Published: April 02, 2008 03:30 am         

Bulldog powerlifters compete at state meet

By Bobby Summers

Herald-Banner Correspondent



The Royse City Bulldog's sent three powerlifters to the boys state meet in Abilene, Texas this past weekend. Coach Doug Johnson and his Bulldog team have been familiar guests at the final strength contest of the '07-08 season. The Bulldogs have produced state champions in the event, so when the Royse City Bulldog team representatives take the platform, everybody watches.

Omar Torres, Brock Wempa and Angel Hernandez are also familiar names around Royse City. Just because they compete in the strong man contest is not their only source of recognition. All three have either gained All-District or MVP honors in Bulldog football. It would probably be safe to say that because of their success in powerlifting, they have also excelled in other athletic events.

All three lifters saved their best for last. Torres had a personal best in the squat, deadlift and his total. Torres lifted a total of 1385 pounds in his event. The 198 pound class is notoriously one of the strongest and most competitive classes. Torres placed seventh in the state in that class. The senior Bulldog squated 560 pounds, he bench pressed an incredible 325 pounds and deadlifted 500 pounds.

Brock Wempa is also one of the best in the state in everything he does. The highly recruited offensive lineman put another feather in his cap with his state powerlifting performance. Wempa is a junior and competed in the Super Heavy Weight division of 275 pound powerlifters. Wempa will gain even more response from those Division I football schools with his seventh place finish at the State Meet.

Wempa's personal best in the bench press and his total lifted him to one of the most elite strongmen in the state. His 600 pound squat and his 575 pound deadlift were his "usual" lifts, but his 335 pound bench press pushed to an amazing 1510 pounds total in the meet.

Junior Angel Hernandez competed in the 148 pound division. Angel did not place but also had personal bests in the meet. Hernandez proved that more than likely he will return to the state meet after posting championship weights in Abilene.

He tossed up a 480 pound squat and a 250 pound bench press in the contest.

Coach Johnson added, "Royse City should be very proud of these athletes for their outstanding effort and competitiveness at the State Meet." From these results, I would imagine we will be reading more about these young men in the future.