The Sundevil powerlifting team had another strong meet on March 16 at their home gymnasium, and won first place over St. Michael’s, Capital and Santa Fe High.
Leandro “Chungus” Salazar took first place in the 275-pound weight class with a total weight of 1,355 pounds lifted, the best of anyone at the meet. He expanded his state-best deadlift to 410 pounds.
Española had seven male lifters win first place in their divisions — Salazar, Miguel Galvan, Jack Purdy, Joshua Ramirez, Jacob Martinez, Jesus Gonzales and Marcus Bustamante.
In the girls division, Española had three of the only four competitors — Michelle Herrera, Anna lee Trujillo and Nikki Martinez.
According to the New Mexico Activities Association standings website, Purdy and Salazar both rank first in their respective weight classes, along with Bryan Almedia and E.J. Martinez who did not lift at that meet. Galvan is currently third.
The Escalante team competed that same day at the Shiprock meet, and took second place for the boys and third place for the girls.
Emilio Maestas and Ezekiel Martinez won their weight classes, while Marcelo Baeza and Sammy Maestas finished second. Four Lobos finished third.
Abigail Martinez won the 181-pound weight class for girls with 535 pounds total, including the meet’s highest squat at 215.
The state championships will take place in Rio Rancho on April 12-13.