Riess Outlifts Competition for Regional Title
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
ELKHART – During the Texas High School Powerlifting Association (THSPA) Region 3 Division III held in Elkhart on March 10, Grapeland Sandie Cameron Riess flat out stole the show.
The meet was attended by 134 lifters but all eyes were on Riess as he not only won the 181 pound weight class but also set a trio of new regional records.
Riess lifted a total of 1540 pounds – comprised of a squat of 625 pounds, a bench press of 405 and a deadlift of 510.
His 625 pound squat broke the previous mark of 620 pounds by Tavion Hall of Kerens set in 2015.
The 405 pound bench shattered the previous record of 365 pounds set by Ruben Sanchez of Mineola in 2012.
Riess’ overall total of 1540 pounds lifted eclipsed the old mark of 1535 pounds lifted set in 2013 by Jose Dominguez of Buffalo.
For his efforts in the regional meet, Riess was presented with awards for having the regional meet’s best squat, the regional meet’s best bench press and regional overall best lifter in the heavyweight division.
Ranked as the top lifter – statewide – in the 181 pound weight class in Division III and with his first place finish at the regional meet, Riess qualified to compete in the THSPA state meet to be held in Abilene on March 25.
The GHS senior has also been selected to the THSPA First Team Academic All-State team and he is the only lifter in Region 3 to be named to the first team.
Will Johnson may be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
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