Junior powerlifter Charles Mack will travel to Abilene today to compete in the state powerlifting meet.
“We are very excited that Charles made it to the state meet,” head powerlifting coach David Brister said. “He placed first at all invitational meets this season and was also the Regional Champ in his weight class.”
Mack is the only male powerlifter that advanced to state this year. This is his second year going to state.
“I went last year, but it’s still very exciting,” Mack said. “I’m a little nervous about weighing in though because a few days ago I was 7 pounds over my weight class. I think it will be okay, though. I’m already down 5 pounds since my last weigh in.”
Mack has broken every school record this season except for the deadlift record. He broke the school squat record with a weight of 365, the total record and the bench record with a weight of 225. Most of the previous records that Mack broke were set in 2016.
“I just have the deadlift left to beat,” Mack said. “The record is 395 and I could probably get to 345. I don’t think I will break it anytime soon.”
The state meet is very similar to all other powerlifting meets; it’s just bigger. Mack will be accompanied by one other student to support him and so that he is not alone at the meet.
“When I was younger I used to work out a lot,” Mack said. “Everyone at school has supported me, though my grandma is my number one fan.”
The powerlifting teams and Badger fans are supporting Mack as he goes to state.
“Over the years we have had many lifters advance to the state meet,” Brister said. “Charles advancing is a continuation of the success that we have had in powerlifting.”