Paradise trio muscles its way to elite status at state finals
By Robert Morgan | Published Thursday, March 26, 2009
One of the smallest powerlifting teams at the Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association's state championships last weekend proved to be one of the best. When you have a trio like Paradise's Bridget Meyer, Briana Lambert and Carolina McDowell, you don't need a lot of help to take on schools with a full roster.
This was one spring break that the Lady Panthers won't soon forget, and it didn't include traveling to South Padre, vacationing in Cancun or laying out by the beach all week. The talented trio was in Corpus Christi where they each finished in the top three of their respective weight classes en route to taking third place in the Class 2A team championship standings.
"The girls capped the most successful year at Paradise this weekend at the state meet," said PHS coach Kevin Pitman. "All three of the girls competed and represented Paradise with class and dignity all season long."
Two of the three Lady Panthers competed in the final powerlifting meet of their careers at the level most never reach. Lambert had the best finish of the day for Paradise as she took second place in the 148.5-pound division with a total of 810 pounds.
The senior, who was ranked third going into the state finals, tied her personal record in bench press with 160 pounds and posted a 290 squat. She went for a personal record of 350 pounds in the deadlift, which would have given her the state crown, but she fell short. She was perfect at 330 pounds, which allowed her to move into second place.
Meyer, a senior who won four meets this season, was ranked third in the 123.5 division going into the finals and finished with the bronze with 725 pounds. After settling for 290 in squat, she delivered a record lift in bench press at 160 and posted a 280 deadlift.
McDowell, who is one of the area's biggest surprises as a sophomore and entered the finals ranked fifth, proved to be the third best in the 114.5 weight class where she lifted 670 pounds. She came through with a personal record of 280 in the deadlift to go along with her 270 squat and 120 bench press.
"The girls were excited to be at the state meet but disappointed in not winning their individual classes," Pitman said. "They were elated by claiming one of the top three spots as a team with just three of them. I am very proud of them, and I hope the community is as well."
