by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek senior Lawson Lillo has never been one to back down from a challenge.
And early Friday morning in the United States, Lillo had some local folks up early watching on the internet as he represented not only his school but his country as he competed in the IPF Sub-Junior World Championships in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Lillo, who earned the opportunity after is performance at the Powerlifting America Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, in June, earned the bronze medal in the 74 kg sub-junior weight class with a total of 1,378.125 pounds (625 kg), just being edged by lifters from Japan and the Ukraine.
He earned the silver medal in the bench press with a lift of 380.36 pounds and a bronze medal with a lift of 479.59 pounds in the deadlift. He also finished fourth in the squad with a mark of 518.175 pounds.
“He went for the win with a 529 deadlift, and I got so hyped for him,” said Cedar Creek powerlifting coach Jacob Angevine, who was up early Friday morning watching his star pupil compete. “I had other teachers watching because he needed to feel the energy. This kid is the definition of a competitor. He had to pull something he’s never done before and didn’t back down.
“I knew he would do it too, didn’t travel all that way just to play it safe. He made all of us so proud. I was texting our football coaches group chat at 5 a.m. to send updates. His dad is a big part of what he’s done, and I know Jason couldn’t be more proud of him. I’ve got a love for Lawson and his family, and he’s going to have a big senior year. I am ready for him to get back so we can celebrate him.”
As impressive as Lillo’s performance was — and it was — the Creek multi-sport star wasn’t satisfied.
“I’m disappointed in myself that I did not place higher for my team/country, but this provides motivation to continue competing and hopefully come back and represent my country with a better end result,” said Lillo. “I gave it my all and chose to take a chance with a 50-pound PR on deadlift for a first place finish.
“I told my coaches that losers don’t get remembered. They put me in a position to be in first and not second. I struggled with my bench press on my first and third attempts, losing my conscience on the way down. Overall I could have been better but you take big risk for big rewards.”
Lillo owns the Louisiana state record in the bench press in the 148-pound weight class set last spring during a regional meet at Calvary Baptist. He will have an opportunity this coming spring to lead the Cougars powerlifting team as they bid to win a state title, something they fell just short of last year.
However, in the meantime, Lillo was able to experience what it means to represent his country.
“It is a surreal experience representing your country, knowing you got selected to compete with the best of the best in the world feels special,” said Lillo.
