CCHS powerlifting finishes in top 4 of Belton ISD Invitational

By Clay Whittington

Cove Leader-Press

The Bulldawgs and Lady Bulldawgs opened their seasons last week at the Belton ISD Invitational, where each squad finished among the top four teams. 

Competing in the 123-pound weight class, Amaya Moss produced Copperas Cove’s top showing, claiming the gold medal in her division with 660 total pounds. She posted a 230-pound squat, 155-pound bench press and a 275-pound deadlift.

With Moss guiding the team, the Lady Bulldawgs scored 26 points to finish in a third-place tie with Troy. 

Competing at the Bell County Expo Center, host Lake Belton easily claimed the team title, producing 46 points, while Chilton (28) followed. 

Michaela Grimm totaled 440 pounds (165-85-190) to earn a silver medal for the Lady Bulldawgs, and several of her teammates placed third, including Amaya Eseroma, who was one of three Copperas Cove lifters in the 181-pound weight class.

Totaling 630 pounds (240-140-250), Eseroma finished just ahead of teammates Jaica Donaldson and Trinity Aulabaugh, who were fourth and fifth, respectively.

Jazmine Letterman (300-125-275–700) was third in the 220-pound division, placing one spot ahead of teammate Taylor Welch (245-175-270–690), and in the 259-pound weight class, Mya Klenclo was third with 715 pounds (285-165-265).

Also in the 123-pound division with Moss, Kyan Ramos was fourth, while Haleigh Poser (132) and Kaylee Rodarte (148) were each seventh in their respective weight classes. 

Jolina Toala also competed for Copperas Cove, but did not qualify after failing to produce a bench press. She had the 220-pound field’s top squat (335) and deadlift (350).

The Bulldawgs saw several lifters finish among the top three as the team totaled 21 points to place behind champion Harker Heights (34), Lake Belton (30) and Troy (24).

Kevin Pontinus – a 220-pounder – totaled 1,315 pounds (450-365-500) to claim a silver medal, matching the accomplishment by 275-pound teammate Devon Taitano (555-370-500–1,425). Copperas Cove’s Rion Childers (485-365-500–1,350) was third in the 275-pound division.

In the 308-pound weight class, Peyton Reed (500-345-465–1,310) was second for the Bulldawgs, and in the 181-pound weight class, Gabriel Maxey placed fourth, 

Additionally, Xavier Taclibon had a fifth-place showing in the 148-pound division – two spots ahead of teammate Trishtin Petit.

Gilbert Hall (10th, 220), James Wright (12th, 181), Kyson Ignacio (15th, 165), Jaylin Pryor (Bombed out, 181) and Derrick Jones (BO, 198) also competed for the Bulldawgs.