ROYAL CITY — Royal High Coach Paul Olsufka took five competitors to the first powerlifting meet of the high school season in Lacey on Feb. 20, and they all placed, bringing medals

Even better news was that only one was a senior. He is four-year lifter and annual state meet contestant Hunter Follet. State champ last year, Follett started this season with second place at Northwest Christian High School.

Royal will host a meet at the high school gym on March 12. Olsufka expects 100 or so athletes, including several from the west side of the state. He has volunteers, but he could use more. There are many tasks to carry out for successful meet.

The powerlifting meet is a long one. It starts in January and ends with the state championships in May. It is a grueling season and the meets are well spread out.

The surprise for the Knights at the first meet was the sophomore Hernandez, who lifts in the 181-pound class. He was in the competition from the start and won it when he cleared 275 pounds in the bench press.

Sophomore Lesly Martinez, who finished 3rd at state last year at 165 pounds, finished first at Lacey. Another sophomore, Yonani Cruz, took sixth place 198 pounds at Lacey.

Follett, who has the most experience on the team, took second place at 220 at Lacey. And freshman newcomer Adrian Banda, took fifth place at 165 pounds at Lacey.