The Sundown Powerlifting Team traveled to Abilene last weekend to compete at the THSPA State Powerlifting Meet.
Sundown placed fourth overall at the meet, while breaking to individual state records.
The Roughnecks earned the state championship titles in 2021 and 2022, and came in with a three-peat of Regional Championships dating back to 2020.
The Roughnecks came out competitive showing heart, grit and determination. Sundown’s Rickey Melendez managed to set a state record in the 165 lb class with a 580 lb squat, and SHW Konar Alaman set the record in bench press with an impressive 465 lb press.
Sundown’s top finishers for the meet were Rickey Melendez (580 squat - 335 bench - 440 Deadlift - 1385 total) and Konar Alaman (705 squat - 465 bench 550 Deadlift - 1720 total) earning them second place in their respective weight class.
The Roughnecks also had Dekota Golightly with a fourth place finish in the 242 lb class (620 squat - 380 bench - 540 Deadlift 1540 total), In sixth place was Roughneck Michael Salazar in the 123 lb class. Salazar was tied for 5th place and lost the tie breaker based on weight. (355 squat - 205 bench - 430 Deadlift - 990 total) and Jeffery Rodriguez placed 8th in the 308 lb class (590 squat - 355 bench - 535 Deadlift - 1480 total).
“We are so proud of our athletes and coaches for a great season,” said Sundown Principal Miguel Salazar. “We are definitely proud of our Sundown Roughnecks for a great day and a great season.”
“We are so grateful for Coaches Barry Newton, Kevin Torres and Sarah Goodman for working with our kids throughout the season, and having them prepped for each meet,” he continued. “We will miss our seniors and wish them the best.”