4 Lake View Powerlifters Qualify for State as Chiefs Win Regional Title

James Hogeda, 275-pound class

• Bench - 425
• Squat - 670
• Deadlift - 635

Connor Williams, 220-pound class

• Bench - 270
• Squat - 600
• Deadlift - 545

Joshua Lemos, 181-pound class

• Bench - 405
• Squat - 505
• Deadlift - 500

Ethan Packard, 132-pound class

• Bench - 320
• Squat - 550
• Deadlift - 460

Two Chiefs won their weight classes outright, with the other two finishing in second place. Hogeda won 275-pound weight class, and Packard won in the 132-pound class. Williams and Lemos finished as runners-up in the 220-pound class and 181-pound class, respectively.

For Hogeda, the win ended up too close for comfort. He had to break some records in the deadlift to offset some early struggles in the bench press and squat. With only 30 pounds separating first and second place, Hogeda set the Region I Division II Deadlift record with a 635-pound deadlift to win.

"At first, I was off to a rocky start," Hogeda said. "I only got my first squat and second bench. Deadlift really helped me win the competition. My first attempt on squat was 670, my second bench was 425, and then my deadlift was 635."

All four state qualifiers for the Chiefs are members of the Lake View football team that went 7-4 last fall for the winningest season in 29 years. Their accomplishments in powerlifting is evidence of the hard work they put in to push the athletics program forward.

"Powerlifting has helped me a lot," Hogeda continued. "It's helped me get my strength up and get me ready to play at the next level."

One of the coaches that spent time on these athletes to prepare them for competitions is Brian Ferrell. Hogeda had nothing but good things to say about his powerlifting coach.

"He's a really good coach," Hogeda said. "He's a really smart guy. He's helped improve our form while lifting, and he's always been there for us. It's really nice to have him."

Ferrell's contribution to these athletes' success continues to hammer home the importance of coaches in students' lives. Lake View put their hard work on display last weekend with the overall title. Six athletes placed to put Lake View atop the standings.

Top 5 team totals:

• Lake View - 27 points, including four state qualifiers
• Perryington - 27 points, including three state qualifiers
• Andrews - 27 points, including two state qualifiers
• Snyder - 24 points, including one state qualifier
• Big Spring - 21 points, including three state qualifiers

*Lake View won the tiebreaker with the most state qualifiers

These four athletes move on to the state competition in Abilene on Friday, March 27.