A Student Giveback Project, One Lift at a Time
Footnotes from Campus is our latest student-led campaign, a giveback project created to support the strength communities being built on college campuses across the country.
We didn’t just want to drop off gear and disappear. We wanted to contribute to something more lasting: the stories, rituals, and raw energy of students showing up for themselves and each other - day in, day out.
So we sent care packages to lifting clubs and powerlifting teams. Packages packed with our 1HUND training shoes, apparel and disposable film cameras, with a single ask:
Capture whatever felt real.
Welcome to Cornell Barbell Club
At Cornell University, one of those care packages landed in the hands of the Cornell Barbell Club (CBC), a strength-driven community founded in 2009 and now home to 77 passionate members.
CBC isn’t just a gym club. It’s a team of lifters dedicated to strength, mental resilience, and mutual support. Their presence at the 2024 USAPL Ivy League Cup made waves:
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19 athletes showed up to compete
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10 placed in the top 3
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7 qualified for Collegiate Raw Nationals
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4 qualified for Teen or Junior Raw Nationals
But beyond the numbers, it’s the culture that makes CBC something special.
The First Feel of 1HUND
When Cornell lifters first laced up their new 1HUND shoes, the reaction was instant.
“The vibrant colors immediately stood out - they're bold, fun, and make a statement. But what really impressed us was how much better our lifts felt with the flat, stable sole.”
CBC athletes reported improved balance, control, and confidence, especially during squats and deadlifts, the essentials of powerlifting. It wasn’t just a product test. It was equipment that matched their intent.
Moments That Matter
Among the photo rolls sent back to us were snapshots of CBC’s mock meet, a moment that encapsulated their community ethos:
“Experienced lifters helped newer members with commands, spotting, and cues, while everyone hyped each other up... It wasn’t about hitting PRs, it was about showing up, cheering each other on, and building confidence together.”
This is what Footnotes from Campus is all about. Film grain and chalk dust, community over competition, and a reminder that the real wins happen far from the spotlight.
Photo Day Vibes & Looking Forward
New shoes, laughter, a full team lift, and plenty of personality spilled onto every frame. The club’s Instagram, @cornell_barbell_club, now holds some of those raw, unfiltered moments.
As for the future? Cornell Barbell Club is focused on expanding its reach, breaking down stigmas, and welcoming lifters of every level. More workshops. More meets. More mentorship. All with one goal: make strength training accessible and empowering for all.
A Message to New Lifters
To students on the fence about starting their lifting journey, CBC says it best:
“Don’t be afraid to try. It might look intimidating at first, but everyone starts somewhere. Powerlifting is about getting stronger, both physically and mentally, and discovering what you’re capable of.”
These Are Their Footnotes
It's about stories handwritten in film grain, framed by squat racks, and fueled by a sense of belonging.
To Cornell Barbell Club, and every campus lifting team who’s part of this movement, thank you for reminding us why we show up.
📲 Follow the campaign: @1hund.co
📷 See more from Cornell: @cornell_barbell_club
💬 Stay tuned as we roll out more footnotes from across the country.
