Lindale hosted the powerlifting season’s first meet Saturday. It was the competitors’ first opportunity to compete this year.

“I am always excited about powerlifting,” boys powerlifting coach Joe Ryzman said. “This year’s team looks to continue the strong leadership and good work ethic we have worked hard to achieve for the last 10 years.”

Saturdays’ meet featured 15 Lindale athletes in the boy’s division. Competitors Jaidon Garrett, Jaden Taylor, Andrew Spellman, David Bledsoe, Ty McDaniel and Matt Edwards placed in the top five of their weight class.

“I love to improve throughout each season,” sophomore powerlifter Jaden Taylor said. “I’m looking forward to this season tremendously and possibly even making it back to regionals.”

The girl’s division of the weekend’s meet included 11 powerlifters from Lindale. Of these, Rachael Puckett, Kassy Bennett, Isabella Yoder, Amina Petty and Grace Reynolds medaled.  

“My favorite part of powerlifting is having the opportunity to push myself to new heights and help others to do the same,” senior powerlifter Amina Petty said. “I am so excited to compete this year. I even have a countdown for the days until the next meet.”

New and returning athletes may compete in at least three additional meets this year at Troup, Chapel Hill and Bullard. Qualifiers will have the opportunity to compete at regional and state meets as well.

“I like the team aspect of it,” junior powerlifter Jonathan McWhorter said. “You can place individually, but if your team places, it is a success at the end of the day.