UHS Powerlifting sets new scoring record

The Union Yellow Jackets power lifting team advanced to the 2A State Championship by winning the North State title on Saturday at Calhoun City High School.

It is the fourth straight year Union has made it to the final.

The three-time defending state champions set a 2A north record with 68 points in the meet. All 12 competitors finished third place place or higher in their weight classes.

Jacob Moore won the 275 pound weight class with a total of 1,665 pounds on the squat and dead lift, while Raylond Nettles won the 198 pound weight class with a total of 1,415 pounds on the dead lift. Jaheim Gill took home the 165 pound weight class title with 1,245 pounds on the dead lift. Gavin Heath won the 132 pound weight class and Bankston Rush finished second place in the 132 pound weight class.

Cameron Jackson finished second place in the 148 pound class, while Carlos Hickman finished second place in the 165 weight class. Zach Collins won first place in the 242 pound class, and John O'Neal finished second place in the 220 class. Trent McDonald took home second place place in the 275 pound weight class, while Michael Rush and Alex Sharp finished second and third, respectively in the 308 pound weight class to finish the meet for Union.

"The hard work paid off," said Coach Darryl Jones. "I'm sure that these boys will work even harder and with more focus with our fourth straight state championship in sight''.

The 2A State Championship will take place on Saturday, April 18, starting at 8:30 am at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.