By BRAD KEITH
TheFlashToday.com
STEPHENVILLE (March 2, 2017) — Eight Honeybee power lifters are representing Stephenville at the Central Region Division II meet at Little River Academy today, where some are expected to compete for spots at the state meet.
The lifting begins just after 4 p.m., but for the Honeybees, it began in January, with early morning and afternoon workouts that have continued around other sports and competitions.
“These girls compete in everything they do. They come in for a 6:30 (a.m.) workout then come in and do another workout after school,” said coach Eric Rivas. “They are also competing in other things, some of them in track and softball, and one, Marianna, who made it to state in Decca. It’s just great being around such well-rounded competitors.”
Rivas says the regional meet will be more intense than the typical regular season meets the girls are accustomed to.
“There are only 12 girls per weight class, so it’s going to be a much faster pace with less time between lifts,” the coach said. “It will be fast paced and much more competitive, but I just tell the girls, keep doing what you’ve been doing. You’ve come out all year and put in the hard work, no just go reap the benefits of it.”
The Flash caught up with all eight region bound lifters and got some brief thoughts from each as they enter the regional meet:
Nadine Arredondo:
“My favorite part of powerlifting is just lifting and having fun with the girls. I’ve been (to regionals) all four years, so it means a lot. At regionals it’s just girls so the coaches can focus on us, and I like that. Hopefully I go further and make it to state.”
Alexus Duckett:
“My favorite part is the girls, it’s a team environment and we all encourage each other no matter what. It’s my fourth time to make it to regionals and it’s a big deal because it’s my senior year and I want to make it to state.
It will be high intensity with a lot of girls pushing heavier and heavier weight. We just need to focus on beating ourselves, not the other girls. I came close to getting to state last year, so to finally be able to perform at the state meet would mean the world to me.”
Baylie DeViney:
I like powerlifting because I have to push myself really hard. It’s kind of scary to get under the weight, but once I do it makes me feel like I can conquer anything.
Hayden Carillo:
I like it because it’s an individual sport and you only depend on yourself. If you mess up, there’s no one to blame but yourself, but if you succeed, it’s all you, too.
Maeci Ray:
My favorite part has been watching my brother lift all four years he’s done it, and now that he’s a senior we get to lift together. Seeing him lift at regionals and now me getting to lift at regionals is pretty cool.
Mallory Gunter:
My favorite part is the coaches, I really enjoy them. I tried to push myself to work really hard to get here, and no I’m pushing myself to try to make it to state, also.
Marianna Reyes:
I really like the coaches and how close we are, and I like that the sport is you against yourself. To make it to regionals means a lot, but not enough, because I want to make it to state.
Jessica Ebeling:
This is my first year, so it’s pretty exciting to go to regionals this soon. It’s a pretty cool experience.
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