MONROE, Conn. — Sacred Heart University student and powerlifting team captain Edward Medaris, 20, will represent both his university and the state of Connecticut at the upcoming USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championships.
Competing in the 140-plus kilogram super heavyweight division, Medaris has developed a reputation for his heavy lifts, work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement. His training totals in the squat, bench press and deadlift place him among competitive collegiate lifters in his weight class nationwide.
An honors graduate of The Canterbury School, Medaris served as captain of the wrestling team and was a starting offensive and defensive lineman for the Canterbury Saints football program, helping the team secure a New England regional championship. He previously earned Dean’s List honors at Salve Regina University before transferring to Sacred Heart to pursue a degree in exercise science with plans for a future career in physical therapy.
Medaris’ winding athletic path has included both opportunities and setbacks. After being recruited to play collegiate football, an injury prompted him to redirect his competitive focus toward powerlifting and reassess his academic goals. He credits these experiences with shaping his perspective on leadership, resilience and athlete development.
“I’ve learned that success in athletics goes far beyond physical strength or performance,” Medaris said. “Safety awareness, mental toughness, and emotional intelligence all play an important role in building strong teams and sustaining a long-term career in sport.”
Now serving as captain of Sacred Heart’s powerlifting team, Medaris balances demanding academic responsibilities with an intensive training schedule both on campus and at Gleason Performance Training in Ansonia. He trains up to five days per week and is proud to represent his university and Connecticut on the national stage.
A strong showing at Collegiate Nationals could place Medaris among the top collegiate super heavyweight lifters in the country, while helping bring greater visibility to strength sports within Connecticut’s college athletic community.
Medaris is available for interviews, feature stories, and training footage opportunities leading up to and following the national competition in New Orleans, April 8–12.
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