By Kyle LoJacono
The Sunlake boys weightlifting team has established itself as one of the most consistent program’s in Pasco County.
The Seahawks haven’t lost a meet since 2009, but the fifth-year program is still seeking its first state champion. Four seniors are vying to become Sunlake’s first: Dean Bui in the 129-pound weight class, Kyle Fraser in 154, Rashaud Daniels in 169 and Nate McCoole as a heavyweight.
All four have been on the team since their freshmen year and all relish the opportunity to expand the Seahawks’ reputation to state level.
DEAN BUI
Bui came closest to the ultimate goal last year, finishing as the Class 1A state runner-up by posting 435 total pounds, 50 off the championship lifts.
“I didn’t think that was possible going in last year,” Bui said. “I was ranked seventh and had a great day. … It made me work a lot harder and motivated me.”
The feat comes as even more of a surprise because it was Bui’s first time competing at states. He qualified as a freshman but didn’t make weight, and several injuries kept him sidelined most of his sophomore year.
Bui has increased his pause bench press and clean and jerk from 200 to 225 and 190 to 240, respectively, for a maxout total of 465, more than three times his weight.
“Dean weighs 129 pounds, and the weights he does it looks like he’s going to break in half,” Fraser said. “When I see him doing cleans I get a little scared for him, but I see what he can do at his size and it makes me want to do more at my size. I’m not a particularly big person, but I want to be able to clean 300 pounds because I see what Dean is doing.”
NATE MCCOOLE
McCoole hoisted 700 total last year in his second trip to states, 30 less than the champion.
“I was close last year,” McCoole said. “It showed me what I had to work on this offseason. Hopefully I’ve done what I need to win a state title. I got eighth my first trip and fourth last year, so if the ratios are correct I should be able to get it.”
McCoole, an offensive lineman on the Sunlake football team, would not take time off in his attempt to capture ultimate glory.
“I stuck with it all through football,” McCoole said. “In the past the training dipped a bit. This year there was no excuses.”
The approach has paid off. McCoole is lifting 455 in the bench and 305 in the jerk, up from 405 and 290 last year, respectively. His goal is 460 and 315 at the state qualifier. He said it’s easier to have that kind of gain when in the environment of the Seahawks’ gym.
“If you work out with guys who’re just messing around you can’t find the energy to push,” McCoole said. “Here we get in and put in our work and have a little fun while we’re doing it. It’s definitely a fun atmosphere. I’m here with my best friends getting strong.”
McCoole credits the program’s success to coach Matt Smith.
“He built this program from the ground up,” McCoole said. “I think our first maxout my freshman year we had one kid lift over 200 in the bench. Over the years we’ve got 12 people over 300 and the numbers on the team are through the roof, and it’s all because of coach Smith.”
KYLE FRASER
Fraser finished sixth at states last year. He said it was an honor to place during his first trip to the meet, but it also gave him fuel.
“Getting sixth as a junior meant I had another year to get better,” Fraser said.
Fraser said he has also been motivated to keep Sunlake at the top.
“I like to be able to say we’re the strongest in Pasco, and no one can say anything about it until they beat us,” Fraser said. “It gives you some bragging rights.”
Fraser stands a chiseled 154 pounds today, but four years ago he was unsure of his ability.
“I remember those first workouts watching how strong the seniors were and how not strong I was as a freshman,” Fraser said. “I was just like how am I going to get as strong as them. Now I’d say we’re one of the strongest senior classes to come through here.”
Fraser’s max is 75 better than last year up to 295 in the bench and 275 in the jerk.
“I’ve just stuck to the workouts on the board,” Fraser said. “Coach Smith knows what he’s talking about. I’ve had nothing but success following his workouts.”
RASHAUD DANIELS
Daniels has the most motivation to have a good showing this year. He qualified for states last year, his first trip, but scratched out of jerk after lifting 285 in the bench.
“When I was jerking I didn’t have my arms extended as far as I was supposed to,” Daniels said. “I thought I had it, but I didn’t.”
Daniels almost didn’t come back to the team after hurting his wrist while playing football.
“I didn’t want to go out there and not do my best,” Daniels said. “Then the guys made me remember about states and scratching out. It’s pushed me to have a better showing.”
Daniels added the team’s atmosphere also brought him back.
“It’s a good feeling here because I’m part of a team that’s really grown into this strength,” Daniels said. “I remember ninth-grade we weren’t that strong, but since sophomore year we’re undefeated.”
Daniels said the wrist is now fine and he is lifting 300 in the bench and 230 in the clean.
–Sunlake will compete at the Class 2A-District 4 meet, the state qualifier, on Wednesday, April 4 at Springstead High starting at noon. The event includes Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch.
