Natalia Mustang Seniors Adrian Vasquez and Gaylen Garcia competed at the Texas High School Powerlifting Meet last Saturday at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene. Vasquez was able to claim a 2nd place finish in his 165 lb. weight class as Garcia was able to finish in 8th place in the 198 lb. weight class.
“Both of these young men did a great job of going out and competing against some tough competition,” Natalia Head Boys Coach Tyler Seiler said. “They both showed determination and mental toughness when facing these competitors as well as long wait time in between lifting attempts. We will greatly miss their leadership and experience moving forward.
Senior Adrian Vasquez- 2nd Place 165 lb. weight class
Vasquez was able to advance to the state lift meet for a 3rd straight year and he did not go down quietly.
“Adrian came out and had a great meet going 9-9 closing out his senior year with a 2nd place finish,” Seiler said.
Vasquez was able to account for a 1,460 lb. total which included a 600 lb. squat, a 300 lb. bench press and a 560 lb. deadlift.
“He started the day strong by getting a PR in the squat with a lift of 600 lbs,” Seiler said. “He followed that up with a 300 lb. bench press putting him in 4th place going into the deadlift. He also achieved a PR on deadlift on his final lift to lock in the 2nd place finish.”
Senior Gaylen Garcia- 8th Place 198 lb. weight class
Garcia qualified for the state meet for the first time and he had a good showing last Saturday.
“Gaylen had a good meet placing 8th in one of the toughest weight classes in the state,” Seiler said. “He started off the day going 3-3 on squat and he was able to PR in squat.”
Garcia finished the day with a 1,530 lb. total which included a 630 lb. squat, a 360 lb. bench press and a 540 lb. dead lift.
“He followed up his PR in squat going 3-3 on bench press with another PR,” Seiler said. “He battled it out with some tough competition and went 2-3 in deadlift to finish in 8th.”
We would like to congratulate both Natalia Mustangs on a great season and a great finish at state!
by Eric Smith, Staff Writer