CHS Powerlifters Focus on State Meet

By Don Eskins

Carlsbad High School's powerlifting team, in only its second year of existence, is experiencing yet another great season.

With only three weeks remaining on their schedule, the Cavegirls are ranked No. 1 in the state and the Cavemen No. 3. Last year, when all was said and done, the Cavemen finished second and the Cavegirls third.

Participants in powerlifting compete in three different lifts—the squat, deadlift, and bench press. At meets, points are awarded to the top five placers in each event. Team scores are determined by the total points each school accumulates. The top eight placers, based on total weight lifted across all three events, qualify for state.

"We're having a great season," said CHS Powerlifting head coach Michael Widenor. "We have three boys and three girls who are currently ranked No. 1 in the state.

"Cavemen Campbell Foster, at 165, Reenson Akwiembi, at 181, and Sean Cruz, at 308, along with Cavegirls Cassandra Bielstein, at 181, Atria Wells, at 259, and Kieana Munoz, at 259-plus, currently sit on top of their respective weight divisions for total weight lifted in all three lifts."

So far, 17 CHS athletes, boys and girls combined, have already qualified for this year's state championship, which will be held at Rio Rancho on April 10-11. CHS's program contains 32 kids, 26 boys and 16 girls.

"This year, we scheduled just four regular season meets. Our final tune-up before state will be held in Hobbs on March 28," said Widenor. "We're hoping to see a few more of our athletes qualify for state there."

With their season winding down, Widenor said he likes what he's seen from his kids this year and the opportunities that still lie ahead for them.

"These kids are a very special group of young men and women. They all work very hard. Some of them also compete in other sports as well," said the CHS coach. "During that time, they have to lift before school, during first period, or in the afternoon after practice. So, for them to compete in powerlifting as well requires a lot of extra effort and self-discipline.

"Although we still have a lot of work to do, at this point in the season, our kids have had a really good year. But, as we all know, anything can happen at state," said Widenor. "So right now, we're working hard at keeping together and staying focused. If we can do that, show up at state, and do what we're capable of, we'll be in good shape."