LOS FRESNOS — The Los Fresnos Lady Falcons powerlifting program has built a dynasty centered on a team-first mentality and determination.
After the COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2020 state meet to be canceled and kept lifters from gyms, some Lady Falcons were concerned with how this season might go. But their work ethic and the program’s supportive environment kept Los Fresnos on top, even with every school gunning to take it down.
One week ago, the Lady Falcons earned the Class 6A state championship at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association state meet in Corpus Christi, making it six straight titles for the powerhouse program.
“It was a great year, and I’m glad we were able to fight through everything and finish on top,” coach Jaime Vela said. “This year with the pandemic the girls had to battle a lot of adversity. It was probably the closest state meet that we’ve been a part of since I’ve been here, and that made it more exciting. Every lift was so important. We preach such a team environment that every girl is willing to go above and beyond for the team and sacrifice and do whatever it takes.”
Los Fresnos had eight of its 12 state qualifiers place in the top five of their respective weight class. Sindy Aguilera won gold and Brianna De La Rosa finished fourth in the 105-pound division. Alexandra Garcia took silver in the 123-pound class. Hailey Martin (114), Emily Rodriguez (165) and Alejandra Garcia (220) each claimed third. Veronica Martinez (123) was fourth and Carmen Lainez (148) finished fifth.
Alexandra Garcia’s deadlift was the last of the meet, and Vela said it was a special one. The senior pulled a weight she hadn’t before to seal the victory in a moment that epitomized the selflessness and drive that keeps Los Fresnos dominant.
“Going into deadlift, I was in fourth place,” Garcia said. “(Vela) changed my numbers and said, ‘You need to get this.’ It was a 360 deadlift, never done it before. I was the last person to go, and it was crazy because we needed that to win state. I felt it and it was so heavy, but I was, like, ‘Just squeeze, Ale. Just squeeze.’ I got it and I remember putting the weight down, and Vela picked me up and everyone was yelling. It was such a great experience.”
Aguilera notched a total of 700 pounds across three lifts, but she called her 295-pound deadlift the highlight of her meet. The senior was battling with another lifter who kept adding five pounds more than she was, so Aguilera upped her weight by 15 pounds. Completing the lift and the celebration that came after is something Aguilera said she’ll never forget.
“The excitement in Coach Vela’s face as he turned and was screaming, then I screamed and all my coaches, we were all jumping around like 5-year-olds. It was the best experience,” Aguilera said. “It was very amazing and it warmed my heart. … I worked my butt off to get it. I had a lot of people in my corner, but there were also people not in my corner that were putting me down. It’s great to get that award and be able to say, ‘I did that.’”
Aguilera and Martinez credited the motivation and training provided by Vela and assistant coaches Greg Pena and Johnny Highful for Los Fresnos’ consistent success. Martinez set a personal record with a 345-pound squat at state despite the pandemic keeping her from a gym for months, and the senior said helping her team build its legacy was something special.
“I was really proud of myself,” Martinez said. “You never know what you’re capable of, and this sport brings everything out. Whatever seems impossible is possible. We’re so small, just little girls, but inside we’re capable of so much. I’ve been part of the team for four years now. My sister was part of the six titles, too, so it meant the world that we kept the streak going.”
The season and the state title were especially meaningful for Lainez. The senior had “a very traumatic experience” during last year’s regional meet when she dropped the bar while benching. Lainez underwent three surgeries and lost two teeth due to the accident.
Returning to the sport wasn’t easy, but Lainez never doubted she would. After dropping two weight classes, her max bench was reduced by 95 pounds, but the progress she made while recovering brought her pride. Lainez went from benching 135 pounds at the start of the season to having the heaviest bench, 200 pounds, on her platform at state.
Lainez showed the younger Lady Falcons what hard work and determination can overcome, and she believes the impact she left behind will help the program continue to strive.
“Coming back was a little scary, to say the least, but I was always very dedicated. I knew I was going to come back and help my team win, no matter what it took,” Lainez said. “I was afraid, but I’d rather say that I did it at the end of the day than regret that I didn’t. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. I proved not only to myself but to others that no matter what happens, it takes dedication to get back up there.”
