This past weekend the Belton Tiger Powerlifting team was represented by Junior Daniel Arana at the 2024 Texas High School Powerlifting Meet in Abilene, Texas. Daniel competed in the 114-pound weight class against twenty-two other lifters from around the state.
Daniel's previous best total was 880 pounds which he accomplished at the Region 2 meet a few weeks prior. The goal was to reach 900 pounds and set himself up for a great meet. We started with squat where Daniel lifted 315 pounds, setting a new personal best by 15 pounds. The competition was strong in Abilene and Daniel knew that he would have to move some crazy weight to be in contention for a medal.
Next Daniel moved on to the bench press where he finished with 225 pounds which tied his previous best. After completing these two lifts Daniel was set up solidly in the top 20 for the meet with his total of 540 pounds.
The final lift of the day for Daniel was the deadlift. Needing just 360 pounds to reach his goal of 900 pounds Daniel was confident. Daniel reached his 900-pound total on his second lift and was able to get all three lifts with 375 pounds coming on his last attempt. In the end, Daniel finished with a new personal best of 915 pounds.
With the 915-pound total, Daniel was able to secure a top-15 finish and set himself up for a strong senior season. We are extremely proud of Daniel and all that he has accomplished this year and the great attitude that he brought to the weight room each day. As a program, we believe that we are moving in the right direction with great kids who want to compete and get to go to Abilene next year.