Juniors Hailey Palmer and Ariana Bermundez, sophomore Alison Gonzalez, and senior Addison Berry, who broke the school deadlift record of 20 years when she lifted 325 pounds at regionals, competed at the state meet in Frisco March 15.

Berry and Bermundez placed 10th in their weight classes. Palmer placed 12th and Gonzalez placed 14th in the 97 weight class. 

“I’m so happy and lucky to get the opportunity to be on this team and I’m excited to improve next year,” Palmer said. 

The girls powerlifting team placed fourth at regionals March 1. 

“The girls competed very well and left everything out there,” girls powerlifting coach Tyler Cleavinger said in a press release. “ It was a pretty tight meet. The difference between the 1st and 4th team totals was 3 points. So, one lift here or there could help determine where the chips fall.”

Gonzalez said in order to prepare for state, they practiced every morning during spring break. 

“I practiced more and more and started eating healthier,” she said.

Palmer said she did her best to keep her body as strong as it could be. 

“I lifted and practiced multiple times and I made sure to eat and drink lots of water,” she said.

Palmer thanks Cleavinger for all he’s assisted her with. 

“He believed in me, and helped and trained me, which is the best I can ask of him,” she said. 

Gonzalez said it feels amazing to be a part of the team.

“We all get to grow together, and support each other,” she said. 

Palmer said her teammates were just as happy as she was when she found out she’d be competing at state. 

“They always believe that I can get a lift up even when I think I can’t and they’re always cheering me on from the side,” she said.

Though none of the competitors placed top five in state, Cleavinger said in a press release that he’s “super proud of the girls and the way they represented Badger Nation.”