2 For 2: Lady Apaches send pair of lifters to state for second straight year

Lady Apache powerlifting has been consistent the past few seasons, establishing a habit of getting some of Gonzales' best young ladies to the regional and state competitions. Gonzales qualified five girls to this past Tuesday's THSWPA (Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association) Region 5 powerlifting meet.

With some of the best in the state assembled at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas, the Lady Apaches represented and competed very well.

Madison Sampleton, one of the region's best in the 220 pound weight class the last two years, is once again headed to the THSWPA State Championships. She did so with lifts of 425 on the squat, 205 on the bench, and 365 on the deadlift. Her total weight of 995 pounds earned her a silver medal and a spot at the biggest meet of the year.

Joining her at state will be first-time state qualifier and Region 5 champion in the 242 pound weight class, sophomore Jazlin Juarez. Juarez entered the competition in the No. 1 spot from the regular season and defended that spot with dominance, overwhelming second place by nearly 200 pounds (915 to 725). Juarez's best lifts were as follows: 350 (Squat), 255 (Bench), & 310 (Deadlift).

Alize Miller fought hard all day in one of the most stacked divisions in Region 5, the 165 pound weight class. Miller's total of 805 pounds was 20 short of the total needed to automatically qualify for state. She finished in seventh place, surpassing her ninth place finish from last year's regional meet.

Midaya Cantu and Mariah Mendoza rounded out Gonzales' regional contenders. They were unable to complete a successful lift in the squat but did compete in some of the deepest weight classes in the region, 165 & 114 respectively.

Lady Apache Head Coach Saul Hinojosa said, "Region 5 is definitely the toughest in the state of Texas for powerlifting, from the lifters to the judges and standards. You know that if you get to the state competition from this region, you've definitely earned it. Just getting to the regional meet is an accomplishment and I'm proud of all five Lady Apaches who competed. Now, we look forward to representing Gonzales at the highest level with Sampleton and Juarez."

The THSWPA State Championships will be held, for the first time, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas on March 14, 2025.