By Bruce Rolfe
Climax-Scotts High School senior Ryan Pejakovich admits he wasn’t very familiar with powerlifting when he transferred to Climax-Scotts High School in the fifth grade.
Kevin Langs, the former C-S varsity football coach, and the now retired powerlifting coach, introduced him to the sport when Pejakovich was in junior high and he quickly embraced it.
That interest intensified and led to a dedicated student-athlete who went on to enjoy a very impressive high school powerlifting career at C-S. Pejakovich became a school record holder in the squat (525 pounds) and bench press (320) competing in the 220-pound weight class in 2024. He also established a school records again in the squat (565 pounds), which tied the state record, and bench press (340), as well as setting the school record in the deadlift (500) and total weight (1405) competing in the 220-pound weight class recently at the State Finals March 7 at Lake Orion.
Climax-Scotts High School senior Ryan Pejakovich admits he wasn’t very familiar with powerlifting when he transferred to Climax-Scotts High School in the fifth grade.
Kevin Langs, the former C-S varsity football coach, and the now retired powerlifting coach, introduced him to the sport when Pejakovich was in junior high and he quickly embraced it.
That interest intensified and led to a dedicated student-athlete who went on to enjoy a very impressive high school powerlifting career at C-S. Pejakovich became a school record holder in the squat (525 pounds) and bench press (320) competing in the 220-pound weight class in 2024. He also established a school records again in the squat (565 pounds), which tied the state record, and bench press (340), as well as setting the school record in the deadlift (500) and total weight (1405) competing in the 220-pound weight class recently at the State Finals March 7 at Lake Orion.
C-S senior Ryan Pejakovich (left) is pictured with Davenport University Powerlifting Coach Connor Birchmeier at the letter of intent signing ceremony at C-S Jr./Sr. High School March 13.
(Photo courtesy of Carla Pejakovich)
Pejakovich’s achievements and dedication in powerlifting captured attention at the collegiate level.
He was offered a scholarship to lift on the Davenport University powerlifting team and signed a letter of intent to Davenport University March 13 at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
The son of Matt and Carla Pejakovich, Ryan said powerlifting is becoming very popular at the collegiate level. He said Northwood College in Michigan, and Defiance College in Ohio, recently started powerlifting teams and award scholarships.
Pejakovich said he’s looking forward to competing at a higher level while continuing in a sport he has embraced since he was introduced to it.
“You couldn’t have asked for any better scenario. It’s my favorite sport. If they’re going to pay me to go to college and continue lifting, of course I’m going to take that opportunity,” said the C-S senior.
Pejakovich said unlike most other high school sports when schools compete against other schools similar in size or the same division most of the season, powerlifting events he will be competing in at the collegiate level will be weight class based, meaning he will be competing against student-athletes from all divisions.
“It will be a lot more competitive. With college, it will be basically everybody, age 18, 19 to almost the mid 20s,” explained Pejakovich.
Pejakovich said the powerlifting events he will be competing in are similar to events he has been competing in throughout his high school career, with the same categories - squat, deadlift, bench press and total weight. However he adds the judging may be a little more strict.
“It’s not as laid back. You better follow the rules,” he said.
Ryan Pejakovich is pictured with his parents Carla and Matt Pejakovich at his letter of intent signing ceremony March 13 at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
(Photo by Heather Wechsler, courtesy of C-S Community Schools)
When he came to C-S, Pejakovich had aspirations of playing football and other sports at C-S. He was aware lifting regularly in the weight room would be part of a routine.
He wasn’t very familiar with powerlifting until Langs suggested he try the competition.
“When I first got here as a fifth grader, he (Langs) kind of brought me into the weight room more than I normally would have been. And I kind of fell in love with it and enjoyed it. He was actually the first one who mentioned powerlifting and kind of convinced me to go to my first competition with him. After that first one, I was hooked,” said Pejakovich.
“If you were to ask about just influences, it would probably be Coach Langs. Helping me get into it and stay with it and encouraging me along the way,” adds the C-S senior.
Pejakovich, who thrived in track in the discus and shot put throw as well as on the football field as an offensive lineman, suffered a Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) injury over a year ago. He focused on rehabilitating the knee and did not participate in football this year and will not be participating in track as he continues to focus on powerlifting training. He is playing golf for C-S this spring.
After transferring to C-S from Harper Creek, Pejakovich said he quickly adapted and thoroughly enjoyed his experience at C-S.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better one (experience). Even the first day I got here, everybody was super nice. Overall, just a great school. Even being a smaller school, I’m glad for the amount of opportunities that are here to succeed is great,” said the C-S senior.
Pejakovich will be majoring in the business administration program at Davenport University.
He wasn’t very familiar with powerlifting until Langs suggested he try the competition.
“When I first got here as a fifth grader, he (Langs) kind of brought me into the weight room more than I normally would have been. And I kind of fell in love with it and enjoyed it. He was actually the first one who mentioned powerlifting and kind of convinced me to go to my first competition with him. After that first one, I was hooked,” said Pejakovich.
“If you were to ask about just influences, it would probably be Coach Langs. Helping me get into it and stay with it and encouraging me along the way,” adds the C-S senior.
Pejakovich, who thrived in track in the discus and shot put throw as well as on the football field as an offensive lineman, suffered a Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) injury over a year ago. He focused on rehabilitating the knee and did not participate in football this year and will not be participating in track as he continues to focus on powerlifting training. He is playing golf for C-S this spring.
After transferring to C-S from Harper Creek, Pejakovich said he quickly adapted and thoroughly enjoyed his experience at C-S.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better one (experience). Even the first day I got here, everybody was super nice. Overall, just a great school. Even being a smaller school, I’m glad for the amount of opportunities that are here to succeed is great,” said the C-S senior.
Pejakovich will be majoring in the business administration program at Davenport University.
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