The Burton Panthers started the powerlifting season strong with a trip to the Giddings Buffalo Invitational this past Saturday, January 3rd. The Powerlifting team is young this year, with five freshmen joining the eight-man squad. Though young, the experienced hands from last year's squad helped the Panthers seize eight medals at the meet.
Senior Hunter Duffy, lifting in the 148 class, a new class for him, took 2nd, with a combined total of 1040. He was followed by Sophomore returners Andrew Gonzales and Zach Purvis, both lifting in the 123 class, who took 1st and 3rd, respectively, with combined lifts of 815 and 710. Adding to the medal totals were Freshmen newcomers Even Guerrero, taking 4th in the 132 class with a 620 total, and Ray Bozarth, taking 5th in the 148 class with a 730 total. Freshmen Ayden Vogl, Tyler Ramirez, and Brandon Strickland also competed, placing 7th, 6th, and 7th in their weight classes.