The Lakeview Gators boys powerlifting team competed at Fant-Ewing Coliseum in Monroe Thursday, March 18 at the LHSAA State Powerlifting Meet. State is the goal these athletes had worked for all season.
Evan Baker, a sophomore in the 123 pound weight class, finished sixth. Baker had a 585 pound total, 25 pounds more than his qualifying total at regionals.
Derek Kirts, a senior in the super heavyweight class, finished fifth. Kirts had a 1,165 pound total, 70 pounds more than his qualifying total at regionals.
The big name for the Gators was Tanner Gardner, a sophomore in the 132 pound weight class. Gardner, who finished third at regionals, was down by 20 or so pounds from second place all day. Then, on his final lift of the day, his third deadlift, Gardner hit a personal record of 335 pounds, two and a half times his body weight, to take the silver medal.
He finished with an 800 pound total to take the podium, 45 pounds more than his qualifying total at regionals. Gardner will be a major force as he continues to work for state the next two years.
