The powerlifting team has been growing since Coach Askins started at Randall last year, and a handful of kids have made a state appearance this year.
Lyn Chavarria competed in the girl’s powerlifting state competition and made it in the top ten out of 84 other lifters.
“My performance at state was not my best, but I was still very proud of myself,” Chavarria said. “Not many athletes can say they went to state their first year of joining a sport.”
Prior to working at Randall, Coach Askins coached at Highland Park. Last year he took on the role of being the head coach for powerlifting. The team has grown to over 60 athletes in the past two years.
“I really like the aspect of individualism in terms of making yourself better,” Askins said. “Even though we go to competitions as a team, it’s you versus the bar.”
Powerlifters work out daily during 8th period and during the season they lift heavy every practice. This can be difficult physically for an athlete.
“The hardest part about powerlifting is the toll it takes in your body,” senior Kaiden Miller said. “I feel like I’m constantly hurting after meets, and I’ve popped multiple blood vessels in my eyes and on my face.”
Even though powerlifting can be physically challenging, it can also do great things in terms of an athlete’s mindset.
“I would say it’s impacted my mindset in the best way and made me more disciplined, coachable, and determined,” senior Marley Winchester said.
Winchester’s maxes are 245 on squats, 155 on bench, and 235 on deadlift.
“Some advice for new powerlifters is to start light and focus on form before lifting heavy,” Winchester said. “Don’t think about weight consistency; it will pay off, and you’ll see results.”
State Results:
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Senior Kaiden Miller squats at Randall powerlifting meet on Jan. 25. Lyn Chavarria: 7th out of 84
- Brenli Bell: 11th out of 184
- Landri Holcomb: 8th out of 116
- Vangie Griffin: 9th out of 116
- Lili Ybarra: 14th out of 173
- Xavier Sandoval: 16th out of 96
- Rhilar Satterfield: 10th out of 331
- Drayven Patton: 22nd out of 350
