THIBODAUX – Ashley Matherne of Destrehan joined the Nicholls State powerlifitng team a few years ago to stay in shape. Now, the 105-pound nursing junior at NSU is the world champion lifter in her weight class.

Matherne is one of three members of the Nicholls powerlifting club who medaled at the International Powerlifting Federation’s recent Junior World Powerlifting Championship in Pretoria, South Africa. Kelly Louque of Hester won a bronze medal competiting in the super heavyweight class of over 198 pounds.

“It’s just now starting to hit me,” said Matherne, who won the 105-pound weight class with lifts of 281 pounds in the squat, 192.7 pounds in the bench press and 341.5 pounds in the deadlift.

“It’s unbelievable that I won. I’m still in shock. I expected to earn a medal, but I never expected it would be gold. It is rewarding when you compete and do something well.

The woman trained three days a week since well before winning the Collegiate National Powerlifting Championship in Omaha, Neb., in April.

“We’re trying to manage school, jobs and social life. It’s not easy,” Louque said. “We do it because we love it. I’ll continue lifting because I still have records to break,” she said.