pound lifted, a sponsor could match it with the amount of money they chose to donate.

This year, there were a total of 14 lifters. Lifters were sponsored by family and friends or monetary donations were given in the lifter’s name.

Nicholls students, faculty and the surrounding community members attended the event in support of the foundation.

“Why not come do what I love doing for a good cause,” said Zachary Osburn, powerlifter from Morgan City.

Betsy St. Pierre, assistant professor of the department of psychology and counselor education at Nicholls, also participated in the event. St. Pierre, who lifts and does CrossFit, wanted to dedicate her time and talents to the event and the Nicholls Veterans Association.

St. Pierre said that some of the other professors from the department sponsored her, as well as fellow members of CrossFit Crab Trap.

Lance Duet, a member of Nicholls Student Veterans Association and Houma resident, said, “I’m here for another year and a half, so definitely as long as I’m here and to keep it rolling for the next group of veterans coming through.”

Duet said that Lifting for a Cause promotes physical fitness, philanthropy and helps out the community.

This year, the money raised was given directly to Troop C. The Grant-a-Wish Foundation is focused on keeping their funds local to grant a wish to children under the age of 18 who face life-threatening or altering diseases and illnesses.