The Bishop Badgers powerlifting squad recently competed in the Live Oak Powerlifting Meet in Three Rivers.

The girl’s team placed fourth out of 11 schools with Gizel Morales leading the squad with a first place finish in the over 220 pound class and earned the best female lifter by squatting 400 pounds, benching 225 pounds, and dead lifting 330 pounds for a total of 955 pounds in the competition.

Morales is currently ranked second in region and second in state.

Also contributing to the Badgers effort were Kassie Gunter placing second in the 148 pound class by squatting 250 pounds, benching 130 pounds and dead lifting 235 pounds for a total of 615 pounds; Andriah Scott placing third in the 123 pound class by squatting 180 pounds, benching 85 pounds and dead lifting 225 pounds for a total of 490 pounds; and Larrissa Guerra placing fourth in the 220 pound class by squatting 230 pounds, benching 130 pounds and dead lifting 225 pounds for a total of 585 pounds in the meet.

The Badger boy’s varsity team got the season started on the right foot, placing third out of 19 schools.

Medaling for the boys were Travis Charles with a first place finish in the 123 pound class by squatting 355 pounds, benching 170 pounds, and dead lifting 375 pounds for a total of 900 pounds; Bruizer Del Bosque earned a first place medal in the 114 pound class by squatting 265 pounds, benching 165 pounds and dead lifting 305 pounds for a total of 735 pounds; Nocky Garza finished second in the 165 pound class by squatting 485 pounds, benching 285 pounds, and dead lifting 430 pounds for a total of 1200 pounds.

Currently, Charles is ranked first in region and third in state, Del Bosque is ranked second in region and seventh in state and Garza is ranked second in region and ninth in state.

Also competing for the boys team are Rick Gutierrez, Philip Barrientos, DJ Cowger, Luis Guerra, JP Escobar, David Perez, and Nick Pacheco.

“These athletes have been putting long hours in the weight room and we are starting to see the great results,” Powerlifting Coach George Luna said.

The Badgers will compete in the Coastal Bend Classic starting at 9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 13 in Calallen.