Estridge earns state champ title

By Sandy Morris

It’s been six years in the making with the past four years of dedicated hard work, but Albany High School senior athlete Wesley Estridge finally made his goal become a reality.

Estridge lifted his way to win the Division 3 super heavyweight class at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association state meet held this past Saturday at the Taylor County Expo in Abilene.

“I don’t feel like I can take credit for it,” said Estridge. “If it hadn’t been for all the support I had at the state meet, I don’t know that I’d have done as well as I did.”

The motivation from Estridge’s fans pushed him to lift a total of 1,720 pounds and set personal best records in all three lifts with 740 pounds on squat, 440 pounds on bench press, and 540 pounds on dead lift. 

“Honestly, the weights felt light,” Estridge said. “I think it was because I wasn’t as tense and was able to relax in Abilene.”

Estridge started his powerlifting career in sixth grade while living in Big Lake and attending school at Reagan County ISD.

“The seniors and coaches really encouraged me to start lifting because of my size and strength,” said Estridge.

He continued to work hard in the weight room, earning a trip to the regional meet both his freshman and sophomore years.

The Estridge family decided to make the move to Albany before Wesley’s junior year, even though AHS didn’t offer a powerlifting program.

“My dad, Blake, is the main reason I kept going with powerlifting after we moved,” Estridge said. “He said, ‘you can’t give this up,’ and wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Estridge wasn’t ready to give up his dream of making it to the state meet either and continued to work out daily after his commitments to other sports and activities were finished.

In his first year at Albany, Estridge made a third trip to the regional meet but failed to earn a trip to state.

Estridge was disappointed, but knew what he had to do to finish strong his senior year.

“My mom has been right beside me the entire time,” said Estridge. “She kept telling me to just be patient and that everything would go my way. I knew I needed to keep working hard and that God had a plan for me.”

Part of that plan included the “OG (Original Gang) Crew” which was a group of men who would spot Estridge when he would practice. The spotters include Jesse Castillo, Allen Hebel, Matt Birkla, Jody Wilson, Dustin Parsons, and Luke Spraberry.

“These guys were great and were always there when I needed them,” said Estridge. “They would get me hyped up on days when I wasn’t quite there.”

Estridge also is quick to thank coaches Tate Thompson and Ryder Peacock for their support, as well as the entire community of Albany. 

“Last week was really amazing with everything that was done for me,” said Estridge. “Every time I turned around, someone was feeding me or bringing me something. The encouragement was such a motivation.”

Looking to the future, Estridge isn’t sure if powerlifting will play a role.

A Nebraska college with a strong powerlifting program has reached out to him, but Estridge is undecided if he will make that move.

“I already know another powerlifter at that college, and the guy who placed third behind me at state wants me to go with him, so I would already know people there,” Estridge said. “Powerlifting is one big family, so you are never alone.”

As Estridge ponders his future, he does have advice for any athletes interested in powerlifting. 

“You don’t have to be good; you just have to be willing to put forth the effort,” said Estridge. “You will get support whether you are good or bad, but you have to be dedicated to the sport. I’ve loved it, and I don’t want to give it up.”

Estridge is the son of Blake and Val Estridge of Albany and will graduate from Albany High School in May.