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Aviles to vie in state powerlifting




James Volz|Leader-News
Coach AJ Martinez (left) and Uvalde High School senior Augustine “Augie” Aviles are head to Abilene. They will be there tomorrow as Aviles competes in the state powerlifting meet. Aviles will represent UHS in the 198-pound weight division of the meet.

Uvalde High School senior Augustine Aviles will be in Abilene’s Taylor County Exposition Center tomorrow, March 24, to vie in the Class 4A 198-pound weight division of the Texas High School Powerlifting Association meet.

Competition will get underway at 5 p.m.

“It’s great to be going to state,” said Aviles. “This is something that I did not expect going into the season.”

Aviles has come a long way in powerlifting over a short period of time. This is only his second season in powerlifting competition.

“Augie is my hardest worker,” said UHS head coach AJ Martinez. “That is his best attribute as a powerlifter. He is strong and he works so very hard.”

“Last year, I needed someone to lift in his weight class. I suggested he give it a try,” said Martinez. “In less than two years he has gone from not being a powerlifter to lifting in the state meet. That speaks volumes about his work ethic.”

“I enjoy lifting. The squat is my favorite lift,” said Aviles. “The deadlift is my biggest challenge, but I have gotten better at it.”

Going into state competition, Aviles says that his goal is to try to finish among the top five lifters in his weight class.

“If I could place among the top five finishers I would consider it a great achievement,” said Aviles.

“He is currently ranked 10th in the state,” said Coach Martinez. “If Augie could total 1,500 pounds or just a little more, I think he could finish among the top five lifters.”

At regional, Aviles totaled 1,425 pounds, including 550 pounds on the squat, 355 pounds in the bench press, and 520 pounds in the deadlift.

“My regional lifts in the bench and the deadlift were personal records,” said Aviles.

“If he could equal his regional lifts in the bench and the deadlift, and if he lifts 600 pounds on the squat, he would come close to the total he needs,” said Martinez.

“I think it’s doable. I want to equal what I did at regional and then try to improve from there in each of the different lifts,” said Aviles.

The son of Monica and the late Joe Aviles, Augie said he is proud to be able to represent his family, his powerlifting team and UHS at the state meet.

“I will be giving it my best shot,” said Aviles. “Hopefully, that will be enough to get me into the top five.”

“We know what Augie needs to do,” said Coach Martinez. “He has worked hard to get from where he started to where he is. And I know he will give it everything he has at state Friday.”