The San Diego High School Lady Vaquero powerlifting team is headed to the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg this week, aiming to secure their fifth consecutive Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association (THSWPA) state championship. The 10-member squad, competing in the 3A Division 1 "Big School" category, will begin weigh-ins on Wednesday, March 18, with the official competition kicking off Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
Head Coach Tomas Martinez noted that despite losing five seniors last season, the current roster has used that transition as fuel. He emphasized that the veterans have stepped up to mentor the newcomers, maintaining the program's "unbreakable" bond.
"The current veterans were once newcomers and were led by past veterans," Martinez said. "They all know that in order to defend their title, all lifters are vital, regardless of their classification."
Athletic Director Matthew Garcia credited the program’s sustained dominance to the consistent work ethic of the coaching staff and the culture established by previous championship teams.
“The standard of our athletic program is set by our Lady Vaquero Powerlifting team," said SDISD Athletic Director Matthew Garcia. "My belief is that the secret sauce starts with the consistency and effort put forth by Head Coach Tomas Martinez and Assistant Coach Matt Luna”, said SDISD Athletic Director Matthew Garcia.
Senior Destiny Erebia, seeking her third individual ring, expressed that the quest for a fifth title is about honoring the legacy of those who came before her while fostering a supportive environment for the rookies.
"I feel like you should always bring others up instead of bringing them down," Erebia said. "I think positivity is what brings the team together."
Sophomore Katelynn Mendez mentions the leadership veteran lifters give and growing from last year.
“It has challenges, but also being a younger lifter gives me the ability to watch the older ones and see them take leadership,” said Mendez. “And it also makes me feel like I'm learning a lot of the stuff from them to improve for my next years to come.”
Junior Makenzie Chapa said it makes her feel good and how its good that the younger ones look up to her.
“That makes me feel good in a way, because at practice I try to help the newbies,” said Chapa. So it’s great how they look up to me now, from when I was looking up to the older ones scared to ask them."
10 student athletes will be attending the state meet: Seniors, Destiny Erebia, Jewlyanna Sanchez, and Lariah Wilson; Juniors, Addisyn Adams, Alondra Cortez, Makenzie Chapa, Liza-belle Garcia, and Danielle Gonzalez; and, Sophomores, Katelynn Mendez and Leila Robinson.
The community will host a send-off for the team at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, with the caravan passing through all district campuses before departing for Edinburg.
Article written by student journalists: Anthony Gant, Abbey Garcia, and Sofia Guerrero.