Bobcat boys powerlifting squad finishes third at Midland meet

Fourteen lifters from the Summerland powerlifting team traveled to Midland University, in Fremont, Saturday, March 13, for the All-Class Nebraska High School powerlifting Meet.

Coach Jeff Shabram said the meet featured 174 lifters representing 17 teams, "with a lineup of excellent competition from some of the largest high schools in Nebraska."

"The Bobcat lifters competed very well and did an excellent job in representing our school and communities."

In the end, the Summerland boys' team surprised those in attendance, earning the third-place trophy.

Shabram said the finish is especially impressive considering the only teams to finish higher were a couple of Class A schools.

Papillion-La Vista South claimed the championship. Bellevue East took home the runner-up trophy.

Other teams competing were Cornerstone Christian, Gretna, Columbus. Omaha Central, Columbus Lakeview, Columbus Scotus, Bancroft-Rosale/Lyons Decatur, North Bend, Schuyler, Archbishop Bergan, Fremont and Yutan.

Papillion-La Vista South won the girls' championship. Omaha Central finished second.

In addition to Summerland, other schools participating included Bellevue East, Columbus Lakeview, Columbus High, Columbus Scotus, Gretna, Omaha South and Omaha Roncalli.

Shabram reported five individuals earned gold medals, including Wyatt Shabram, 114-pound equipped class; Connor Thomson, 114-pound raw class; Anthony Ferris, 123-pound class; Amor Zermeno, 105-pound class and Larissa Thomson, 123-pound class.

Gunnar Shabram, competing in the 220-pound class, was the lone silver medal winner.

Trevor Thomson earned a bronze medal in the 181-pound class.

Other Bobcat competitors bringing home medals were Jacob Behnk, fourth, 242-pound class; Jaykwon Petite, fifth, 148-pound class; Colby Hupp, fifth, 220-pound class; Garrett Napier, fifth, 275-plus-pound class and Savanna Ferris, fifth, 165-pound class.

Christian Behnk placed sixth in the 220-pound class and Cody Wickersham ended ninth in the 128 pound class.

"All 14 lifters competed hard and set numerous personal bests," Shabram said.

Another highlight of the meet occurred when Larissa Thomson broke her own school records in the squat, deadlift, total and strength index.

Bobcat powerlifters will compete in the Class D State meet, Friday, March 26, at Harvard High School.

Lifting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

The Orchard AAU powerlifting Meet will take place April 10.