By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past Friday, January 9 the Port Isabel ECHS Powerlifting teams traveled to Brownsville to compete in the Pace Vikings Invitational powerlifting meet.
The boy’s division featured 54 lifters from nine different high schools with most of the field coming from larger 5A & 6A programs.
PI’s returning powerlifting veteran Arnold Lopez won gold in the 123lb weight class with a total weight of 1070 pounds (Squat:380, Bench:250, Deadlift: 440). Lopez set a new personal best as he increased his total weight by 45lbs from his previous lift of 1025lbs. He is currently ranked #2 in the region for his weight class.
Miguel Avano and Jesus Hill Jr were the only two other PI lifters competing in the boy’s division and they too medaled. Avano competing in the 181lb weight class, won silver with a total lift of 1025lbs (Squat:395, Bench:255, Deadlift:375). Meanwhile, Hill Jr won bronze with a total lift of 1115 (Squat:430, Bench:255, Deadlift:430). A great start for both newcomers.
With other afterschool activities limiting participation, the Port Isabel boys’ team still managed to secure a 5th place finish at the powerlifting meet. Weslaco East claimed first place, with Los Fresnos and Edinburg rounding out the top three.
Meanwhile, the girl’s division was composed of 61 competitors, and although PI fielded six lifters, the team competed without key contributors such as returning state champion Saturn Trejo.
In the 181lb weight class, veteran lifter Brigette Montes won gold in with a total lift of 690lbs (Squat:315, Bench:150, Deadlift:225), and is now ranked #10 in the region.
Other medalists included, Emily Orduna who won silver in the 105lb weight class with a total weight of 555lbs (Squat:245, Bench:95, Deadlift:215). Orduna set a new personal in total weight and is currently ranked #6 in the region. Also winning silver was Daniela Alonso with a total lift of 590(Squat:310, Bench:145, Deadlift:235). Finally, Maria Ale Vasquez brought home the bronze with a total lift of 720lbs (Squat:310, Bench:135, Deadlift:275).
Also competing were Nataly Olmedo (220lb wt. class, 6th place, total lift:520), Natalissa Arambul (BO)*, and Iyairy Guzman (BO)*.
*BO= Bombed out. (Failed to complete one of the required three lifts).
Port Isabel finished in 4th place in the girl’s team standings with Los Fresnos taking top honors, followed by Edinburg and Weslaco East.
Powerlifting head coach, John Calvillo was pleased with his team’s performances, “the meet went well a lot better than I expected. I had half my team. Had some out for Area band competition and soccer tournaments.” Said Calvillo. “The girls continue to get better but I was without my state champion and three other girls that will make a great impact this year.”
Needless to say, the PIECHS program is off to an impressive start this season, as teams delivered strong performances in the opening meet of the year.
The PIECHS powerlifting teams next competition will be at the Brownsville Rivera Raiders Invitational this Friday, January 16 with a 10 a.m. weigh-in.