The chalk has settled, and new records have been set with the Aubrey Chaparrals and the Pilot Point Bearcats recently competing in the Texas High School Powerlifting Association Region 6 Division 2 Regional Meet on March 12 and 13.
The Chaparrals finished eighth out of 25 schools, with five of the Chaps— Christian Southard, Jaxson Doramus, Ashton Offenbaucher, Riley Dufrene and Cole Travascio—qualifying for the state meet.
“I was thoroughly impressed with our fight and the way our guys competed,” Aubrey head boys powerlifting coach Ellis Hill said. “This was the most guys we’ve had at the regional meet since I’ve been here, and I was pleased with that, but it has nothing to do with me. It’s all a credit to our guys’ hard work. They’re just good kids, and they want to compete, and that’s all you can ask for.”
In order to qualify for the state meet in the equipped division, a lifter must finish in the Top 2 in their respective weight class or finish with a qualifying weight total.
Southard was the Chaps’ top lifter at the event, taking silver in the 123-pound weight class with a weight total of 1,090 pounds.
“I did a little less than I wanted to today, but for state I’m coming for it all,” Southard said.
Doramus placed fifth in the 165-pound weight class, with a weight total of 1,335 pounds and hitting the automatic qualifying weight total.
He expressed his excitement at qualifying for the state meet for the first time.
“To be able to make it to state feels good,” he said. “I’ve been working to get there, and I’m just trying to [show up] and continue to get better.”
Offenbaucher finished fourth in the 198-pound weight class, with a weight total of 1,425 pounds.
Dufrene placed fifth in the 198-pound weight class, with a weight total of 1,420 pounds.
“I set a new personal total, so I’m happy about that, but I know I can do better at State,” Dufrene said.
Travascio placed sixth in the 198-pound weight class, with a weight total of 1,400 pounds.
“I had a personal record weight total today, which you can’t be mad about, but there is definitely room for improvement, and that’s what I’m going to do at state,” he said.
Offenbaucher, Dufrene and Travascio all reached the automatic qualifying total for the state meet.
Chaitanya Kadiri placed fifth in the 114-weight class, lifting a total of 755 pounds.
Brayden Wood placed fourth in the 308-weight class, with a total of 1,515 pounds.
Dhanvish Thummaginjala, Kai Aquinaldo and Tanner Harrison rounded out the Chaps lifters, placing ninth, 10th and 11th in the 123-pound weight class.
Southard, Doramus, Offenbaucher, Dufrene and Travascio will compete at the 2026 THSPA State Meet on March 2728 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.
