by Malcolm Butler
Nineteen Cedar Creek powerlifters competed in the Billy Jack Talton Invitational hosted by West Monroe Saturday and head coach Jack Angevine said he was pleased with his teams performances.
“It was a solid day for our kids,” said Angevine. “We lifted a majority of our more experienced kids. Out of the 19, 10 of them found their way on the podium against some tough competition.”
The Cougars and Lady Cougars competed against defending state champions in D’Arbonne Woods and West Monroe as well as some up-and-comers in Caldwell, Ouachita, Pineville and Leesville.
“The talent pool overall at this meet was incredible,” said Angevine. “Usually that first meet after Christmas break can be rocky with people battling sickness, traveling for the holidays, and kids just getting out of their normal routines. But our kids did a phenomenal job of overcoming those adversities.”
Wyatt Gremillion captured first place in the 181-pound class with a three-lift total of 1,250 pounds while teammates Jack Robbins (148-pound class, 945 pound total), Aidan Crosby (165-pound class, 1,125 pound total), and Blake Robinson (242-pound class, 1,435 pound total) each finished second in their respective weight classes. Logan Amidon placed third in the 198-pound class with a 1,200-pound total.
On the girls side, Aubrey Singleton placed second in the 105-pound weight class (395-pound total) and Avery Bourn finished second in the 220-pound class (850-pound total). Catherine Williams (148-pound class, 705 pound total), Gia Fernandez (165-pound class, 725 pound total), and Kate Harris (198-pound class, 820 pound total) all reached the podium with third place finishes.
“With this new rule of qualifying for regionals of having a top total inside your weight class in your division, we had a few that didn’t perform that way,” said Angevine. “We know they can and we’re going to give them another shot at our meet on Wednesday to get a QT (qualifying total).
“Overall, I’m really pleased with our performance. The kids knew they had big shoes to fill after losing 13 seniors last year, and they are stepping up to the plate.”
Creek will host their home meet Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Below are all the Cedar Creek competitors and their totals from this weekend.
Girls Competitors
Aubrey Singleton 2nd place 105 395 total
Catherine Williams 3rd place 148 705 total
Rosemary Sewell 148 685 total
Gia Fernandez 3rd place 165 725 total
Kate Harris 3rd place 198 820 total
Kenna Williams 198 615 total
Avery Bourn 2nd place 220 850 total
Boys Competitors
Jack Robbins 2nd place 148 945 total
Kaleb Negrotto 165 1050 total
Aidan Crosby 2nd place 165 1125 total
Wyatt Gremillion 1st place 181 1250 total
Josh Robbins 181 985 total
Logan Amidon 3rd place 198 1200 total
Aidan Woods 220 1100 total
Blake Robinson 2nd place 242 1435 total
Joseph Luffey 275 1145 total
Chandler Bullock SHW 1225 total
