The girl’s weightlifting season kicked off on Nov.7 with the first meet taking place at Spruce Creek High School. The season opener, which was held on Nov.6 in the school’s cafeteria, consisted of all 30 girls competing against each other.
Last season Junior Kjayla Martin broke the 230 for 183 record, and Junior Angelica Figueroa broke the 205 for 199 record. As a team the girls placed 3rd at the state championships.
Expectations for the season run high. “I expect to be undefeated in our conference again and win another conference championship as well as another top 5 finish at the state championship,” said coach Tyrone Harvey.
With Spruce Creek as Timber Creek’s biggest rival, practice is essential. “For preparation, they do squats to strengthen legs and lower body, pressing to strengthen shoulders, and technique work on the Olympic portion if the competition,” Harvey added.
The practice meet first called for “the Jerk.” Competitors had to lift the weight above their heads and hold it until instructed to drop. While there were a few fumbles, the girls held their winning status, receiving a handful of good lifts.
Not wasting a second of precious practice time, some girls perfected their clean and jerk on the sides as they waited to be called, or conversed with the crowd of friends and family for some words of encouragement.
To calm her nerves junior Taylor Stagnolia listened to music while a friend played with her hair.
When the meet came to a close, State Champion junior Kjayla Martin said, “I felt I did good but there is always room for improvement.”
Cheers from family and friends filled the cafeteria, hugs and compliments were found all around, and the girls had victory faces on ready to take the season. With pre-season success and determination the girls plan to make it far and dominate this season.
“They will do fine this season. Tonight is a pre-season for them to see how a competition works and for them to know what to expect. And it’s also good for the new people to see how competitions will be,” said Harvey.