By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann

Independence, KS – The 2021-22 school year marks the beginning of a new athletics program in Independence. The Pirates have begun building a powerlifting team, which will compete in local events, with the long-term goal of eventually becoming a junior collegiate power on the national stage.

“We are constantly seeking new opportunities for our current and prospective students," President Vincent Bowhay, Ed.D, said of the program launch. “We are excited to offer another program with local and regional demand, as yet another reason to come to, and stay, at ICC!”

Mark Allen has been hired to be the first Head Powerlifting Coach at Independence Community College. After eight successful seasons coaching the team at Coffeyville, Allen made the jump to Indy this August for the Pirates’ inaugural season.

“We see this as a program with local demand, so we wanted someone with community ties and experience building a powerlifting program through recruitment,” Athletic Director Eric Figurski said of the hire. “Coach Allen has a clear vision for the program and has already recruited several students to campus. We are very excited for to see this program grow immediately.”

Allen is a Kansas native who attended Caney High School. He joined the powerlifting team in high school and won a State Championship. Through powerlifting, Allen said he learned important life lessons involving work ethic, mental toughness, comradery, and discipline.

“I’m very excited about moving to ICC and starting the powerlifting program,” Allen said. “So far, all the other coaches and staff have been very welcoming and supportive. I look forward to growing the team and working for ICC.”

After college, Allen transitioned into strongman competitions, earning a pro card in May 2015. Now at the helm for the Pirates, Allen plans to build the program from the ground up.

“My main goal for this first year is to grow and get more students involved,” Allen said. “We will start with local meets, and the goal someday is to do some qualifiers for nationals. Down the road, hopefully we’ll eventually be competing against the best college powerlifters in the country.”

A typical powerlifting season lasts an entire school year with one competition in the Fall semester and one in the Spring. Allen said he plans to work with his student-athletes 12-16 weeks in preparation for each meet.

As the team grows and improves, the sky will be the limit for Pirates’ powerlifters under the guidance of Coach Allen.

“We’re going to stay active,” he said. “Lifting has a lot of physical and mental benefits that can be applied to other areas in life, and I just want to instill that in my student-athletes.  I want to give everyone involved with this team a positive experience.”

Independence Community College (ICC) is a two-year educational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. First established in 1925 as grades 13 and 14 of the Independence public school system, Independence Community College legally separated from the school district as its own entity which began offering college courses in the fall of 1970. Currently, ICC’s educational and support programming includes 35 programs of study for Associate of Arts and/or Science degrees, 11 programs of study for Certificate completion, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, men's and women's athletic programs and a variety of campus organizations and activities.