Warhorses and Arabians are taking the weights to a whole new level; and this season, sweat, defeat and determination are set in the minds of the Devine powerlifters. The team of weight lifters dominated at the Poteet invitational meet on Sat. Jan. 28.

“Practices have been going tremendously well, especially for the seniors,” coach Paul Gomez said. “Hopefully the hard works pays off, and we can go to state.”

The following Arabian powerlifters came home  with a medal: seniors Julieanna Diaz, 2nd place; Victoria R. Hernandez, 3rd place; and Keisha Flores, 4th place. The juniors who received medals are: Shelby Carrillo, 3rd place; Nina Ramon 3rd place.

The Warhorse powerlifters received the following places: senior Leo Perez, 1st place; junior Kutter Schmidt, 1st place; sophomore Elijah Rejino, 4th place.

“My weight class is very intense, and it’s hard to stay positive with my competitors; but if I work hard enough, and be more dedicated with my goal, I hope to get to where I want to be,” Carrillo said.

As senior year hits some of the students, it’s a bittersweet feeling. Then, setting high goals, getting that big weight off their shoulders, and being determined to give it all they’ve got to their last meet, last medal,  last year becomes important.

“I’m really sad that senior year as a powerlifter is already here. I hope to make a lot of memories as I can with my teamates, and hopefully go to state and make myself  proud  with what I have my set to for my last year,” Diaz said.

Goals, determination, and dreams are what makes a powerlifter, a powerlifter.  The Warhorse and Arabians continue to prove that and will at their  upcoming powerlifting meet on Sat. Feb. 8 in Cotulla.