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HARLINGEN — Harlingen South’s Caleb Davis signed his letter of intent to join the University of Texas at San Antonio on Thursday.
Davis was the Texas High School Powerlifting Association’s super heavyweight champion, finishing with a total of 1,870 pounds lifted despite hurting his hand early during the state meet.
“Honestly, it did not feel real at first, but after a while it kicked in,” he said. “It felt really good to bring some recognition back to Harlingen. It felt amazing.”
Weightlifting is a priority for the state champion, but Davis does have a goal of walking on to the football team and grabbing a football scholarship. The interior lineman had a great football career and received accolades for his play this season as a Hawk.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to go DI in any sport,” Davis said. “Now, my dream is becoming a reality.”
Davis said it took a lot of hard work to achieve his dream. He said all of the long, hard and sweaty days were worth it in the end.
“He worked extremely hard,” Harlingen South powerlifting coach and offensive lineman coach Marco Garcia said. “Long days of football practice and then starting powerlifting, it is hard, especially for football players. His goal was to become a state champion. He knew he had to work hard, and that is what he did.”
Davis hurt his hand at the state meet when he lost balance while squatting. Davis still had to bench and deadlift. Garcia contemplated pulling the soon-to-be state champion from of the meet, but Davis was focused to win a state championship.
The future Roadrunner ended up with a 490-pound bench and 575-pound deadlift, beating the next competitor by 60 pounds.
“No doubt in my mind he will be successful,” Garcia said.
Davis said he has always been interested in sports and will study to become a physical therapist while at UTSA.
“I want to thank my parents,” he said. “They have supported me throughout my athletic career. I want to thank Coach Garcia. He has been there with me from the beginning and helped me become the lifter that I am today.”
