By Keith Taylor

Sun Senior Correspondent

Members of Winchester Weightlifting team carried their weight during the state competition recently.

The squad, consisting of 16 students at George Rogers Clark High School and three from Robert D. Campbell Junior High, competed in the state meet in Florence on April 20 and enjoyed a successful finish at Triumph Strength and Conditioning.

Riley Williams, Shelby Meade, Bailey Wood and Melanie Mans claimed gold medals in the female category, while Carley Shelton and Emily Southwood each won a silver medal.

On the boys’ side, Jack Wright, Sam Neeley, Tye Boykin, Jeremy Clem, Bryson Waller, Sam Williams, Cole Warner, Gabe Williams and Hunter Dunn each claimed a gold medal. Angus Mann, Tommy Wright and Will Meade each won a silver medal, while Chase English brought home a bronze medal.

A year ago, three athletes competed in the state meet and claimed two state champions and a fourth-place finisher.

GRC is one of only two high school Olympic wrestling teams in the state. During the past two years, the Cardinals have produced 14 state champions.

The team is coached by Perry Williams and trains at the StrengthFix Training Center.