Bears break through powerlifting limits
When it comes to powerlifting dynasties, Church Point has entered an unprecedented realm.
Bears break through powerlifting limits When it comes to powerlifting dynasties, Church Point has entered an unprecedented realm. Check out this story on dailyworld.com: https://www.dailyworld.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/03/21/bears-break-powerlifting-limits/25150347/
A Port Barre power lifter gets ready to lift his weight in the squat competition during Friday's Division III power lifting event at Church Point High.(Photo: Bobby Ardoin/Daily World)Buy Photo
CHURCH POINT – When it comes to powerlifting dynasties, Church Point has entered an unprecedented realm.
The Bears' lifters won a fourth consecutive Division III title Friday as Church Point hosted and performed as expected on the platforms before a large crowd.
Church Point finished with 50 points in front of second-place Union Parish (36).
Port Barre, competing for a second time in state competition, scored seven.
The Bears have now won seven of the last eight state meets since 2008 under powerlifting coach Ed Bergeron.
Bergeron said the athletes he hoped would win their events performed as expected.
"That was big for us, having the people we expected to win coming in and winning their competitions.
"Our kids work extremely hard at this sport, and they have paid attention to their techniques. A lot of people might think (lifting) is all about brute strength, but there are a lot of technical aspects to consider," Bergeron said.
The Bears received first places from Miguel West (114), Anthony Thibodeaux (123), Christian Veronie (220) and Jacob Fontenot (242).
Church Point's Jamika Wheeler (123) and Lane Matte (275) placed second.
Port Barre lifting coach Paul Lanclos said he was pleased with the overall performance of his team.
"I have to be very pleased. Even those who didn't medal did better than they did at regionals. That's all I ever ask of them, which is do better than they did the week before.
"All of our kid had personal bests. If you do that every time, then you're a winner," said Lanclos.
Leon Boudreaux, competing at 148, finished third, but in the process set a state record of 325 pounds, breaking the old record of 310, Lanclos said.
Jayce Ramer was third in the super heavyweight class, lifting 1,130. Ramer's totals included his lifts in the squat, bench press and dead lift.
Other competitors for the Devils included Hunter LeJeune (214). Lanclos said LeJeune lifted 455 pounds in the squat event, but judges rules that LeJeune moved his foot.
"I thought the lift looked good, but the judges hit the red light. This sport can be so technical. If you move an inch, you can get redlighted," Lanclos said.
The Devils also received good performances, Lanclos said, from Devin Savoy (165), James Joseph (148) and Christian Beaugh (275).