This past weekend, the Victoria East High School and Victoria West High School boys powerlifting teams competed in the Texas High School Powerlifting Association (THSPA) Division 1 State Championship in Abilene, Texas.
The event was highly competitive, with over 100 schools showing up to perform their best. Despite the stiff competition, both teams displayed remarkable determination, putting up an impressive display of strength.
Among the Titan Powerlifters, Victor Roberson, Joe Alarcon, Draven Garza, and Jordan Stafford all finished with season-best totals, showcasing the hard work and dedication they put into this season. Mason Gwosdz had a battle for 5th place, which he won.
With a total of 2,010 pounds amassed, featuring a state bench record of 630 pounds and an 820-pound squat, Jose Lugo secured the State Champion title in the Super Heavyweight class. This makes Lugo Victoria East High School’s first Boys Powerlifting State Champion since 2018.
The Top 5 finishes from Gwosdz and Lugo aided the Titans in securing a 5th place team finish, bringing home the first State plaque for the VEHS Titan Boys Powerlifting Team.
The Victoria West Barbenders displayed an impressive performance and managed to secure 4th place as a team in the combined 5A and 6A divisions. Despite the fierce competition, the team gave a tough fight and finished only 2 points behind the State Champion team.
West Sophomore Brodie Flores was a standout, lifting a total of 1,080 pounds to take home the State Champion title in the 114 Weight Class.
Victoria East High School individual results:
- Victor Roberson: 10th Place 114 Weight Class, 960 lbs. Total
- Joe Alarcon: 10th Place 114 Weight Class, 1065 lbs. Total
- Draven Garza: 6th Place 148 Weight Class, 1395 lbs. Total
- Mason Gwosdz: 5th Place 148 Weight Class, 1430 lbs. Total
- Randal Delgado: 6th Place 165 Weight Class, 1540 lbs. Total
- Jordan Stafford: 22nd Place 181 Weight Class, 1460 lbs. Total
- Jose Lugo: 1st Place Super Heavyweight Champion, 2010 lbs. Total
Super Heavyweight State Bench Press Record (630 lbs.)
“It was a great end to the season,” said VEHS Head Powerlifting Coach Marcus Hernandez. “All year our boys have worked tirelessly to get this far. We had a chance to win it all, but we came up short. Luckily, we’re bringing back some great lifters next year, so we have to get back to work. To our seniors, it has been a pleasure watching them grow and fall in love with the process of getting better on and off the platform. They will be missed dearly, and we wish them the best of luck lifting at the collegiate level and in life. Always remember to go and get “MORE.”
Victoria West High School individual results:
- Brodie Flores: 1st Place 114 Weight Class Champion, 1,080 lbs. Total
- Jason Duran: 5th Place 165 Weight Class, 1,545 lbs. Total
- Noah Neibrandt: 4th Place 198 Weight Class, 1,715 lbs. Total
- Jaeden Fraire: 14th Place 308 Weight Class, 1,635 lbs. Total
“This season reflected how hard our lifters have worked in powerlifting and all the other sports our guys play, like football, baseball, golf, and soccer,” said VWHS Head Powerlifting Coach Zachry Mueller. “We are proud of their competitiveness, discipline, and teamwork throughout the season. We are excited for the Girl and Boy powerlifting teams next year because of the high standards and achievements that were reached this year.”
Congratulations to both teams on an incredible season and to 2024 State Champions Brodie and Jose!