USA Weightlifting Returns to Baton Rouge for 2016 National University Championships and Inaugural Under 25 Championships

USA Weightlifting will return to Baton Rouge for the 2016 USA Weightlifting National University Championships and inaugural USA Weightlifting Under 25 Championships.

Competition will take place from September 22 – 25 at the Baton Rouge’s River Center Arena. Results from the National University Championships will determine which 15 athletes represent the United States at the World University Championships this November in Merida, Mexico.

The events will be co-hosted with Gayle Hatch Weightlifting, led by former USAW national level athlete, Matt Bruce. Bruce will be supported by Louisiana State University’s Tommy Moffit and his staff at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football program.

“As a former athlete and now coach in USA Weightlifting, it is an honor to help host the 2016 USA Weightlifting University Nationals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” said Matt Bruce. Baton Rouge and the Gayle Hatch Weightlifting Team has deep roots within USA Weightlifting, and we are confident in our abilities to host an amazing and unforgettable competition.”

Baton Rouge is a historic base for the sport of weightlifting. Gayle Hatch Weightlifting has produced 54 National Champions, including Olympians Bret Brian and Tommy Calandro and World Championships team members Matt Bruce and Blair Lobrano.

Athletes will be housed at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel, an iconic Baton Rouge hotel located across the street from the competition facility. To keep costs low for athletes, the hotel will provide reduced room rates and airport shuttles for athletes staying at the property. The hotel is located downtown, right on the Mississippi River and a short walk away from the Old Governor’s Mansion and Louisiana State Capitol.

“We are delighted to return to this historic home of weightlifting events in Baton Rouge. We have a strong partnership with Matt Bruce and LSU and are looking forward to this national event for university students as well as the inaugural Under 25 Championships,” said Phil Andrews, Director of Events & Programs at USA Weightlifting.

The 2015 National University Championships took place at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Over 370 students participated. This year’s event is expected to bring in even larger participation, especially with the introduction of the Under 25 Championships.

The official event page will soon be posted on the USA Weightlifting website. It will include information on qualifying totals, registration, hotel bookings, and other pertinent logistics.











