Outlifting the Competition

Varsity Girls Weightlifting Qualifiers Head to State

Photo courtesy of Josey Becker (pictured)

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, seven girls on the weightlifting team left Maclay traveling to Lakeland after qualifying for the state meet. This year, Maclay broke the record for the number of girls the weightlifting team sent to state, and had many girls accomplish big and bring home awards. The qualifiers include freshman Bhavya Tatini; sophomore Emma Manry; juniors Regan Pickles, Katie Nation and Ella Pike; and seniors Josey Becker and Palmer Webb. 

Becker, Nation and Webb had a very promising meet, all taking home medals. Becker placed seventh traditionally, having a total score of 265 pounds, and ninth olympically, having a total score of 255 pounds in the 119-pound weight class. Nation placed sixth traditionally with a score of 280 and eighth olympically with a total score of 250 in the 129-pound weight class. Lastly, Webb placed fifth traditionally with a total score of 345 and ninth olympically with a score of 290 in the 183-pound weight class. 

“I felt very accomplished making it to state again,” Becker said. “The work I had put in over the summer and throughout the season helped me meet my goal of qualifying and having a top ten finish.”

For the others, even though they did not podium, qualifying for state alone was a huge accomplishment and one they should be immensely proud of. Pickles qualified for the 110-pound weight class, Tatini qualified for the 139, Manry in the 154 and Pike in the 199. These girls worked all season, and their hard work can be seen through the amazing advancements they have made. With this season over, make sure to keep an eye out for their next season in the new school year to see what new accomplishments they achieve.