BHS, LLHS enjoy powerlifting rivalry

LOS LUNAS — After clearing the tables and hauling in the racks, Friday’s dual powerlifting meet between Belen and Los Lunas in the LLHS cafeteria, was decided by mere pounds and one point.

While the LLHS girls had a comfortable victory, the Tigers’ boys team edged BHS 65 to 64. It should be no surprise these rivals would produce a narrow outcome. Afterall, the boys’ competition last year was a tie.

“I thought the venue had a great atmosphere — coach (Nathaniel) Charlie and his teams treated us very well,” said BHS coach Chris Peralta about his LLHS counterpart. “Both teams are gaining respect for each other. In some cases cheering for each other.”

After the lifting, Peralta said most of the Eagles set personal records, perhaps inspired by the large crowd watching.

Even before the dual, Nathaniel Charlie wasn’t shy about praising his lifters for their preparation and unity this season.

“These kids have come out and not only managed themselves, they managed the environment, they’ve managed the culture, the positivity with each other,” Charlie said.

To make the meet a success, Charlie relies on Los Lunas administrators and teachers to pitch in, with students manning the scorers table and serving as spotters.

“At this point, it’s running itself right now,” Charlie said.

The judges go through training and certification and are from the local area, according to Charlie. That includes Bill Richardson, of Bosque Farms, the head judge. Richardson could be seen moving between stations, answering questions, observing the lifts and giving tips to the spotters.

Richardson calls the spotters, who are usually powerlifters themselves, “the most important portion of the platform,” ready to help a lifter who is struggling. “It puts a lot of pressure on them.”

There are three judges at each rack, making sure the athletes complete a clean lift by following a series of guidelines. For example, in the squat,

“When they come down, the point of the hip has to be below the knee, so it’s not parallel,” Richardson explained. “They can’t move their feet, they can’t move their hands,” until the command is given to lift.

For the judges, athletes and coaches, the culmination of the season is April 9-10 at the New Mexico Powerlifting Championships in Rio Rancho.