The Fort Stockton boys powerlifting team split up their squad and competed in both the Fightin Bucks Invitational and the Andrews Mustang Powerlifting Classic on Jan. 29.

The Panthers finished in second place as a team – three points behind Monahans – in Alpine, highlighted by three gold medal performances.

Sophomore Isaiah Ureste claimed a first-place finish to begin his career as a powerlifter. Senior Daniel Renteria and junior Jovany Hernandez brought home gold medals as well.

“With there being two traveling teams this weekend, I need to give a big shout out to coach Vic Ivy for stepping up and driving these young men on his Saturday off, along with some past Panthers and a Prowler for helping guide these young men through the day,” Panthers head lifting coach Jeremy Boatright said. “Returning to make a difference were 2021 graduates Diego Renteria, Roy Bislar, Jaylee Ibarra and 2019 graduate Kiara Renteria. I want to thank them for filling our void and giving our young men a chance to compete and get better.”

In Andrews, Justin “Joker” Sanchez put on a show with a three-lift total of 1,280 pounds – a personal record for the junior.

“He muscled through an outstanding 500-pound deadlift, setting a new personal best for the second meet in a row,” Boatright said.

The upperclassman led the Panthers to a fourthplace finish as a team in Andrews.

The Panthers will be back at it again in two weeks as they are set to host the Fort Stockton Power Classic on Saturday, Feb. 12.