The next powerlifting meet is on February 15th in Blooming Grove. At their last meet in Fairfield on January 29 the boys placed third, and the girls placed first. 

“I think the powerlifting season is off to a great start,” coach John Bachtel said. “Our lifters are working really hard in the weight room. They had a great meet at our first meet on Thursday.“

Sophomore Croix McBean placed second in his weight class with an overall score of 625. Senior Richard Charleson placed third in his weight class with an overall score of 685. Freshman Luke Martinez placed fourth in his weight class with an overall score of 840.

“It has helped me understand my limits and know how far I can truly go,” junior Maximus McBean said, “and that just because I think I can’t do something doesn’t mean I can’t do it.”

Sophomore Kelton Carlson placed second with a total score of 995, junior Julian Jefferson placed third with a total score of 940, junior Eddie Sanchez placed fourth with a total score of  915, and freshman Logan Noland placed fifth with a total score of 790 in their weight class. 

“Our goals each year are always to lift as much as possible,” coach Kevin Childers said. “Plus, win as many invitationals as possible and to get as many students regionals and state as possible.”

Junior Luke Latham placed third with a total score of 855, and Timothy Rischer placed fourth with a total score of  795 in their weight class. 

“My goal for each of the lifters is for them to gain self-confidence,” Bachtel said. “They will do this by working hard at practice and getting stronger at the meets. It is amazing the confidence they get when they do something they thought they couldn’t do. It opens new doors.”

Sophomore Nick Martinez placed fifth with a total score of 890, Samuel Masters placed seventh with a total score of 835, followed by freshman Kolby Adams in eighth with a total score of 780 in their weight class. 

“To a newcomer, I would say, come lift” Childers said, “The worry is always, I’m not that strong. We all have to start somewhere!”

Junior Avery Peterson placed fourth with a total score of 1100, Freshman Julio Roque placed sixth with a score of 825, followed by sophomore Rafael Munoz in seventh place with a total score of 755 for their weight class. 

“Powerlifting has always helped me to value hard work and learn how to put it in,” senior Drew Williams said. “Also, it has been a big sense of family in my life because I love lifting with all the guys and girls involved.”

Freshman Wilson Lupo placed first in his weight class with a score of 1145. Sophomore Bosque Monico also placed first in his weight class with a total score of 1400. 

“We have a good mix of experience and new lifters,” Childers said, “we have several girls returning with regional and state experience. Boys have lifters that should prove to be state competitors as well.”

Freshman Ellie Grisset placed second in her weight class with a total score of 485. Freshman Rynna Bonner also placed second in her weight class with a total of 500. Sophomore Bailey Ackerman placed fourth in her weight class with a total of 565. 

“The great thing about lifting weights is that it is up to the individual how strong they want to get.” Bachtel said. “If you put in the work, the results will come.”

Freshman Chasity Starr placed third in her weight class with a total of 545, followed by sophomore Jaycee Jobe in fourth with a total of 520. Nadia McClathchey placed first in her weight class with a total of 695. 

“I’m pretty confident about this season, even though it’s my first year competing,” sophomore Tedi Blasengame said. “I did all of the same workouts as everyone else last year, so I’m still a little bit experienced.”

Senior Charity Starr placed first in her weight class with a total of 785. Blasingame placed first in her weight class with a total of 670, followed by Ashleigh Harris who placed second with a total of 565. 

“Powerlifting gave me something to look forward to coming into the new year,” Charity said. “New goals to reach and to make something of my high school experience.”