Lady Raiders’ weightlifters win district, send 15 to sectionals

Coach Aaron Daniel had a plan for the district weightlifting championship. He wanted to qualify as many girls as possible for the sectional meet to be held later in the month.

The top three competitors in each weight division will compete in the sectionals. The maximum number of lifters could qualify from any one school was 15. After working hard since the team came back from the holiday break, he had his team ready.

On Jan. 11 at Milton, the plan came together as the Raiders responded with another dominating performance. The Raiders racked up 75 points. Pace was the next closest finisher with 37. Milton finished third with 28 points and Gulf Breeze took fourth place with 16 points.

The Raiders took eight first places and swept first and second place in five of the 10 weight divisions.

Four Raiders dropped their weight in order to compete in a lower weight category. The drop in weight was a testament to the dedication the team. "It was not easy," Morrigan Webb said. "I lost five pound over the last few weeks. It was worth it though because we were able to qualify 15 for the sectional meet."