FRANKLIN -- The Long County Blue Tide sports programs have experienced a lot of progression over the last few years and one of the biggest reasons for that is the weightlifting program receiving an overhaul. That came to fruition on Saturday, March 11 when the boys’ weightlifting team took home second place.
The team traveled to Heard County High School in Franklin with nearly 20 boys and girls in tow on Saturday to compete in the GACA State Weightlifting competition. Of the 11 boys competing, 10 took home medals for finishing in the top five of their respective weight classes.
Of those 10 medalists, one took fifth place, one took fourth place, four took third place, two took second place, and two won the state championship in their weight class.
Juniors Ahmari Douglas and Jacob Hewitt won the state championship in the 190-pound and 225-pound weight classes. Jaevion Felton and Alex Cason took second place in the 150-and 170-pound weight classes.
Lamarcus Adkins, Edgardo Borrero, Grayson Mock and Jerome Brown all took third place. Devion Smalls took fourth place and Tracy Joy took fifth place.
Two girls took medals for the Blue Tide as Kassie Davis and Trinity Mook each took fourth place in their weight classes.
Head football coach Mike Pfiester discussed how important the weightlifting programs are to the success of the athletics programs and he hopes to only see the athletes continue to progress.
“Since I have been at Long County, I have made a concerted effort to get every athlete in weight training during the school day,” Pfiester said. “This consistency in training allows them to improve year round and their improved athletic performance will lead to more success on the field, court, or mat. Hopefully, more of our kids will see this success and want to be a part of it.”
This is the second year in a row the Blue Tide have had individuals take home medals after Felton, Tony Phillips and Patrick Wilson all took home medals in 2022. This is the first time the team has placed overall since placing fourth in 2014.