Men’s weightlifting start off season with confidence
by Nyah Sterner
TC’s Women’s weightlifting athletes are currently undefeated, leaving the boys with a daunting new standard. While practices are just getting started for the men’s team, older athletes such as senior TJ Anderson are confident that this season will be one to remember. The boys’ season will begin February 8th at the University meet with a start time of 5:00 PM and have their first home event the following Wednesday against Colonial High School at 5:00 PM. This meet is sure to be one you’ll want to attend as when interviewed separately, both coaches (Timothy Crawford and Troy Boettner), agreed that Colonial is TC’s lifting rival.
The FHSAA State Championships aren’t until April 14th but players like Anderson have been preparing for them since their freshman year. “The highest [form] of competition at the high school level is states. You can qualify for states, go, and it’s a really cool experience,” said Anderson. 2016 State qualifiers included: Adam Kantner, who placed 4th, Sean Mullins, and Drew Blanton. While he didn’t make it last season, Anderson, who’s lifted as much as 405 lbs. in a back squat and is able to bench press 315 pounds, commented, “Yeah, I think I’ll go [to States]. I’ve got the numbers this year.” Be sure to keep an eye out for him this season, and wish him the best of luck on his road to the FHSAA State Championships.
Both coaches are hard at work preparing the athletes for week one. Tim Crawford has been coaching the team for over ten years and always looks forward to a fresh season with a new group of kids. “I enjoy watching the boys make progress with their lifting,” he says, “the most memorable thing about being with [them] are the record lists and the funny mistakes.” No cuts are made from the tryouts so all athletes who sign up with the proper requirements make the team and are able to participate at meets. The average number of team members ranges from 40 to 60 boys each year, some of them lifting as a form of conditioning for the next year’s football season.
February 8th is sure to be a meet full of intense excitement. Be sure to head down to University High School to support our men’s Weightlifting team. Start time is 5:00. Be there or be square.
