RAYMONDVILLE — On March 15, Raymondville High School junior Marcus Capetillo became a state champion.
At the Texas High School Powerlifting Association state meet in Abilene, Capetillo captured gold in the Division 2, 132-pound weight class by lifting a total of 1,170 total pounds, which was 50 pounds more than second-place finisher Justin Ormsby of Big Spring.
In the bench press portion of the competition, he lifted a total of 270 pounds. Meanwhile, in the dead lift portion, he lifted a total of 435 pounds, and, finally, he squatted a total of 465 pounds.
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Capetillo and see what it takes to become a state champ.
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Q: So what was it like winning a state powerlifting title?
A: It was an awesome experience. It was an honor to represent my school, coaches and family.
Q: Was this your first state title?
A: Yes, for high school, although I have won state titles in youth programs for football and track.
Q: Had you been to the state meet before?
A: No.
Q: When did you first get involved in powerlifting?
A: This is my first year of powerlifting. I am currently a junior in high school.
Q: What got you interested in the sport to begin with?
A: My brother competed and placed two years ago in the state powerlifting meet, and he talked about how exciting and competitive the meets are and I thought I would be a good competitor in the sport. Also, I heard Coach Villarreal and Coach Garza are both good motivators and knowledgeable in the sport.
Q: What do you like most about the sport?
A: The people you meet. The rapport you develop with other competitors and coaches and the “rush” you get from getting new PRs (personal records) and goals.
Q: What is your routine before a powerlifting meet?
A: Going through the rundown of each lift with the coaches, working on technique and attempting new PRs.
Q: You play football for the Bearkats as well. Do you play any other sports?
A: Yes, baseball and track.
Q: If you could participate in only one sport, which would it be?
A: It would be a very hard decision to make since I have been playing football and baseball since I was 4 years old, and track since I was about 8 years old. Although, I love the individual challenge of the powerlifting sport so, at this time, I would have to say it would be powerlifting.
Q: Is there any sport you don’t play that you wish you could have or would want to try?
A: Basketball.
Q: Other than sports, what hobbies do you have?
A: I like to play Xbox, play pool and work out.
Q: Any college plans?
A: Yes, I am interested in becoming a pharmacist and I’m looking at going to Texas A&M-Kingsville’s pre-pharmacy program.
Q: If you could go to any college in the world, where would that be?
A: The University of Oregon.
Q: What do you want to do after college?
A: I would like to establish my career and travel.
Q: What is your favorite subject in school?
A: Science; especially biology and chemistry.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “Step Brothers.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: “Last Chance U.”
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
A: Barry Sanders.
Q: Do you have a favorite professional sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Hamburgers.
Q: If you could have a super power what would it be?
A: Teleportation.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that place be?
A: Hawaii.
Q: What is your favorite animal?
A: Dogs, especially the breed French bulldogs.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving.
Q: Who is going to win the NCAA basketball tournament?
A: Villanova.
Q: What is something that no one really knows about you?
A: I am a reserved person, until you get to know me.
