Lifting the Sport at VHS

Tomé

A growth-spurt has precipitated a move across campus for the Valencia powerlifting team.

With about 40 student-athletes now in the program, the Jaguars shifted Saturday’s meet against Oak Grove from the ROTC room to the VHS cafeteria to accommodate a large group of spectators.

“It’s a good problem to have,” said Jose Lopez, VHS coach, about the Jaguars expanded roster. “The program is growing in the right direction. Every year we get new kids.”

Lopez adds that some of the veterans, like defending 259+ 4A state champion Jaden Martinez-Flowers, guide the inexperienced lifters along.

“We have them to tutor and mentor, along with myself, the new guys,” he said. “It’s really awesome.”

The meet against Oak Grove, one of three home competitions for the Jags, helps as a fundraiser.

“We have a booster club like all the other big sports,” the coach said. “We’re growing the sport, buying new equipment for the weight room.”

Lopez says powerlifting is not just for traditional athletes but for those who are “willing to grind, to work hard.”