SHS shines in weight training event

PERRYVILLE -- Members of Sikeston's weight training program recently competed in a weight training meet on Jan. 25 at Perryville.

Of the nine schools represented, Sikeston finished third in the senior division (juniors and seniors) and fifth in the junior division (freshmen and sophomores). Participants were tested in five different weight exercises including the dead lift, push press, bench press, power clean and squat.

Students had three attempts for each event entered. The lifter with the highest individual lift was concluded as the winner.

"I thought we competed very well," Sikeston football coach Kent Gibbs said. "It was a good measuring stick for us to see where we are strength-wise. Our main goal was to see how we compete and to improve our own personal best lifts.

"It was a great opportunity to compete and we look forward to the next one."

The top-three finishers in each event received a medal.

Leading the senior division for Sikeston was Luke Keefer. Keefer finished with three first place medals, one fourth and one fifth. James Watson received two first place medals, one second place and one third. Traveon Dennis ended up with one first place medal and one third place finish while Anthony Pearson came home with two second place medals, one fourth and one fifth.

The junior division was led by Spenser Clark who finished with two first place medals and two third place medals. Aaric Ogden had one second place finish and one fifth place finish while Matt Green and Michael Burden ended with three third place medals and two fifth place medals, respectively.

Sikeston will participate in two more weight meets in February with the next being at Scott City on Feb. 8 and Fredericktown on Feb. 15.