On Saturday, June 7, the Wolfpack Football Booster Club will host a Lift-A-Thon, a strength challenge with a deeper purpose—to support one of our own.

In February 2025, Michael Kienzle, strength and conditioning coach for the Caldera football team, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer—T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL). He is currently receiving treatment at the University of Washington Medical Center, where he is under the care of leading experts in T-ALL treatment.

Since his diagnosis, Michael’s family and the Caldera community have embraced the mantra “Kienzle Strong!” To honor his strength and resilience, we are organizing this Lift-A-Thon to raise funds for the Kienzle Family and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Michael is not just a coach – he is a firefighter with Redmond Fire & Rescue, joining the department in 2024. In solidarity, a Redmond Fire Engine will be present at the event, and his colleagues will be participating in the lifts alongside athletes from the Caldera football and softball teams—Michael’s wife, Lisa, serves as Caldera’s varsity softball coach.

How It Works
Lifters—football players, softball players, firefighters, and members of the community—are seeking donations to support the cause. Donors can contribute either a fixed amount or pledge a percentage of a lifter’s projected one-rep max squat.

Where the Funds Go
Half of all proceeds will support the Kienzle Family, and the other half will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.