Sat. May 18th, 2024
Matanzas

The weightlifting announcer sounded like a broken record, as he called out a Matanzas district champion seven times out of the 10 weight classes at the District 1-8 weightlifting meet Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Pedro Menendez High School.

While so many student-athletes were seen, throughout the meet, covering their tear-filled eyes, knowing their season had abruptly ended, the Lady Pirates sat comfortably in the lead in the beginning but didn’t rest. They continued to toss up hundreds of pounds until they separated themselves from the rest of the competition, winning the overall championship with 93 points, beating second-place Menendez by 39 points.

Coach Sara Novak teaches her players technique in between lifts.
Coach Sara Novak teaches her players technique in between lifts.

“I am very proud of our girls, and I’m ecstatic to see the progress they have made and how strong they have become individually and as a team,” coach Sara Novak said. ‘We use the terms ‘ hard work” or ‘family’ every day to end practice and meets; we say whichever one we’re feeling the most. Today, we started the meet with ‘hard work,’ and, after we won and received the trophy, we ended with ‘Family,’ which embodies everything we stand for.”

Jessica Gesek, who weighs 78 pounds, won her 101-pound division.
Jessica Gesek, who weighs 78 pounds, won her 101-pound division.

The Pirates head into the Regional 1A-4 meet confident, which will be held next Wednesday at Menendez, knowing they will have each lifter present, which is unprecedented, especially since there are only three seniors on the team.

“I am really pumped and ready to close this season out very strong with the girls,” Novak said. “Hopefully, we can move on to the Girls Weightlifting State Championships with as many as we can.”

Courtesy of: Palm Coast Observer