The Aubrey Chaparrals boys powerlifting team wrapped up their season competing at the 2026 Texas High School Powerlifting Association State Meet on March 27.
The Chaparrals sent five lifters to the event in Abilene to face off against the best the state had to offer, with two Chaps recording Top 10 finishes.
“Overall, we did a really good job,” said Ellis Hill, Aubrey head boys powerlifting coach. “Our big goal was for everyone to make it through the meet, and besides Jaxson Doramus’ having a hamstring injury, we met our goal, and I’m happy about that.”
Ashton Offenbacher was the Chaps’ top performer, finishing third and winning a bronze medal in the 198-pound weight class with a weight total of 1,680 pounds.
Ashton’s first appearance at the state meet got off to a shaky start in the first event, but he battled his way onto the podium.
“I was scared,” he said. “It was really stressful in the beginning, but I knew I had to find a way to come up with it so that I wouldn’t feel like I wasted all that time to get [to State] because that day had been on my mind for so long.”
Christian Southard was the Chaps’ next top placer, finishing ninth in the 123-pound weight class, lifting a total of 1,075 pounds.
Southard said he was proud of how he improved in his second appearance at the state meet.
“There was some nostalgia being back there, but I did so much better than last year,” he said. “I didn’t bomb out, and I got my numbers up way higher than last year and finished in the Top 10.”
Both lifters, Ashton and Southard, thanked their head coach, Hill, and Krugerville Barbell for their help and support this season.
Ashton also thanked his father, Eric Offenbacher, and his brother, Skyler Offenbacher.
Jaxson Doramus competed in the 165-pound weight class but was unable to finish the meet after sustaining a hamstring injury during the deadlift event.
Riley DuFrene placed 21st in the 198-pound weight class, with a total of 1,415 pounds.
Cole Travascio placed 23rd in the 198-pound weight class, lifting a total of 1,350 pounds.
Hill spoke highly of what his team accomplished during the 2026 season.
“Four years ago, when I took the job, Coach [Keith] Ivy said they wanted someone to take the program to the next level, and I took that to heart, but it’s really about the guys’ buyin,” he said. “… I just try to make sure they have what they need and can get where they need to be to compete, and they do all the hard work, but I’m just glad to know Aubrey is starting to be on the map when it comes to powerlifting.”
Hill also expressed his thanks to everyone that helped make the year special for the Chaps’ powerlifting program.
“I want to start with our athletes and then the support from our teachers and staff here in Aubrey— Coach [Dana Bloedel], Coach [Lance] Low, Coach Wesley Huber and Coach Kye Renton,” he said. “It’s a total team effort, but again it’s the guys. … I try to build a community where they all love and trust each other, and they do, and I’m proud of that.”
