Friday, April 19, 2024
Two Gatesville Hornet powerlifters lifted their way to the state powerlifting meet on Saturday, March 12, at the THSPA Region II meet at West High School. Ryan Smiley and Caden Brister will advance to the state meet, winning their respective weight classes and being crowned regional champions.
Brister won the 123-pound weight class, while Smiley won the 275-pound division. Smiley also reeled in the Outstanding Squat Award for his performance.
Out of 26 schools participating, Gatesville took fifth place as a team with a total of six athletes lifting for the Hornets.
GHS powerlifting coach Justin Moffett credited the Hornets’ drive to improve every day as a reason they did well in the meet.
“Last year, we only qualified two lifters for the regional meet. This year we qualified seven.” Moffett stated in an email. “One year of hard work and determination has made a huge difference.”
The boys competed in three categories, which included squat, bench, and deadlift.
Smiley lifted a total of 1,755 pounds out of the three competitions. He squatted 720 pounds, bench pressed 435 pounds, and deadlifted 600 pounds. Brister finished his day lifting a total of 820 pounds, squatting 340 pounds, benching 175 pounds, and deadlifting 305 pounds.
Also for Gatesville, Cayden Mata placed fourth in the 198-pound weight class, squatting 500 pounds, benching 265 pounds, and deadlifting 500 pounds, completing the day totaling 1,275 pounds. Gabe Charles placed fifth in the 308-plus weight class, squatting 465 pounds, benching 275 pounds, and deadlifting 440 pounds.
Zach Bryant also competed in the 308-weight class, placing sixth squatting 480 pounds, benching 300 pounds, and then deadlifting 485 pounds, totaling 1,265 pounds. Brayden Minton finished 11th in the 220-pound weight class, squatting 400 pounds, benching 260 pounds, and deadlifting 440 pounds.
L.J. Hall qualified, but was unable to lift due to an injury he sustained in track and field.
According to Moffett, Gatesville will play host to the boys regional powerlifting meet next year.
Brister and Smiley are scheduled to compete for GHS in the state championships in Abilene on Saturday, March 26.
