Senior Nayeli Jaimes won her second consecutive state powerlifting title this past week as she dominated the field outlifting the second-best opponent by 110 pounds. Jaimes was also named Overall Best Lifter in Class 5A DII by lifting the most weight per body weight in the entire meet. Four other Lady Tigers also competed in the state championship as sophomore Jasmine Landaverde placed 11th in the 123-lb class, junior Araceli Landaverde placed 8th in the 105-lb class, senior Alexandra Martinez placed 6th in the 148-lb class, and junior McKinsee Oviedo placed 6th in the 198-lb class.
Nayeli is no stranger to the state meet as this was her fourth time advancing to the pinnacle event. Jaimes bested her previous state meet record of 985 pounds to move an incredible 1155 pounds. The senior Lady Tiger posted lifts of 460 pounds on squat, 275 pounds on bench, and 420 pounds on deadlift.
The Tiger and Lady Tiger powerlifters are coached by Don Woods and Drew Barnard. “ I have coached Nayeli for four years in powerlifting and from the time she took up the sport, I knew she was going to be special, ” said Coach Woods. “Her determination and drive to compete and be the best is immeasurable. She always did what she was coached to do, but also went above and beyond her time in the gym. She has been a tremendous leader, student and athlete and her leadership will be missed on our team when she graduates.”
Photos by Amanda Woods
