Padilla set for State powerlifting meet

Natalia Mustang Manny Padilla is for his second straight trip to the Texas High School State Powerlifting Meet in Abilene. Padilla is coming off a state 123 lb. Weight class state title and this coming Saturday, he has his eye on another state title.
“Manny is set to compete for a back to back state championship in Abilene this coming weekend,” Coach Ilyan Martinez said. “Manny will go against his toughest competition this weekend as he attempts to win his 2nd state championship in the 132 lb. Weight class.”
Manny will enter this coming Saturday’s state lift meet tied at #2 in the state with his 1,140 lb. Total. His total includes a best 450 lb. Squat, a 225 lb. Bench press and a 465 lb. Deadlift.
Tied with Padilla is Hawley’s Johnny Donnelly who has the same total, thanks to a 450 lb. Squat, a 240 lb. Bench press and a 450 lb. Deadlift.
Padilla and Donnelly trail Hunter Mullins of Jarrell who enters the meet with a 1,160 lb. Total which includes a 450 lb. squat, a 240 lb. Bench press and a 470 lb. Dead lift.
“Manny is the leader of our program and brings a state championship mindset everyday in everything he does,” Martinez said. “I’m excited to compete with him this weekend and continue the tradition of our program. He represents everything our program is about with his work ethic and integrity and I’m proud to see him represent us for the 2nd year of his high school career.”
The meet will begin Saturday morning at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene and we want to wish Manny Padilla the best of luck!
By Eric Smith