HS Powerlifting: SMHS lifters see tough competition

San Marcos’ Karissa Arroyo participates in the squat portion of the San Marcos Powerlifting Meet last weekend. Arroyo earned first place in the 97-pound division (Photo by Gerald Castillo).

Straining screams of lifters and of the thunderous sound of weights dropping emulated from the SMHS Snake Pit Saturday, as San Marcos High School hosted the Rattlers Powerlifting Meet.

Two hundred and 25 lifters from 17 different schools competed at the meet, with San Antonio-East Central winning the boys’ team title and Lehman winning the girls’ title. The SMHS girls finished fourth overall, while the two boys teams finished 13th and 15th.

“This was a very competitive meet. San Marcos is an idea location for teams to travel for a Powerlifting Meet,” SMHS head powerlifting coach Cesar Calzadias said. “The visiting coaches mentioned the facilities were great in hosting a powerlifting meet. We have not seen competition like this all season long competing at one time so this was a great experience for our teams as they prepare for the upcoming Regional Meets.”

Scoring first-place individual medals for the SMHS girls were Karissa Arroyo and Genevieve Quiroga, while Courtney Anderson placed fourth. With her performance Saturday, Arroyo became the region’s top-ranked lifter in the 97-pound class. Quiroga is currently ranked fourth in the 148-pound class.

On the boys’ side, San Marcos’ Thomas Moscorro squated 410 pounds, his best lift of the season, but wasn't able to finish the competition due to an injury during the bench press. He still remains ranked No. 1 in the regional in the 123-pound class.

“Hopefully we will have him back on track for the regional meet,” Calzadias said.

The girls’ regionals will on February 22 in Kyle, while the boys’ regionals are scheduled for March 2 in Dripping Springs.