POTSDAM— A national powerlifting champion studying at SUNY Canton has gained a sponsorship from Potsdam’s Stone and Steel gym.

The gym announced their sponsorship of two time USA Powerlifting Teen National Champion and SUNY Canton student Bella Haydt Feb. 4.

Haydt, originally from Beacon, NY,  is a sophomore mortuary science major at SUNY Canton.

She placed first in her class in the teen category at the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals event in both 2023 and 2024.

Haydt is the second athlete sponsored by Stone and Steel Gym, which opened on Main Street in Potsdam July 2024.

“When I learned that we had a young lifter of Bella’s caliber in the area I knew I had to get her into our gym,” Stone and Steel owner Tim Vollmer said.

“Bella has won her class nationally for the past two years, and is already putting up lifts that are competitive with some of the strongest men at the gym who are all several years her senior. At only 18 years old she’s a promising young talent who has many more years left to improve,” Vollmer added. 
Haydt voiced excitement for the partnership, saying,“I am extremely grateful to be able to have the opportunity to work with Tim, and be apart of an amazing gym community that pushes me to reach new goals each and every day.”

Haydt’s next competition is the 2025 USAPL Raw Nationals in June 2025 in Atlanta.

Stone and Steel Gym is Potsdam’s only 24/7 fitness facility.

Stone and Steel Gym features a wide array of free weights, strength, and cardio equipment suitable for members of any level of experience.

For more information about Stone and Steel Gym and its sponsorship initiatives, visit StoneandSteelGym.com or contact Tim Vollmer at info@stoneandsteelgym.com.