Tigers lift at regional meet

GATESVILLE — The Smithville High School boys varsity powerlifting team was in action Saturday, March 9 at the Boys Region 2 Division 2 meet held at Gatesville High School. The Tigers had three lifters qualify for the upcoming state meet in their respective weight classes after competing in the squat, bench press and deadlift.

Caden Stockdale was the regional champion in the 242-pound class with his first-place finish to move on to state with 1,530 total pounds lifted, while Chris Borja won a bronze medal in the 220-pound class as he placed third with 1,450 total pounds lifted to qualify for state.

Noah Baxter, in a highly competitive 198-pound class, placed eighth with 1,400 total pounds lifted but was also able to qualify for the state meet.

Also competing for the Tigers at the regional meet was Travis Steubing placing fifth in the 114-pound class with 655 total pounds lifted, Christian Osorio placing sixth in the 148-pound class with 1,0115 total pounds lifted, Gilberto Jaimes placing ninth in the 132-pound class with 930 total pounds lifted and Devon Utecht placing 11th in the 148pound class with 925 total pounds lifted.

The trio of Stockdale, Borja and Baxter will next represent Smithville at the Division 2 state meet Friday, March 22 held at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.