Power to the powerlifters

Powerlifting is a very intense and dedicated sport that requires a lot of work. Athletes go to extremes to push their bodies and drop their body weight every week.

“The craziest thing about powerlifting is getting in the suit that leaves them with scars and cuts,” coach Paul Gomez said. “Then each person has to get their mind ready for the weight they’re about to lift by anything from listening to music to yelling.”

The powerlifters spend a lot of time together from the struggle in the weight room and getting in their suits to early morning bus rides and long days at the meets.

“We work out daily and are dedicated to making our team and ourselves stronger,” sophomore Tori Martin said.

Senior Shelby Carrillo has been to state all three years of being a powerlifter and has lost 11 pounds this week to make her weight class, with 6 more to go.

“I’m shooting for state for the third time, so I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” Carrillo said.

The teams have been working out for a couple of weeks now and the upcoming Saturdays will be long days spent at the meets.

“I get stronger by pushing myself everyday, and making sure I’m staying healthy,” junior Daniel Mann said.

Most girls worry about their weight but these girls take it to another level by eating the minimum, detoxing, running in sweat suits, and wrapping their bodies in saran wrap.

“We drink crazy things to help us drop weight,” sophomore Holli Morgan said.

The teams push their bodies when they lift so they can meet their maximum strength.

“I’ve separated my shoulder and clavicle from each other once while lifting,” Morgan said.