Ramos advances to State in powerlifting
By Melissa
McCaghren
Slatonite GM
The Slaton Tiger Girls Powerlifting Team is sending a lifter to State.
Amaya Ramos qualified to compete at the top round of competition. She placed second out of 14 in her division, with a 335 pound squat, 195 bench and 295 deadlift.
She is very excited to have a chance at State again, especially after last year’s disappointing cancellation due to COVID. “It feels so surreal. All of the hard work truly paid off and I couldn’t be more happy,” she said, adding the practices paid off. “I’m so thankful for all of the people who have been by my side and have supported me through my journey this year. I wouldn’t be here without God, my family, coaches and my friends.”
She was one of three Powerlifting girls to advance to Regional March 6. Savannah Rubio finished 11th out of 14 with a 265 squat, 140 bench and 265 deadlift; and Jacyln Loera with a 290 squat. Coach Albert Lopez said Loera did not get a successful lift on bench and “Bombed Out.”
Lopez added he’s looking forward to helping Ramos prepare for the meet, which will be March 18 in Corpus Christi. “We are going to lift extremely heavy this week and get her ready for the State Meet. She has been working hard and she will be ready to go.”
Ramos is definitely ready to go, especially to make up for the lost chance she earned her Freshman year.
“I’m looking forwadr to representing my family, school, community and coaches the best way I can,” she said. “This is the moment I’ve been waiting for all year so I can’t wait to show up and show out.”
This was part one of two competitions for Tiger lifters.
The boys team will have five lifters who will compete. “Four out of the five boys that qualified are seniors – Toby Crabb, Chris Rader, Landen Simmons, Eddie Betancourt,” said Lopez. “They are self driven and work extremely hard. The other qualifier is Alex Quintero. He only competed in one meet this year and qualified for Regionals.”
The team will compete this March 8-13 in Sunday for their chance to compete at State, which will be March 27 in Abilene.
“Overall all the powerlifting athletes have gotten stronger and have improved their totals throughout the year. All I ask for is effort and work on getting better everyday,” said Lopez.
