Meet Monday: SUOC member lives life outdoors, wins powerlifting competition
Allen Chiu | Staff Photographer
Laura Sowalskie, a junior public relations major, is a n active member at the Syracuse University Outing Club. After joining the group, she became interested in powerlifting and now holds the junior New York state record for squat lift and dead lift.
“Active” is the word Laura Sowalskie uses to describe her lifestyle.
Looking at her typical weekend schedule — which might include a powerlifting workout, a beautiful day-hike or a 30-foot rock climb — the portrayal seems accurate.
“I love being fit in general,” she said. “Being outside in nature is just a greater motivator for me.”
Sowalskie, a junior public relations major, is an avid outdoorswoman who spent most of her childhood outside climbing trees or playing in the woods of the Adirondacks, where she spent every summer.
“I love being outside. It makes me happier,” she said. “I just love doing things in general.”
She recently spent a weekend hiking in 20 degrees, which she referred to as “really nice” weather.
At Syracuse University, Sowalskie uses her passion as a member of the SU Outing Club, where she serves as vice president. She is also a cross-country skiing and day-hike leader.
Sowalskie credits SUOC for being the most rewarding decision she has made in her college career.
“Joining SUOC is the best, not only because of the activities, but also because of the people,” Sowalskie said. “I have met some of the most genuine, trustworthy and interesting people on campus.”
A SUOC member introduced Sowalskie to another recent passion of hers: competitive powerlifting.
Powerlifting includes three different lifts of heavy weights: the bench press, the squat and the deadlift. Sowalskie specializes in the squat.
She first began practicing powerlifting in the spring of 2012, but didn’t start training seriously until a fellow SUOC member suggested she sign up for a competition.
“My first reaction was ‘No way!’ But once I convinced myself I was going to try, it gave me a goal and a date to work towards,” she said.
The hard work paid off because Sowalskie ended up winning in her age and weight class. She currently holds the junior New York state record for squat lift and dead lift at 250 and 280 pounds, respectively.
“It was a pretty cool feeling to get that trophy,” Sowalskie said, who was one of the only female competitors at the tournament. She expects to compete again this fall.
Published on January 26, 2014 at 10:06 pm
Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu
