By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
EDINBURG, TX—San Benito and Rio Hondo high schools saw their girls’ powerlifting teams reach the top level of competition last week by placing in the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association Championship Finals held at Bert Ogden Arena.
In Class 3A Division I, Rio Hondo’s Starlynn Garza won a state championship at the event.
In her nine attempts, she nearly had a perfect meet in the 123 lb. division. Three of her lifts were all personal records (PR). Garza lifted a total of 880 lbs., exceeding her previous PR by 35 lbs.
Incredibly, Garza actually moved up in weight class, having previously competed at 114 lb. division.
Garza winning the title was special because she had dominated a lower weight class, making it a smart move for her since she would be lifting at her strongest. In the end, that was a difference maker,” Rio Hondo Head Coach Mike Garza said.
She helped RHHS rank fifth out of 62 teams.
Coach Garza said finishing in the top five was an amazing achievement.
“That is just a reflection of the hard work the team has put in throughout the year. It is a great accomplishment for us that we are very grateful for because Region 5 is the strongest region in the state,” Coach Garza said.
And just like their state champion, every RHHS lifter set new PRs.
The Lady ’Cats’ results are as follows: 123 lb. Division – Aleena Cavazos, 13th place; 165 lb. Division – Hailey Castaneda, fifth place, 920 lb. total and (PR) +35 lbs.; 220 lb. Division – Jocelyn Ferrel, fourth place, 1015 lb. total and (PR) +40 lbs.
Castaneda and Ferrel were both first-time state qualifiers after missing out last year.
“They promised themselves that they would make it this year and put their heads down and grind for a spot on the winners’ podium,” Coach Garza said.
SAN BENITO PLACES SIXTH
Following the Lady Greyhounds’ state competition in the Class 5A Division I, coaches described the performance as an incredible display against the best in Texas.
As a team, SBHS placed sixth out of 49 teams in its category.
Lady ‘Hounds’ results were as follows: 97 lb. Division – Michelle Cisneros, fifth place; 105 lb. Division – Maria Delgado, sixth place; 148 lb. Division – Angelli Ortega, fourth place; 181 lb. Division – Danielle Padilla, fourth place; and 242 lb. + Division – Laurabella Sanchez, second place.
Head Coach Robbie Mesa and Assistant Coach Joe Gonzales acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and heart these girls showed all season.
Both believe the future is bright for the Lady ’Hounds’ powerlifting program, based on this showing at state.
Hailey Galarza and Jordin Garza also qualified for the state meet.