RIPL-Raw Iron Powerlifting League

06/25/2025

There are so many things I can say about this man - I have had the pleasure of coaching. Him for about 5 years now. But really, there is no need for me to say anything - he says it all himself when he steps on the platform.
Matthew Herbert is our next confirmed lifter, and he is just the example of pure joy and positive energy. Matt never has a bad day on the platform, because he gives it his all and just has fun. I have seen Matt come out of his shell over the last few years and just really embrace the family and friends around him, and start to share his personality with those around him - and that is a good thing for the world. The world needs the joy and innocence that Matt brings.
I can say that this is the best training cycle Matt has had in the last 5 years - for the first time ever all of Matt’s training lifts are better than his platform lifts, so I am looking for some Pr’s on meet day. But the biggest PR of all will be Matt helping us Lift the Stigma on su***de and mental health issues.
#988 ***deprevention

06/24/2025

Lifting in honor of his father “John Allen Martinez,” our next confirmed lifter is Noah Martinez. Noah has been with us since the first lifting the stigma, and is honestly 1 of the nicest people you will meet on and off the platform. Noah comes in from Louisiana to support the cause every year.
Noah is committed to helping us lift the stigma on su***de, and is committed to doing his best to make sure that no one else has to go through what he has gone through, and committed to making sure no one fights alone.
If you are in crisis, please call or text 988.
#988 ***deprevention

06/24/2025

Our next confirmed lifter is Dylan Walls. Here is a little about Dylan in his own words.
From a 745 total freshman year to 1175 junior year, Dylan Walls has turned work ethic into real weight at Sabine High School. Every season, he’s pushed harder, lifted heavier, and refined his technique especially when it comes to his favorite lift, the deadlift. Now, as he enters his senior year, Dylan is ready to raise the bar even higher before taking his strength to the college stage.

This journey is about more than numbers — it’s about proving that dedication, consistency, and heart build a legacy that lasts. The strongest chapters are still unwritten.
#988 ***deprevention

06/23/2025

Saturday is the last day to sign up for the 5th Annual Lifting the Stigma powerlifting meet without having to pay a late fee. We don’t want you to pay a late fee - we want you to sign up so we know how many lifters to expect.
So, if you are planning on lifting, this is the week to sign up. I will be honest, and my wife will back me up - in the past I have been way too lenient and way too nice about this, and it just puts me in a bind, so no exceptions this year. Get signed up before the end of day Saturday, or pay a late fee (the good news is that if choose to pay the late fee, the gets more money. The bad news is you stress me out more).
PLEASE - if you plan on lifting at the meet, sign up this week. Help an old, tired meet director out, and help us Lift the Stigma on su***de and mental health issues.
#988 ***deprevention

06/20/2025

Joining his older brother Jose on the platform, and lifting in honor of Trevor Broach, our next confirmed lifter is Miguel Gonzalez.
If you have seen Miguel and Jose in the gym to, you know they are a bonded pair, and also each others biggest supporters. While he won’t admit it to the public, I have actually heard Jose say that Miguel is a better lifter, and stronger than himself - so it will be fun to see them battle on the platform.
More than that, watching the character of Miguel in the gym, you can know for sure that he will be in contention for the Trevor Broach Memorial Teen Lifter Award (which his brother won last year).
Miguel will be turning heads in the platform with his lifting, and off the platform with his constant joking, smiling, and encouraging.
You can be sure that he is committed to being the best lifter he can, but also to being the best person he can be, and helping us on su***de and mental health issues, while keeping the memory of his friend Trevor alive.
***deprevention #988

06/20/2025

https://www.rawironpl.com/product-page/5-friday-donation

It’s five dollar Friday!!! We are doing another donation match up to the first $100 so go to the link ⬆️⬆️⬆️ and let’s match the first $100 today!!!

We are in year 5 of Lifting the Stigma and we are on track to break $100,000 in total donations over all 5 years

💯 of all donations, lifter entries, raffle items is donated to the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - North Texas Chapter

Let’s make this year the year we reach the most people.

5th Annual Lifting the Stigma

#988

Donate in $5 increments to the 5th Annual Lifting the Stigma Powerlifting meet. 100% of all donations go directly to the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - North Texas Chapter to fight su***de in the local area.

06/19/2025

When Dallas Gibbons showed up to see Josh Tillis get married last weekend with her coach LaTosha Cleaver, she had no idea she would be signing up for her first powerlifting meet before she left. Of course, she also did not know that LaTosha had already been talking her up to us.
Dallas is new to powerlifting, but is excited about helping us lift the stigma on su***de and bring awareness to this important topic.
I don’t want to let this announcement go by without thanking Karson Owen - Karson is currently serving active duty and can’t lift this year, he reached out to us the other day stating he wanted to sponsor a lifter for the meet. He did not ask who or what, he just said he wanted to keep helping us lift the stigma on su***de. Thank you Karson for supporting this cause literally from the other side of the globe!
Karson and Dallas are proof that together we can on su***de.

06/18/2025

Lion's Club meeting Thursday, June 19th at Noon!

06/17/2025

We are proud and thankful to be able to announce RDO Custom as our last silver level sponsor. The overall tested female lifter award on Saturday is sponsored by RDO custom 1 a second generation family owned and operated custom cabinet shop and home remodel company.
RDO not only provides the community with quality, custom work, but they are providing us with the opportunity to Lift the Stigma on su***de and mental health issues.
Thank you RDO for all that you do for the community, and for helping us to bring awareness to mental health issues.
***deprevention #988

06/14/2025

So we know it’s not Friday…..

We were waiting on a donation to come in & the sender had specific instructions!
Any donation made today will be matched up to $100!!!!
So send in your $5 not Friday donations and they will be matched!

https://www.rawironpl.com/product-page/5-friday-donation $5 Friday Donation | Ripl

06/12/2025

Guardian Bell Health is our last Good Level Sponsor to announce for the 5th Annual Lifting the Stigma Powerlifting meet benefiting the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention North Texas Chapter. Specializing in health coverage for self employed and small business owners, Jim and Angel Moore are committed to the physical and mental health of all in the East Texas Area. You will find them at their booth ready to talk to you about your health care and insurance most of the weekend - although they may be missing when Jenny Moore is on the platform, as they will be cheering her on.
While relatively new to the Mt Pleasant area, Jim and Angel are not new to helping others with their mental and physical health, and are committed to helping us lift the stigma on su***de.
***deprevention #988