May 29, 2003

CSUS student snatches national title

As if finishing her graduate work and teaching kindergarten weren’t strenuous enough, California State University, Sacramento student Katherine Redcher Bowling also found the time, strength and determination to win a gold medal at the U.S. National Olympic Weightlifting Championships held May 24-25 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Bowling won the combined national title in the 63-kilogram weight class (138.6 pounds) by taking first in the snatch event, with a 75-kilogram lift (165 pounds) and second in the clean-and-jerk event, with a 92.5-kilogram lift (203.5 pounds), for a combined first-place total of 167.5 kilograms (368.5 pounds).

Standing atop the podium for the medal ceremony was a thrilling moment, said Bowling, who also received a Super Bowl-style championship ring for her achievement.

The first-place national finish was the highest ever for Bowling, who has been a member of the CSUS Weightlifting Club for six years. The club’s women’s team also placed third overall at the event.

In addition to working on her master’s degree in education, Bowling also teaches kindergarten at Camellia Elementary School in Sacramento. Bowling plans to continue competing after graduating from CSUS and has her sights set on the U.S. Olympic Trials, scheduled for May 2004 in St. Joseph, Mo.

For more information, contact Bowling at (916) 541-3022. For media assistance, contact CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.