Lifting season winding to a close
By JEREMY HEATH Staff Writer

Stephanie Smith

For Lampasas High School senior Brandon Skelton and junior Jesse Tobar, the 2008 powerlifting season ended last weekend with near qualifications to the state meet.

For junior Stephanie Smith, a statemeet qualification will be on the line today at Copperas Cove High School.

Smith, who finished seventh at last year's state meet, needs to finish in the top three of the 215- pound weight class to earn a second trip to state. The state meet is scheduled for March 14 in Killeen.

"Stephanie does a great job of preparing herself mentally," LHS girls' head coach Stephen Hermesmeyer said.

"Powerlifting involves physical strength as well as mental focus and mental toughness. Stephanie has a great chance of advancing to the state meet, but she will need to keep improving if she wants to advance. I know she will be ready when Friday gets here."

Skelton and Tobar competed in the boys' regional meet last Saturday at Dripping Springs.

Skelton finished third in the 148-pound weight division, lifting 1,130 total pounds. He is the 148-pound alternate to the state meet in Abilene March 29.

Brandon Skelton

Tobar finished fourth in the 220- pound division, lifting 1,355 total pounds.

"Brandon has been in powerlifting since he was a freshman, and he has always competed well in his weight class and has a passion and work ethic that carries over into his meets," LHS boys' head coach Justin Marcellus said. "Jesse is a strong, quiet young man that is all about business. He shows up day in and day out and puts himself in a position to be successful because of his tremendous work ethic."

Jesse Tobar