Last week in Abilene at the THSPA
Powerlifting
State Meet, Kennedale High School sophomore Justin Lindsey lifted a combined 970 lbs to take 1st place and gold. Just two weeks earlier he had won his division at the Region 6 meet while setting the region all-time record. Fellow KHS lifter Brent Reed finished in the top twenty in the state in his division, landing at 13th. {{more}}
Thinking huge monster of an athlete, think again. Powerlifting is one of those events that does not depends upon being the biggest around. Anyone can participate at almost any size because it divided by weight classifications. But it does take determination, a strong work ethic and a goal to keep pushing yourself to your limits and more. In other words, you have to be a good athlete.
Justin competes in the 114 lbs classification. As a freshman he made the state team for Kennedale as did senior Brent Reed.
At the weigh-in Justin came in at 110.2. In the squat he lifted 400lbs, the bench press 200lbs and the deadlift 355lbs for a total of 955lbs. This equals his best this season and won him the gold.
KHS senior Brent Reed, who had taken first at the region meet, weighed in at 264.6 lbs for the 275 lbs class. For the state meet, he lifted 570lbs in the squat, 320lbs in the bench press and 575lbs in the deadlift for a total of 1465 lbs. This qualified him for 13th place. This was off his season best which was at the earlier region meet where he lifted a total of 1510.
Kennedale has had a strong powerlifting program for both male and female athletes for a number of years. Lifting has long been integrated in to all sports although the goals for each vary. For Kennedale, it has been a successful program. The powerlifting teams have won state, region and district titles. This year was the third straight year for both district and region championships.
Kennedale won back to back state titles in 2007-08 and another title last year in 2014. KHS has had a couple of athletes win multiple state titles. Lance Canter did it in 2005 and 2006 and T.J. Sabando in 2007 and 2008.
