Brute force :

With four regional qualifiers returning, the RHS powerlifting teams prospects for taking several athletes to regionals and state in 2019 are strong.

“We have a lot of athletes, who I think have a great chance of qualifying for regionals this year,” said Jacob Campsey, RHS head powerlifting coach. “Whitley Boyd was an alternate last season, Macy Knesek and Jesenia Navarro both came close to qualifying.

The Tigers, in more than 20 years of existence, have two regional qualifiers returning to this year’s squad. Jeovany Navarro placed fifth with a bench press of 165 pounds, a dead lift of 310 and a squat of 265 in the 114-pound division at the Region 2 Division III meet at West High School.

“I think Jeovany could make it to state. He’s really into it, and gained a lot of muscle since last year,” he said.

Nathan Jeter placed eighth with a bench press of 135, a dead lift of 280 and a squat of 225 for a total of 640 in the same class as Navarro.

“I also think Jena Locklin has a chance to make it.

She’s so strong, and probably would’ve made regionals if she didn’t get sick for a couple weeks in the middle of the season,” Campsey said.

The Lady Tigers have two returning qualifiers from Region 2 Division III meet. Mackenzie Musto placed 10th as a freshman in the 132-pound division with a bench of 150, dead lift of 275 and a squat of 220. Autumn Montelongo also qualified in the 148-pound division before being disqualified for weighing in less than the class she qualified for.

Lifters work all season to reach the allotted weight for their respective class in order to qualify for the regional meet, according to Campsey.

There’s even last chance qualifying meets for athletes barely missing the qualifying total to give them an opportunity to make it to the next level, he said. Competitors have to place in the top two of their weight class in order to make the state meet.

“The most underrated thing in powerlifting is being a technical lifter,” said Campsey. “There are a lot of things that help you, but as much as your doing the lifts in practices or meets, having great technique is what really helps you get better.”

A typical powerlifting meet takes place in a gymnasium where competitors try to get the highest combined total in the bench press, dead lift and squat in their respective weight class.

Campsey also sees powerlifting as another opportunity for student athletes at RHS to compete.

“Obviously, the sport is a good way to become bigger, faster, and stronger,” He said. “But at a meet, you have the competitive factor where you get to go against other people in your weight class for about eight hours.

“As an athlete, it’s always great to have a chance to compete.”

Rockdale begins their season on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the Giddings High School Gymnasium.