Flagler lifters advance

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

At least five weightlifters from Flagler County will head to the state competition later this month, and a few others might qualify next week when sectionals are completed.

Flagler Palm Coast junior Devon McIntire qualified for the state meet after winning the 119-pound class. At the sectional meet, McIntire benched 195 pounds and clean-and-jerked 185 for a 380-pound personal best total.

FPC coach Robert Paxia said McIntire has overcome hernia-like symptoms this season.

“Devon has grown a lot this season,” Paxia said. “Last season, we knew he would have a shot to be good. He has progressed ahead of schedule ... I’m really proud of what he has done.”

FPC senior Nick Maiori — who missed qualifying for states by five pounds last season — finished fourth at the sectional meet. Maiori (183 pounds) benched 270 pounds and clean-and-jerked 280 for a 550-pound total. If Maiori’s totals are in the Top 10, he will get an automatic bid into the state meet.

The state meet will take place April 21, in Kissimmee.

FPC’s other two lifters who didn’t qualify were sophomore Marcus Polite (139 pounds) and senior Dylan Carey (199 pounds).

Accross town, Matanzas High School had four lifters automatically qualify for states.

Richard McCune (119 pounds), Chris Santana (129 pounds), Matt Whalen (139 pounds) and Casey Kronemeyer (154 pounds) all finished in first place and qualified.

Matanzas coach Keith Lagocki said there are five other lifters who could fall in the Top 10 and get a state bid.

Check www.PalmCoastObserver.com for weightlifting updates.

Young Bulldogs top Pirates
Earlier this week, Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools competed in a freshman/sophomore weightlifting competition — showing off the upcoming weightlifting talent for each school.

In the Tuesday meet, FPC defeated Matanzas, 64-26.

Contact Andrew O’Brien at [email protected].

Flagler Palm Coast junior Devon McIntire qualified for the state meet in the 119-pound weight class after he won Wednesday’s sectional meet. COURTESY PHOTO