Numerous Marble Falls powerlifters qualify for regionals

CAPTION: Xavier Lopez is one of several Mustangs advancing to a powerlifting regional meet. Courtesy photo

Eleven Marble Falls High School powerlifters are on their way to the regional meet at Gatesville High School Saturday, March 11, thanks to accepting qualification bids Feb. 26.

They are Aaron Arredondo, Jeremiah Bales, Aaron Dominguez, Noah Escandan, Josue Garcia, Adan Lopez, Xavier Lopez, Chase Richard, Jaseal Ruiz, Christian Sein and Jose Solorazano.

Head coach Robert Draper noted this is the most Mustangs advancing to regionals in powerlifting in the three years he’s been on staff.

“It’s way higher since I’ve been here,” he said. “My first year we got three. My second year we got five. This is double since I’ve been here. When you get a full team, it’s a lot of bodies.”

This year the Mustangs will compete in Division II or Class 4A as opposed to Division I, which was Classes 5A and 6A.

He noted the athletes see how the sport is helping them in many areas of their lives and they’re happy to share with Draper how they’re doing at each meet. The Mustangs have won all five invitational meets they’ve entered this season.

Draper works primarily with the Lady Mustangs and serves as the football team’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, while strength-and-conditioning coach Richard Scales, who also is a football coach, works with the Mustangs. Many of the Mustangs play other sports and have developed personal relationships with Draper and Scales.

“I’ve seen it help the boys because they want to win as a team,” Draper said. “Many boys will come up to me and say, ‘Coach, I’m in first place.’ We’re trying to get them all to place, and they’re trying to get points for the team.”

In order to advance to the state meet, lifters must either finish in the top two in their weight class at regionals or meet a qualifying standard.

But the weight totals throughout the season are tossed out, so all lifters start over at regionals.

“It’s about placements,” Draper said. “You’re trying to hit a qualifying total. We’re trying to get everybody to get a medal. The team concept is ‘let’s do well for our team.'”

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