Sunlake unlimited weightlifter Nate McCoole has been on a mission to win the first state championship for the fifth-year program since finishing fourth at the finals last season.
The senior showed he is on the right track by tying a Pasco County record in the bench press by posting 450 pounds at the Class 2A-District 4 meet at Springstead High on April 4. The lift ties the mark put up by Wesley Chapel’s Hunter Joyer last year.
McCoole, who made it to states as a sophomore and junior, also lifted 300 in the clean and jerk. His 750 total won him the unlimited district title, earning him his third trip to the finals.
Sunlake also won the team district championship, scoring 48 points to best Ocala Vanguard by seven. Five Seahawks won individual titles including McCoole.
Kyle Fraser, who took sixth at states last year, won the 154-pound weight class by totaling 545. Jack Holloway hoisted 380 to claim the 119 division, while James Brooks (199 division) and Jerome Samuels (238 division) captured first place by lifting 620 and 615, respectively.
All the district champions advance to states along with the next four best lifters in each weight class. The 2A state meet is on April 21 at the Kissimmee Civic Center starting at 10:30 a.m.
–Kyle LoJacono
