TEMPLE, TX — The Temple High School girls powerlifting team, the Tem-Cats, officially kicked off their 2026 campaign this past Wednesday at the BISD Invitational. Held at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, the meet served as a high-stakes season opener, testing the off-season gains of some of Temple’s strongest student-athletes.
Powerlifting is a grueling test of raw strength and technique, where competitors are judged on the combined total of three specific lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Athletes are grouped by weight class, and the final standings are determined by the "Total Lift"—the sum of the heaviest successful attempt in each of the three disciplines.
Clinton Leads the Way with Podium Finish
The standout performance of the day came from Jazaria Clinton, who dominated the 242+ lb. weight class. Clinton secured a 3rd Place finish with a massive total lift of 880 lbs. Her performance was a masterclass in consistency across all three disciplines:
Squat: 360 lbs.
Bench: 185 lbs.
Deadlift: 335 lbs.
Top Ten Performers
Several other Tem-Cats fought through a crowded field of regional competitors to earn top-ten spots in their respective divisions. Alixxiya Minor delivered a powerhouse performance in the 132 lb. class, narrowly missing the podium with a 4th Place finish and a total of 570 lbs. Mariah Gaines also represented Temple well in the upper weight classes, taking 6th Place in the 220 lb. division with a total of 675 lbs.
Full Tem-Cat Results:
The Temple Tem-Cats demonstrated impressive strength across all weight divisions at the BISD Invitational. Here is a breakdown of the individual results:
Jazaria Clinton (242+ lb. class): 3rd Place with a total lift of 880 lbs. (360 squat, 185 bench, 335 deadlift).
Alixxiya Minor (132 lb. class): 4th Place with a total lift of 570 lbs.
Mariah Gaines (220 lb. class): 6th Place with a total lift of 675 lbs.
Madison Sapp (123 lb. class): 8th Place with a total lift of 500 lbs.
Emily Stanfield (113 lb. class): 9th Place with a total lift of 430 lbs.
Kaylyn Wolf (181 lb. class): 10th Place with a total lift of 635 lbs.
Chloe Watkins (165 lb. class): 10th Place with a total lift of 515 lbs.
Ariunna Wilson (148 lb. class): 10th Place with a total lift of 370 lbs.
Willow Pratt-Sims (165 lb. class): 11th Place with a total lift of 485 lbs.
Click the link for complete results.
Looking Ahead
The Tem-Cats won't have much time to rest. The team will look to build on this momentum as they travel to the Copperas Cove Bulldawg Invitational on January 24. The meet is scheduled to take place at SC Lee Junior High, where the girls will continue their push toward regional qualifying marks.
