The atmosphere in the Joshua High School Fieldhouse Saturday was thick with more than just the usual pre-spring break energy. It was charged with focus, effort, and the unmistakable clang of iron. The Region 2 Regional Powerlifting Meet brought together the most dedicated and strongest high school athletes from across the area, all vying for a chance to advance to the state championship.
For the uninitiated, powerlifting is a pure test of strength and technique. The competition features the "Big Three" lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. Each lifter gets three attempts at each discipline, with the single heaviest successful lift in each category added together to form their final total score.
The day was a testament to months of grueling training, strict dieting, and mental fortitude.
Weight Class 132
Leonel Castillo -4th place
Weight Class 148
Jax Holliman - 6th place
Cooper Arnold-7th place
Weight Class 181
Prince Kabuya -
Matthew Jackson- 8th place
Weight Class 220
Hunter Loraus -
Gavin Owens-9th place
Weight Class 275
Evan Lazott - 2nd place
Weight Class 308
Colton Crocker - 3rd place
Colton Colvin - 5th place
Kaleb Truelove - 9th place
Looking Ahead to State
When the chalk dust settled and the weights were stripped from the bars, Lake Belton High had plenty to celebrate. With the Regionals now behind them, the team—led by state qualifier.
Evan Lazott is already setting his sights on the next challenge.
The coaching staff is proud of the team's performance and focused on what lies ahead. Powerlifting isn't a sport you can fake. It's you against the bar, and every single one of our athletes left it all on the platform today. We're taking some serious strength to the state meet.
The state championships are just around the corner, and the team is determined to bring home even more hardware. On Saturday, March 28, 2025, the boys will compete in Abilene, Texas, in the final meet of the year. With the talent and determination this team has shown, they are sure to make some noise.
Congratulations to all the lifters who competed at Regionals! We'll be cheering for you in Abilene.
