Tyrell King lifts his way to state

Atlanta’s powerlifting program, or Atlanta Iron, has been a force since the program started a few years ago.

Head Coach Craig Fant has seen his share of lifters come and go.

Every year the goal is to improve from meet to meet and headline on the big stage at state.

The Rabbits are becoming regulars at state no matter if there is one lifter or 10, and this year is no different.

After another solid season senior lifter Tyrell King punched his ticket to state after nailing down a regional championship in the THSPA Region III Division II meet at Henderson High School Mar. 11.

King totaled 1,725 pounds lifted in the 308-pound weight class which made him a regional champion and also earned outstanding lifter of the meet honors on the heavy platforms and outstanding bench press of the meet honors on the heavy platform.

Overall Atlanta placed sixth out of 47 schools present which is impressive in itself seeing as how this year both 3A and 4A were combined.

Clay Fant placed third and medaled in the 242-pound weight class after totaling 1,305 pounds.

Fant was named a state alternate for his amazing proficiency during the regional meet.

Isaiah Harrison placed fifth and medaled in the 242s with a total lift of 1,160, Jaden Wells was seventh in the 275s with a total lift of 1,370, Avery Whitlow was eighth in the 123s with a total lift of 785 pounds, DK Parker was ninth in the 181s with a total of 1,188 pounds, Ty Blizzard was 10th in the 220s with a total of 1,245 and Caden Walker was 11th in the 308s with a total of 1,215.

“Tyrell had an unbelievable day! A 1700-pound total hardly ever happens. It was an incredible performance,” Fant said. “Clay and “Cheetoh” battled up to medal in the 242-pound weight class and Avery and Jaden got to lift at regionals for the second straight year and did a great job.”

“DK, Ty and Caden competed really well at their first big regional competition and gained some valuable experience. Competition at this meet was the toughest we’ve ever seen at regionals and the judging was as tight as we’ve ever seen also,” Fant added. “There were many red lights and disqualifications. Trey Adams lifted at regionals for the third straight year, but has battled a back injury for the last month and had a tough day. We were very proud of all our lifters and they had a great year.”

The state meet will be in Abilene Saturday, Mar. 27.