Lifters claim sixth at State

By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS

In the last few years, San Benito, once known solely as a football school, has gained a solid reputation as an all-around elite athletic institute. From wrestling to track and field, the ’Hounds have established themselves as a Valley powerhouse in most sports. Still, apparently being the best in the Valley just wasn’t enough for the Lady ’Hounds powerlifting squad. After steamrolling through their competition in South Texas during the season, the girls’ team capped of their historic run by finishing sixth overall at the 6A State tournament in Frisco, Texas last week.

Led by junior lifter Jaslyn Estrella, San Benito saw three of their eight state-qualified lifters place in the top four, with Estrella capturing the first state championship for San Benito since 2018. As a team, the Lady ’Hounds racked up a total of 11 points- which was just one-point shy of Harlingen High and a top five finish.
Estrella, who only found powerlifting two years ago, used a monstrous 440 lb. deadlift to seal first place and a combined lift of 1,270 pounds.

“I grew up surrounded by athletes in my family so I was always competing in something, but when I discovered powerlifting I knew right away that it was my sport,” said Estrella. “I had an injury last year and was only able to make two meets. It felt awesome to win state, but I still think I can improve and be back in the same position next year.”

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