By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

Three boys will represent Bowie High School today at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association state meet.
The meet will take place starting at 8:45 a.m. in the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.
Cristian Martinez will compete for the Jackrabbits in the 132-pound division. Martinez’ best three-lift total this season has been 1,035 pounds.
Abraham Landaverde is set for the 148-pound class. His best three-lift total this season is 1,140 pounds.
Rounding out the group is Saul Landaverde at 242 pounds, with his best three-lift total this year at 1,360 pounds.
Bowie head powerlifting coach Quentin Berend said this will mark the first time at state for all three boys.
“It’s the highest number of qualifiers we’ve had, so we’re pretty pumped up about that,” Berend said. “I think we will be in contention for medals.”
Martinez and Abraham Landaverde have been hovering near the top of regional rankings all year and Saul Landaverde worked his way up to second place after the Region 6 meet in Chico in February.
“Their totals have been increasing all year,” Berend said.
Today’s weigh-in is from 6:30-8 a.m. There will be a judges/coaches meeting at 8 a.m. and then the opening ceremonies. Read more in the weekend Bowie News.

Abraham Landaverde lifts during the Jacksboro Invitational in February. Click on the image itself for the complete photo. (News file photo by Eric Viccaro)