Powerlifting girls competed in the Regional meet on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Palacios High School under the direction of Coach Matt DeYoung.
Overall, they won Regional Champions with a total of 14 medals. In addition, DeYoung was named the Region 4 Outstanding Powerlifting Coach.
“I’m super proud of the Lady Bucs today for dominating the regional powerlifting meet,” DeYoung said. “They were team champions with double the points for 2nd place. It was a great day to be a Buccaneer.”
State qualifier Kaitlyn Ortiz won 1st place in the 123 platform, Outstanding Deadlifter, and the Outstanding Overall Lifter Award. In their respective weight classes, the following also won 1st place advancing to State: Kathryn Johnson with a Regional Bench Press Record, Irma Matehuala, and Jayla Coffey while Karen Hernandez and Vanessa Lopez placed 2nd advancing to State as well.
“I was pretty doubtful at first, but luckily my coach reminded me about the word on my shirt, ‘discipline’, and that’s what I had,” Ortiz said. “I pushed through it and didn’t let anything bring me down, which is what got me to first.”
Keilyn Avila and Sherlyn Vargas received 3rd place medals in their respective weight classes. Kyler Thrash, Jimena Vargas, and Mishel Hernandez received 4th place medals in their respective weight classes. Isabella Cuellar, Zamirha Gonzalez, and Camila Gurrola received 5th place medals in their respective weight classes.
The State powerlifting meet will be held on Thursday, March 19, in Edinburg.
