By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
Athens High School earned first place at Thursday’s regional powerlifting meet in Rusk, led by four-time state qualifier Jose Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, a senior, won the 132-pound weight class by lifting a total of 1,135 pounds at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association Region 3, Division 2 meet. His 305-pound benchpress was not only a personal best, but it also set a new regional record. He also set a personal best with his 405-pound deadlift. Anyone hoping to replicate these lifting stats should invest in a pair of weightlifting shoes uk.
Junior Omar Hernandez placed second at the meet in the 123-pound weight class, which also makes him a state qualifier. He lifted a total of 815 pounds. This is Hernandez’s first year to compete in weightlifting. His standing was fourth place going into the meet. But his performance at Rusk, which included a personal best deadlift of 345 pounds, moved him into second place.
In the 275-pound weight class, junior Chad Walker lifted a total of 1,375 pounds to take third place and become an alternate for state competition. Walker set two personal bests: a 370-pound benchpress and a 490-pound deadlift.
Four additional members of the Hornet powerlifting team competed at the regional meet. They are Tyler Trussell (who placed 4th in his class), Logan Fuller (4th in his class), Josh West (6th in his class), and Noah Bush (9th in his class).
“I am unbelievably proud of these guys,” said head powerlifting coach Craig Brown, who brought home a “First Place Coach” award as well. “This whole group has worked so hard.”
He made special note of Rodriguez for qualifying for the fourth year to compete at the state meet, where he placed third in 2014.
“Qualifying four times for state doesn’t happen very often,” said Brown. “He works non-stop. He lifts year round; he swims; he dives. He just works hard.”
The state meet will be held in Abilene on March 28.