Two powerlifters competed at the state powerlifting meet in Waco on March 16, both placing in the top 20.
Juniors Raelyn Peddy and Kimberly Elizarraras traveled with head coach Jomar Cauley to the event, and on the way up, worked on keeping their cool.
“I was scared and nervous,” Peddy said. “But I knew I was gonna be at state eventually.”
Her personal records include squatting 365 lbs., bench pressing 135 lbs. and deadlifting 315 lbs.
“I wasn’t as good as I would like to have been, but I still made it to state,” Peddy said.
This is Elizarraras’ first year in powerlifting and said that competing in powerlifting, make you want to set new goals.
“I joined because it motivated me,” Elizarraras said. “It’s a sport that not many people know about. It’s a positive inspiration to female competitors.”
Her personal records include squatting 400 lbs., bench pressing 175 lbs. and deadlifting 385 lbs..
“I learned a lot,” she said. “But more than anything, what gets you to be successful is setting goals and the adrenaline that flows once you start lifting.”
Six girls and seven boys went to regionals and two girls advanced to the state competition which was held March 16 in Waco.
Cauley was happy for his students who have worked hard and said the season is going great. His students were becoming more successful every week, he added.
“I think the season is going really well,” Cauley said. “I’m very proud of my girls and boys. They work really hard.”
Senior Gabriel Garcia, one of the regional qualifiers, has been in powerlifting for two years. Garcia said he felt confident and proud during regionals.
“Every week I knew I was getting stronger,” he said. “I knew I could always be better. I joined because I like lifting and I’m good at strength.”