(Port Isabel powerlifters Arnold Lopez and Joe Perez are advancing to the State Powerlifting Meet. March 14, 2026. Picture by PIECHS)
By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past week a small contingent of Port Isabel ECHS boy powerlifters competed in the Texas High School Powerlifting Association (THSPA) Region 5 Division II Regional Meet held at the JK Northway Expo Center in Kingsville, Tx.
The meet featured 151 lifters from among 29 schools located in the San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Rio Grande Valley areas.
Competing in the 123lb division, PI’s senior Arnold Lopez claimed the bronze medal with a total lift of 1100 pounds. His results in the three required lifts were, Squat: 370, Bench:285, and Dead Lift:445. Lopez personal best in total lift is 1120lbs which would’ve been enough for 2nd place in the meet. Meanwhile, Zapata’s Eloy Sendejo finished in 1st place with a total lift of 1170lbs.
Competing in the 181lb division, PI’s Eric Gonzalez had issues with Dead Lift and didn’t post a result required for a total lift. Unfortunately for Gonzalez, his personal best in total lift is 1500lbs, which if matched again would’ve been enough for 3rd place. Robstown’s Gilbert Rios finished in 1st place with a total lift of 1685lbs.
On a side note, Gonzalez did record a Squat of 565lbs and a Bench of 385lbs prior to the disqualification. He matched his previous best in the bench, but set a new personal best in the squat.
Final PI lifter, Joe Perez who competes in the 198lb division finished in 8th place with a total lift of 1400lbs. His results in the three required lifts were, Squat: 535, Bench:350, and Dead Lift:515. Perez personal best of 1470lbs would’ve been good for 4th place at the meet. La Feria’s Gabriel Bruno won the class title with a total lift of 1800lbs.
According to head coach John Calvillo, both Lopez and Perez will be advancing to the State Meet by reaching the required state total lifts to advance. “Our region is the toughest by far to qualify to state so I’m really proud of them and especially both being seniors”, said coach Calvillo.
The THSPA State Meet will be held on March 27-28 in Abilene, TX.