Nixon-Smiley powerlifters compete at state meet

While there were no medals won by the Nixon-Smiley boys powerlifting team on Friday, March 21, at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association Division 3 state meet, the team still had several Top 10 finishers in their respective weight classes.

In weight class 114, Cesar Vazquez squatted 355, benched 230 and deadlifted 365 to finish eighth overall with a total of 950 pounds lifted. Vazquez also was awarded a THSPA scholarship for his academic and athletic performance. Teammate Jayven Robles finished 13^th in the class with a squat of 325, bench of 215 and deadlift of 330 for a total of 870 pounds.

In weight class 148, Tyler Barrientez finished 20^th with a total lift of 1,225 pounds, which included a 485-pound squat, a 315-pound bench and a 425-pound squat.

In weight class 165, Jose Olvera finished 19^th by lifting 1,310 pounds, which included a 550-pound squat, a 300-pound bench and a 460-pound squat. Unfortunately, Eric Rodriguez bombed out of the meet by failing to make a successful bench after squatting 540 pounds.

Adolfo Vazquez had the best finish of any lifter by Nixon-Smiley as he placed sixth — just one place out of making the podium — in weight class 181. Vazquez had a squat of 620 pounds, a bench of 395 pounds and a deadlift of 505 pounds to finish with 1,520 pounds total.

In weight class 220, Gavino Moreno finished eighth with a total lift of 1,630 pounds. Moreno squatted 600 pounds, benched 425 pounds and deadlifted 605 pounds.

Sadly, Noah Jenks bombed out of weight class 275, failing to make a successful squat lift.

Three Nixon-Smiley lifters were named to the Academic All-State Elite Team, the highest academic honor the association gives out. They are Eduardo Bentancourt, Noah Jenks and Cesar Vazquez. Named to the First Team was John Garza.