Trio of Dragons eye state powerlifting titles,
“Redwater Powerlifting over the last 10-12 years has had great success due the dedication and hard work from many athletes and coaches.” —coach Nate Turner
REDWATER, Texas – Redwater has three state qualifiers for this weekend’s Texas High School Powerlifting Association state meet in Abilene.
Senior Carlos Rojas will compete in the 220 weight division, and senior Tarik Hussein and junior John Collier are entered in the 242 weight division for the THSPA Division II (3A4A) state championships Saturday at the Taylor County Expo Hall.
Redwater last won an individual state title in 2012 – the same year the Dragons claimed the national championship in powerlifting – and won the 2011 team state championship.
“Redwater Powerlifting over the last 10-12 years has had great success due the dedication and hard work from many athletes and coaches,” veteran Redwater powerlifting coach Nate Turner said. “Our team this year has been no different, we had over 20 guys that competed this year that set 103 personal records throughout the season, had four first place finishes as a team and was the top 3-3A team at the regional championships.”
Collier set a personal best in the bench press at the regional meet with 370 pounds. He previously set PRs at the Atlanta Meet of Champions with a 605 deadlift, 1,645 total and 700 squat, which tied a school record set in 2011 by Jesse Roberson.
Collier also plays football and participates in track and field. Hussein and Rojas also play football.
“John Collier is an intense young man that loves a challenge, he sets goals and understands that hard work is the only way to achieve them,” Turner said. “He sets the standard in our program when it comes to power and strength.”
Hussein achieved a pair of personal records at the regional meet, hoisting 575 in the squat and 390 on the bench press. His PR total of 1,465 and his 525 deadlift was set at the Atlanta Meet of Champions.
“Tarik Hussein has gotten to the point he is at through hard work and dedication,” Turner said. “Tarik has set personal records in every meet he has competed in this year. He has molded himself into being able to compete at the highest level through hard work and dedication.”
Three of Rojas’ personal records came in Atlanta (1,510 total, 640 squat and 350 bench) and his 535 deadlift was set at the Hallsville Invitational.
“Carlos Rojas has been the heart and sole of our program for many years,” Turner said. “He is the standard of hard work, accountability and dedication. It has been a blessing to coach him for 4 years and see his hard work payoff.
“We will continue our hard work in keeping with the high standards and expectations of our program and hopefully bring home some gold medals Saturday.”