Bigger and better

Practice, practice, practice, that is what this years’ powerlifting teams have been doing. Last week, the lifters started staying after school to get bigger and better for their upcoming season.

“Right now we are getting the athletes back in shape,” Coach Paul Gomez said. “We will start hitting the weights harder after the Christmas break.”

For the past six years, some of the athletes have been able to qualify for the state meet. The lifters are trying to keep the tradition going.

“Getting back in the swing of things isn’t easy,” senior Shelby Carrillo said. “It is well worth it in the end.”

The excitement is in the air as they step into the weight room to prepare for their upcoming meet on Jan. 17 in Poteet.

“This year is my fourth year lifting,” senior Nina Ramon said. “I am really excited for this year because it’s my last year and I’m ready to go out with a bang.”

Ramon isn’t the only one that is excited about this year. Returning from last year, senior John Ortiz is also pumped for this season.

“I’m really excited for this year,” Ortiz said. “I want to make my last year my best year.”

Competing can get difficult. One of the biggest stresses is making weight on the day of the lifting meet. In order to stay in shape the lifters have to follow a strict diet and keep on getting stronger as they go.

“I am prepared for this season,“ Carrillo said. “I am counting down the days for my last first meet.”

There are five seniors that are returning this lifting season, including: Benny Cisneros, Joe Guerrerro, John Ortiz, Shelby Carrillo and Nina Ramon.  The seniors are ready to leave a lasting impression for the underclassmen.

“It’s bittersweet,” Ramon said. “I’m sad that this is my last year but I’m also ready to go all out for my last season.”