The Apalachee High School weight lifting team has become one of the top programs in the state.
AHS claimed another state title this past weekend winning the Class AAAA title by easily outdistancing second-place finisher Rome High School. It was the second state crown in a row for AHS and the third in the past four seasons.
“We are very pleased,” coach Shane Davis said after the trip to Perry. “I am very proud of our kids. They work extremely hard at this. In the last four years, we have probably won it more than anybody.”
While AHS did not win any individual first places, the Wildcat lifters had enough strong showings to claim the title. Alex Camp was second in the 141-150 division while John Lee was runner up in the 161-170 class.
Chris Pharr was third in 226-245 while James Vang (140-below) and Alfie Willie (171-180) both took fourth place.
Overall, AHS was second regardless of classification. The Wildcats are now among the state’s elite among weight lifting programs along with Valdosta, Peachtree Ridge and Washington County.
“We did well considering we didn’t have anyone place first, Davis said. “This was the most points we’ve scored at state.”
The AHS coach places a high level of importance on strength and conditioning and said he is proud of his athletes for winning the title again.
“They realize the importance of this,” Davis said. “Our coaches do as well. We have five coaches at the state meet.”
