Junior Powerlifter Has Sights Set On State

By TRAVIS CARROLL/Staff Writer

Feb. 26, 2008

 

For three years, junior Kayla Ash has been committed to give nothing less than blood, sweat, and tears for her shot at the state powerlifting meet.

         Last season her work and determination was rewarded when she found herself lifting amongst the state’s best in Killeen, Texas at the state meet. 

This season is no different. Kayla is pushing herself harder and harder every day to reach state, which few get to say they have done.

“I want it more than anything right now,” Kayla said. “Just the fact that I have a really good chance to return makes me work harder every day.”

As with anything, the sport of powerlifting has its ups and downs.  She has faced adversity many times throughout her career, from not being able to get a lift or scratching on a lift and not being able to record the score.

“I’ve had my disappointments, but going into the regional meet as one of the top three lifters makes me overlook the bad things,” she said. “It’s been a great season.”The feeling of getting a lift that you didn’t think was possible is “Pretty freaking awesome,” Kayla describes. 

“Usually it happens on the last lift, so it’s a good way to end and move on to the next lift.”

Kayla’s personal best on each of the three different categories are bench-175, squat-310, and deadlift-285.

With one year left after this season, Kayla said she will take with her experiences of triumph and great accomplishment. 

 “I love seeing how much I progress throughout the year and all of our fun times with Coach (Ron) Burnham.”