WACO — The Temple Tem-Cat powerlifting team traveled to University High School on Saturday to test their mettle against a crowded field at the Andrew Billings Invitational. In a sport defined by the grueling trifecta of the squat, bench press, and deadlift, the Tem-Cats flexed their way to a 6th place team finish with 13 total points.
While Copperas Cove took the championship with 64 points and Belton secured the runner-up spot with 21, Temple saw several standout individual performances that kept them competitive in the heart of the standings.
Podium Finishes and Heavy Totals
The Tem-Cats were anchored by two massive silver-medal performances in the heavy-weight divisions. Jazaria Clinton put on a clinic of raw power in the 242+ lb class, earning 2nd place with an incredible 905 lb total. Her day was highlighted by a monster 385 lb squat, a 190 lb bench, and a 330 lb deadlift.
In the 220 lb class, Mariah Gaines also secured a 2nd place finish for Temple, totaling 730 lbs. Gaines showed remarkable consistency across the board, finishing with a 280 lb squat, 135 lb bench, and a 315 lb deadlift.
Middle-Weight Consistency
In the 148 lb class, Alizziya Miner narrowly missed the podium with a strong 4th place finish. Miner posted a 600 lb total, powered by a 210 lb squat and a 290 lb deadlift. She was followed in the same division by teammates Kayla Slauson (12th place, 430 lbs) and Ariunna Wilson (13th place, 410 lbs).
The 165 lb division saw Zoey Robinson break into the top five, taking 5th place with a total lift of 615 lbs. Chloe Watkins followed in 9th with 540 lbs, while Willow Pratt-Sims placed 13th with an even 500 lbs.
Grinding Out the Points
Temple continued to find success in the 198 lb class, where Kaylyn Wolf (6th place) and Kamiya Porter (7th place) both finished with identical 640 lb totals. Rounding out the team's scoring, Emily Stanfield took 6th in the 123 lb class with 445 lbs, and Mattie Whittemore secured 6th in the 220 lb class with 525 lbs.
For complete results, click on the link.
Up Next: Hometown Advantage
The Tem-Cats won't have to travel far for their next challenge. Temple will play host for the Temple Wildcat Invitational on Wednesday, February 11.
The heavy iron will be moving at the Frank Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, with lifting scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM. Come out and support these athletes as they look to climb the rankings on their home turf!
