By Martin Edwards Staff Writer
The Aubrey Chaparrals boys powerlifting team made a successful trip to the 4A Regional meet, with two lifters capturing gold medals and qualifying for the state meet.
Aubrey was represented in Decatur by seven Chaps, with three of them earning medals by placing in the Top 5 of their respective weight classes.
“I’m extremely pleased with how our guys came out and performed,” Aubrey head boys powerlifting coach Ellis Hill said. “I told them before we got off the bus, ‘Let’s just have fun and let the chips fall where they may,’ and we were able to have a couple of guys make it out.”
Christian Southard earned the Chaps’ first gold medal of the day, winning the 114-pound weight class, with a total of 895 pounds and new personal records in squat and deadlift.
Southard, who battled illness going into the meet, shared his excitement about making his first appearance at the state meet.
“I did pretty well even though I was sick, but I’m glad I got first,” he said. “I’m very excited about competing at state, and, hopefully,
See CHAPS on Page 8A
Aubrey powerlifter Toby Davis pushes through his squat while his father coaches him through the lift in Decatur.
Martin Edwards/The Post-Signal I can get at least in the Top 5.”
Chaitanya Kadiri finished his first powerlifting season 11th in the region in the 114-pound weight class, with a total of 550 pounds and setting new personal records in all three lifts.
Kai Aquinaldo finished ninth in the 123-pound weight class, with a total of 755 pounds lifted and a new personal record of 295 pounds in deadlift.
Tyler Stuckey earned a medal in the 132-pound weight class, finishing fourth with a total of 1,055 pounds and a new personal record of 365 pounds in the deadlift.
Wayne Aquinaldo placed seventh in the 132-pound weight class, with new personal records on the bench press and a total of 985 pounds lifted.
Jaxson Doramus finished sixth in the 165-pound weight class, with personal bests in all three lifts and a total of 1,270 pounds.
Toby Davis earned the Chaps’ second regional gold medal, taking the crown in the 181-pound weight class for the second year in a row, with a total of 1,595 pounds.
Davis said he’s looking forward to making his return to the state meet after finishing in eighth place last year.
“It feels great to go back, and I want to win,” he said.
Hill highlighted the performance of the Chaps’ state qualifiers and all of Aubrey’s lifters that competed on the regional stage.
“Christian was battling illness all week, and at 80% he was still the regional champion for his weight class, and Toby did what he always does,” he said. “For the past three years, he’s been one of our cornerstone guys and our powerlifting program, so when he leaves, the guys have some big shoes to fill, [but] I’m also proud of Wayne, Kai, Tyler, [Chaitanya] and Jaxson.”
Southard and Davis will return to the weight racks to compete at the 4A State meet March 21-22 at the Taylor Center in Abilene.
