Small Town News

Keheley takes the gold in powerlifting

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The News Staff MALAKOFF - Andrew Keheley saved his best for last; the Malakoff senior's last lift in high school powerlifting competition earned him a gold medal and the title "State Champion."

Coach Scott Lane said the title came down to the deadlift between Keheley and Jesus Pinon of Meridian.

"Andrew ended up doing 15 pounds more than he had done all year (560 pounds)," Lane said. "He got that on his last lift and the other kid couldn't quite get it. When it came down to crunch time, Andrew made the play and the other guy didn't."

Keheley said that as he approached the bar for his last lift he was focused on his grip.

"That's been my problem all year," he said., "I tried some wrist wraps to help tighten my grip and that seemed to help." "1 was just thinking, don't let

go of the bar because this is my

chance," he said. The lift gave Keheley a total

of 1,655 pounds for the state

meet and a five-pound win over Pinon - it also gave him the gold medal in the Super Heavy Weight division of Division 3.

"It felt pretty good," said Keheiey. "I've been waiting for this for a long lime."

Keheiey is Lane's first state champion.

"It is awesome," said Lane about coaching a state champion. "Of course Andrew is so fun to he around it is easy to be proud of him."

While Keheiey is the first state champion, last year Lane sent Jackson Blacketer to the state meet as well.

"That's two years in a row that we've had people set the bar extremely high for our program," Lane said. "(Andrew) and Jackson have set great examples."

Lane said the program has been growing, and this year powerlifting saw 25 boys competing and five girls lifting.



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© 2011 The Malakoff News Malakoff, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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