Estridge qualifies for regional

By Kathy Thomson

Albany junior Wesley Estridge placed first in the super heavy weight class at the Greenwood Invitational powerlifting meet on Saturday, Feb. 22, with a total lift of 1570 pounds.

The Albany junior has secured a spot at the regional meet, which will be held March 14 in Sundown.

At Greenwood, Estridge had a 700 pound lift in the squat, bench pressed 405 pounds, and had a dead lift of 465 pounds. 

His win carried Albany to an eighth place team finish, even though Estridge was the only one on the team.

The AHS lifter improved his squat and his dead lift by 10 pounds each compared to his performance at Hawley earlier this month; however, his bench press on Saturday was 20 pounds less, so his total remained the same. 

Estridge is still ranked third in his weight class in Region 1, Division 3 (1A-3A schools), and fifth among all divisions (1A-6A schools) in Region 1.

The top 12 lifters in each class are eligible for the regional tournament, with the top two at regionals advancing to state. Also moving up to state is any lifter who posts a qualifying total for his weight class at the regional meet.

Currently the top lifter in the SHW class in Region 1, Division 3 is Kolter Willeford of Hawley with a total lift of 1850. Second is Emiliano Hernandez of Eldorado with a total lift of 1615.

Estridge needs to place first or second at regionals or have a qualified lift total of 1600 to advance to the state meet in Abilene on March 28.