PWR: Joaquin lifters excel in opening meet
judge during Saturday's opening powerlifting meet at Elysian Fields. Worsham
placed first in her weight class. (Photo courtesy of Donna Vergo)
The Joaquin High School powerlifting squads posted strong finishes on the opening meet of the 2012 season Saturday at Elysian Fields. The Rams posted an overall finish of fifth out of 12 teams, led by Austin Underbrink and Armando Robles, who posted first and second place finishes in their respective weight classes.
In the girls competition, Olivia Worsham followed up a strong 2011 season by capturing top honors in her weight class. Loren Johnson placed third.
Underbrink captured the 275-lb. weight class, totaling 1,290 pounds on the day. He lifted 315 in the bench press, 500 in the squat and 475 pounds in the deadlift competition.
Robles placed second in the 132-lb. weight class. He lifted 175 pounds in the bench press, 300 in the squat competition and 315 pounds in the deadlift to finish with a total of 790 pounds.
In other boys results, Rhett Golden placed third in the 275-lb. weight class. He lifted 275 in the bench, 500 in the squat category and 385 pounds in the deadlift competition for a total of 1,160 pounds.
Zach Wildes also placed third, competing in the 242-lb. weight class. He successfully lifted 255 on the bench press, 415 on the squat and 425 on the deadlift to finish with 1,095 pounds.
Joaquin's Andrew Dean placed fourth in the 165-lb. weight class, with lifts of 360 pounds in the squat, 215 pounds in the bench and 360 pounds in the deadlift to finish with 935 total pounds.
The Rams' Zach Mason placed fifth overall in the 198-lb. weight class, posting a total weight of 1,085 pounds. He lifted 250 in the bench, 435 in the squat and 400 in the deadlift.
Other members of the Joaquin squad who competed were Ishmael Rhodes, Holden Cummings, Nathan Boyter and Adam Mason.
In the girls' competition, Worsham had a personal best of 255 pounds in the squad, another personal best of 125 pounds in the bench press and a third best in the deadlift, posting a 290. Her overall was a personal best as well, totaling 670 pounds.
Worsham's performance put her in second place in the region in her weight class.
Johnson squatted 130 pounds, bench pressed 85 pounds and dead lifted 175 pounds in her first competition.
The Joaquin girl powerlifters will be back in competition on Saturday when they travel to Marshall. The boys and girls will then compete at the Center meet on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m.