Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Opening their 2026 season in Natalia on January 14 were Head Coach Melissa Gomez and 10 of her Pirate athletes. Senior Noah Smoot and junior Ezekiah Aguilar each finished in the top of their respective weight divisions to take medals on their shot bus trip home.
“We took a group of primarily new powerlifters to Natalia to compete in their first meet,” Gomez stated. “A few had a rough start with commands/rules, controlling the bar, and nerves, but with guidance and support from their team, they were able to overcome those challenges by their second or third lifts.”
Smoot earned second place in the 181 weight class with a total of 1,265 pounds while the new-to-the-sport Aguilar earned third place in the 165 weight class with a total of 805 pounds.
“It was a great learning experience for the new powerlifters. This young team is full of potential, and we are excited to see them grow this season,” Gomez said in closing.
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Pirate lifters Smoot and Aguilar medal in first meet of ‘26
Pirate Powerlifters Noah Smoot and Ezekiah Aguilar pose with their medals from their first meet of the 2026 season.
