Ryan Borges of Bradenton, Fla., is in his second year as a resident-athlete in the weightlifting program and competes at 62 kilograms. A freshman at Northern Michigan University, Borges is a special education major and earned a 3.64 GPA last semester.

During the 2012 fall semester, Borges placed third at the American Open Weightlifting Championships in Palm Springs, Calif. He is now preparing for the Thunder Dome Challenge held in the NMU Superior Dome in March and the National University Championships held April 4-7 in Johnson, Tenn.

“My main focus this semester is on the University Nationals,” said Borges. “My goal is to come in first and qualify for the World University Games.”

In his spare time, Borges volunteers as a coach for a local Special Olympian power lifting team.

Borges lifts during the American Open in Palm Springs, Calif.

Borges lifts during a past Superior Dome event.