Marianna High Graduate Signs with LSUS for Weightlifting

By Shelia Mader

Marianna High School Class of 2025 graduate Tyler Cannady has taken his passion for weightlifting to the next level, officially signing a scholarship with Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) to compete in Olympic-style weightlifting at the collegiate level.

Cannady, son of Lisa and Chris Cannady, says his journey into Olympic lifting is still fairly new but has quickly become a driving force in his life.

“I started Olympic weightlifting not even a year ago,” Cannady said. “But I’ve been lifting weights in general for about three years. It’s an individual sport, and I love competition. I found something I’m decent at and can build on, and it’s something I truly love.”

His introduction to the sport came through a weightlifting club in Panama City, where his current coach helped connect him with LSUS weightlifting coach Aaron Adams. After a few months of conversation and learning more about the university, Cannady felt it was the right fit.

“What really caught my eye about LSUS was not just the weightlifting team, but the fact that they have a great fishing team and are right on a lake,” he said. “I probably won’t compete on the fishing team, but I definitely plan on fishing with them whenever I can.”

In addition to his athletic achievements, Cannady maintained a strong academic presence at Marianna High. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club and earned three agricultural certificates through FFA. He also played football and was dual-enrolled at Chipola College, completing 21 college credit hours before graduating high school.

Cannady plans to major in pre-physical therapy and exercise science at LSUS, with a possible shift toward kinesiology.

“I’ve always been interested in fitness and the physical side of things,” he said. “I want to learn more about how the body works—how muscles function. It’s something I’m really passionate about.”

He’s scheduled to move to the Shreveport campus on August 20, ready to begin this next chapter of his athletic and academic journey.

When asked who he credits for getting him to this point, Cannady’s answer came without hesitation. “First, I have to thank God,” he said. “And definitely my dad, he was the one who started lifting with me. That’s what really got me into it. I just love weightlifting and fishing.”

From the weight room to the water, there’s no doubt Cannady is lifting his way toward a bright future.