2024 National University Championships Results (PDF)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The list of accomplishments keeps growing for Concordia University sophomore Evan Fukuhara. The Sacramento, Calif., native rose to the top of the podium at the 2024 National University Championships held in Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 29 – March 3, and sponsored by USA Weightlifting. Fukuhara captured the national title in the 67kg weight class as one of six Bulldogs to represent the Concordia Weightlifting program at the national meet.
The national event marked the final outing of the 2023-24 collegiate season for Head Coach Freddie Myles’ weightlifting squad. Fukuhara became the first national champion in the two-year history of Bulldog weightlifting or powerlifting.
“This was a big step in the right direction for the program,” Myles said. “I was pleased with Evan moving up from outside of the medals last year into the top spot this year. Also, he became the school’s first National Champion and All American. I was very pleased with how the athletes performed and supported each other throughout the tournament. Gracy Johnson had a superb performance, setting new personal bests in both lifts and total.”
Fukuhara was joined in the national qualifying field by teammates Michael Davidge (89kg), Nolan Graupmann (102kg), Adrian Hernandez (109kg), Gracy Johnson (71kg) and Cody Monsevais (89kg). Their achievements at the National University Championships are listed below. In addition to Fukuhara, three Bulldogs placed top 10 within their weight classes: Johnson (eighth), Monsevais (eighth) and Davidge (ninth).
The 2023-24 season for the national champion Fukuhara also included titles at the Iowa Championships and the North American Open Finals. The latter event took place in Wilmington, N.C., and stands out as another prestigious event across the USA Weightlifting landscape.
Bulldogs at the 2024 National University Championships:
· Michael Davidge – placed ninth in 89kg class; totaled 265kg.
· Evan Fukuhara – won 67kg national title with a total of 243kg; beat out the runner up by 15kg; earned All-America status.
· Nolan Graupmann – placed 12th in 102kg class; totaled 213kg.
· Adrian Hernandez – placed 14th in 109kg class; totaled 201kg.
· Gracy Johnson – placed eighth in 71kg class; set new personal records in snatch, clean and jerk and total; totaled 170kg.
· Cody Monsevais – placed eighth in the 89kg class; set new personal record for clean and jerk with 154kg; totaled 269kg.
Myles and assistant coach Chevy Stout will next be focused on readying the powerlifting team for the Collegiate Powerlifting National Championships in Atlanta, Ga., April 11-14.