“This sport has really created a big spark of positive energy for the school,” said Powerlifting Coach/Athletic Director Alex Doby.
Although Indians and Lady Indians have been training in the weight room for some time now, their competitive season recently begun and shows to be a promising one for the team.
The season started with Plainview’s meet, held on January 28. At Plainview, both teams finished third overall, with the boys competing against small schools and the girls competing against both large and small schools.
“We had a great day at the Plainview meet,” remarked Doby. “We had several medalists and personal records on the day. Draden Reynolds was named the outstanding lifter for deadlift with 580 pounds and a total weight of 1,375 pounds.”
For the Lady Indians, Melanie Ortiz finished in first place and Crystal Castaneda in second, Amanda Flores in second place, and Jordyn Metcalf and Yesenia Salazar both in third place, all in their respective weight classes,
In their weight classes, Draden Reynolds and Kaden Dudley took first place honors, Aldo Salazar was second place, and Edward Hill, David Rueda, and Jessee Reeves all finished in third place, while Justin Gibbs was in fifth place.
The team competed again at Ringling on Tuesday, February 8.
“It was another amazing day for the Marietta Indians and Lady Indians,” Doby said. “The girls team finished third overall and the boys finished second overall.”
Tanasia Randle came home with a fourth place, Yadira Sanchez a second, Cece Shiffer a third, Crysta Castaneda a second, Jordyn Metcalf a fourth, Yesenia Salazar a second, Melanie Ortiz a third, Amanda Flores a first, and Graicee Hicks a second place in their weight classes.
Titus Higle took first place, Edward Hill second, Brad Kirk fourth, Aldo Salazar third, Dakota Gilley fourth, Draden Reynolds first, Justin Gibbs fourth, Kaden Dudley first, and Jesse Reeves third in their classes.
“The placings and medals are showing the tremendous investment Marietta athletes are making in the new weight room,” concluded Doby.