A new sport is lifting its way to competition. In its inaugural year, the powerlifting team attended two meets in February. The program is a way for athletes to stay in shape.
“It’s a fun experience to lift weight to compete,” junior Chris Hendricks said. “It’s another chance to get stronger and compare your strength with other people lifting weight.”
Powerlifters compete in bench press, squat and dead lift, attempting to lift as much weight as possible.
“I’ve only been to one meet, but it’s a really fun experience,” sophomore Zee Mahmoud said. “You don’t have to be really strong to enjoy it.”
US History teacher Tony Cooper coaches the team. He started the program as a supplement to the football team.
“It’s an added way to compete during off-season,” Cooper said. “It gives them a way to measure themselves against other teams.”
With nine members, the team is looking to increase their numbers next year.
“We’re going to try to triple next year if we can get a budget,” Cooper said. “Hopefully we’ll have a girls team, too.
The team also hopes to attend more meets next year and have members qualify for regionals.
“I’m definitely going to do it next year, because I was only able to make it to one meet,” sophomore Colton Wells said. “It’s a way to get stronger and compete at the same time.”
POWERLIFTING MEET RESULTS
Taylor High School, Feb. 4
Sigi Martinez – 148 lbs – 5th
Chris Hendricks – 148 lbs – 7th
Aivery Scheffer – 165 lbs – 9th
Demetrius Hood – 181 lbs – 10th
Connally High School, Feb. 18
Sigi Martinez – 148 lbs – 1st
Chris Hendricks – 148 lbs – 3rd
Aivery Scheffer – 165 lbs – 4th
Ryan Sanchez – 165 lbs – 5th
Demetrius Hood – 181 lbs – 7th
