Friendswood High School’s weightlifting team, led by Coach Joseph Taylor, showcased an impressive performance at the Texas State Weightlifting Meet in San Antonio this past weekend, securing a significant number of medals and setting new records.
On Saturday, a group of 25 Mustang athletes competed in the prestigious event and emerged with an impressive haul of awards. The team’s hard work and dedication were evident in the results, with Friendswood High achieving numerous top placements in various categories.
The mens’ team this year includes Collin Bob, Charles Boyer, Aidan Brooks, Troy Carper, Bruno DeLuca, Grant Ferguson, William Guse, Erik Hayrapetyan, Bryce Hovorka, Noah Leggio, Tatum Mantell, Jason Marsh, Thaddeus Mayo, Grant Scogin, Jackson Slaughter, & Braxton Wright. On the womens’ team were Rebecca Barrera, Savannah Bolden, Gracie Davis, Riley Dietrich, Kailia Falo, Katelyn Harris, Claire McCarty, Nicole Musyimi, and Isabella Punchard.
“The level of commitment and effort our students have put into this sport is truly commendable,” said Coach Taylor. “Weightlifting is a demanding sport that requires not only physical strength but also mental resilience and strategic thinking.”
Unlike powerlifting, which focuses on maximal strength in three lifts — squat, bench press, and deadlift — Olympic weightlifting, the style in which the Mustangs compete, involves two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. These lifts test athletes’ explosive strength, technical skill, and coordination.
The Mustangs’ performance was outstanding, with 109 successful lifts out of 149 attempts. The team brought home 8 state champions, 6 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals. Moreover, 14 athletes matched or set new personal records (PRs) in the snatch, while 16 did the same in the clean and jerk, and for their total lift.
The Friendswood High teams also excelled in the team categories, winning the State Champion titles for the Male Youth Team, Male Junior Team, and Female Junior Team. The Female Youth Team secured a respectable third place. Additionally, 10 Mustang lifters qualified for the National Championships, a testament to the high skill level and competitive spirit of the team.
Coach Taylor emphasized the importance of recognizing these young athletes’ achievements in a sport that often doesn’t receive as much attention as others. “Weightlifting offers unique challenges and opportunities for our students,” he added. “It’s not just about lifting weights; it’s about discipline, technique, and pushing oneself to new limits.”
As the Mustangs prepare for their next challenge, the National Championships, they carry with them not only their medals and records but also the support and admiration of their school and community.
