Powerlifting: Aledo's Mathias makes history

Aledo Ladycat senior lifters Ari Mathias (left) and Bryanna Orr competed at the Class 5A Division I Girls State Powerlifting Meet in Edinburg on Saturday, March 15. Also shown is coach Josh Morgan.

Aledo ISD

Ari Mathias bid farewell to her Aledo High powerlifting career with the best performance ever at state by a Ladycat. She placed seventh in the 148-pound weight class at the Class 5A Division I State Meet at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg on Saturday, March 15.

This was Mathias’ third time to qualify for state and it was the highest placement ever for a Ladycat at this level. In accomplishing this, she set a personal record with a total of 890 pounds lifted, including 350 squat, 215 bench press, and 325 deadlift.

Also qualifying for state for a second straight year was Bryanna Orr in the 132 division. However, she was disqualified after not having a successful squat attempt.

“The competition was tough and the judges were strict at this year’s state meet,” Ladycats coach Josh Morgan said.

Both girls qualified for state by winning their division at regionals, where Aledo was also well represented with 20 competitors

“They are such a big part of our program and I am so proud of them,” Morgan said of Mathias and Orr.

Seven from Weatherford among 6A state lifters

Seven Lady Kangaroos competed on March 12 in Edinburg, led by a fifth-place finish by Lauren Schweiss in the 105-pound division. She lifted a total of 690 pounds.

In that same division, Maddie Seago placed ninth with 625 pounds. Another top-10 finish was posted by Analia Barcenas in the 220 class, lifting 925.

In the 148 division, Ella Jester (870 lifted) was 11th and Reagan Hunt (855) was 15th. Khala Kuehler was 12th in the 114 division with a total of 700 pounds.

Zoe Todd of the Lady Roos also qualified for state in the 97 weight class, but was disqualified after failing to get a qualifying lift in one of the categories.

Now it’s the boys’ turn

Five area lifters (three from Aledo, two from Weatherford) will compete Saturday at the Boys State Powerlifting Meet at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

Competing in Class 5A from Aledo are Chase Wilburn, 220 class; Anthony Flowers, 242 division; and Kruger Summers, 275 division.

Competing in Class 6A from Weatherford will be Talan Tart in the 275 weight class and Ryan Ekberg in the 148 division.