Blog
From ‘Solid’ to State Champion: How Dustin Warner Elevated His Game
Dustin Warner has always been a talented athlete, but his training at PowerStrength Training Systems (PSTS) has propelled him to new heights. The Sparta High School senior has competed in football, wrestling, and track & field throughout his high school career, and this past year has been his most successful yet.
Since joining PowerStrength in June 2024, Dustin has transformed his game. His physical and mental development has allowed him to dominate across multiple sports, culminating in a state championship in wrestling, all-conference and all-region honors in football, and a promising track and field season on the horizon. Now, he is set to continue his athletic career at Northwood University, achieving his long-time dream of playing college football.
FINDING POWERSTRENGTH
Dustin’s journey at PowerStrength began when his friend and teammate, Mason Conklin, introduced him to the training facility.
“Everyone talked about it. I wanted to see it for myself and see if it was as good as they said. And it was. It was legit,” Dustin recalled.
His first impressions were telling.
“It was tough. It was a good environment. Everyone wanted to be better. You weren’t surrounded by your high school team, which didn’t want to be there. Everyone was working hard, so I think that rubbed off on everyone. Everyone feeds off it.”
ELEVATING HIS FOOTBALL GAME
Dustin’s senior football season showcased the results of his hard work. Traditionally an offensive and defensive lineman, he transitioned to playing multiple positions, including tight end, H-back, running back, linebacker, and defensive end. His newfound strength, speed, and agility helped him make the shift seamlessly.
“I was a lot stronger, not just in general but in specific athletic positions. I had never done split squats or anything like that, and PowerStrength introduced me to a whole new way of training. It made me more explosive, and my speed improved a lot too. I shaved a lot of time off my 40, and laterally – I was much faster.”
His improved performance did not go unnoticed. Dustin earned all-conference and all-region honors, proving that the additional training at PowerStrength was a game-changer. More importantly, it helped him reach his ultimate goal—playing college football. He signed with Northwood University, citing the program’s culture and coaching staff as key reasons for his commitment.
“I’ve talked about it since I was a little kid,” Dustin said about playing in college. “It was surreal at first. When colleges started looking at me and started talking to me, it was pretty awesome.”
CLIMBING TO THE TOP IN WRESTLING
While football was his long-term goal, Dustin’s biggest breakthrough came during wrestling season. After finishing 5th in the state as a sophomore and qualifying for the finals again as a junior, he finally secured an individual state championship this year.
“I felt like I was always so close, and PowerStrength put me over the edge. My balance was better, I felt stronger, and I could lift guys a lot easier. I knew I was going to last longer than my opponents. Most people I tied up with, I just felt way stronger than.”
Despite entering the tournament unseeded, Dustin battled through a gauntlet of top-ranked wrestlers, including the No. 1 seed in the semifinals. He credits his strength and conditioning from PowerStrength for helping him stay dominant in critical moments.
“The strength gains that I made when I came here were exponential. I only came twice a week, and every week I felt stronger and stronger. Every lift went up, and that just gave me more confidence on the mat. My build changed – I was always kind of pudgy, and I filled out, got leaner, and felt confident all around.”
AIMING FOR MORE IN TRACK & FIELD
Now in the midst of track season, Dustin is channeling his strength and explosiveness into shot put and discus. Last year, he finished seventh in the state in shot put and was a qualifier in discus. With his increased power and flexibility, he has even higher expectations for this season.
“I always want to win.”
Dustin recognizes how his training at PowerStrength will help him in throwing events.
“It’s not just about putting on muscle; it’s about making it usable. Throwing is all about disconnecting your hips from your upper body, getting loose, and generating power. PowerStrength is going to help me big time.”
A RELENTLESS WORK ETHIC
Balancing three sports while maintaining a rigorous training schedule is no easy task, but Dustin remains committed to his development.
“I just make it work. I shuffle everything around. Wake up earlier, start your day earlier. Go to bed early, just do it. It’s totally worth it.”
He continues to train at PowerStrength during his sports seasons because he knows how much strength he loses when he isn’t in the gym.
“I just want to keep my strength. I don’t want to lose any.”
Unlike many athletes who rely solely on high school weight rooms, Dustin sees the value in doing both.
“The intensity, the enthusiasm, and the coaching at PowerStrength are on another level. You have to stack the days against your opponents. Training more intensely and more often gives you an edge.”
LOOKING AHEAD
With his high school career winding down, Dustin is focused on finishing strong in track and preparing for the next chapter at Northwood. His experience at PowerStrength has given him the tools to succeed at the collegiate level.
“College workouts aren’t going to be easy, but PowerStrength has already given me a taste of that intensity. I feel prepared.”
Dustin Warner’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His willingness to embrace new challenges, adapt to different roles, and push his limits has set him apart. Whether on the football field, wrestling mat, or track, he has proven that hard work pays off—and his story is far from over.
GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH
4th-12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can sign up at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.
Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.
