March 22, 2024, was a fine day for the Boys Powerlifting program. There were so many stories of success throughout the season that it was only fitting to finish at the State Meet in Abilene, TX.
Senior Mario Diaz struggled early in the season with an injury that got him off to a slow start. He continued to work harder than ever to qualify for the State Meet. After some technical struggles, he completed his final squat attempt, setting a personal record on the bench, and narrowly missed his final attempt on the deadlift but secured a 2nd place finish at State. Although he did not return with the gold, Mario improved all his numbers from the year before. He is an outstanding young man.
On the 148-pound platform, Luke Estrada made his first trip to State memorable by setting personal records in each of his lifts. After coming through at the Regional Meet in Kingsville, Luke set his mind right and focused on making a splash at State. He faced some stiff competition in one of the deepest divisions in the State. Luke did a great job of sticking to the plan and forced other lifters out of their comfort zone causing them to miss key attempts. The plan paid off, and Luke claimed 3rd place at State as a Junior. He can challenge for the State championship next season as a Senior.
Just to recap the girls’ State Meets, Mya Villareal and Briannna Paredes represented the Pirate Nation with tremendous effort. These two Seniors were a complete joy to coach this season. Mya Villareal finished with a 7th place finish at State. She picked up from where she left off at the Regional Meet in Valley. Coach Pena thinks she would do well in the raw division after high school.
Brianna Paredes was as calm as could be during every one of her attempts this season. She has the right mindset to compete in powerlifting. She had some struggles at the State Meet but she never let it get to her. With a quiet demeanor and laser focus, Brianna was able to pull off a 10th place finish at State and improve on her personal best from last season.
Says Coach Pena, “On behalf of myself and Coach Gomez, we would like to thank all our lifters for all their hard work this past season and a special thanks to the 23/24 Senior lifters. It was a joy to have been able to be part of this journey.”