WR lifters impress at state championships

The White River High powerlifting team continued to perform well of the state’s biggest stage.

The White River High powerlifting team continued to perform well of the state’s biggest stage.

Competing May 6 at the state championships, the Hornet girls took second place and the White River boys finished seventh.

The girls team was highlighted by a pair of freshmen phenoms, Marissa Bartels and Madison Shamley, each taking state titles during the state meet at Shelton High School.

Also claiming state honors for the girls were Tatiana Molinero and Kalista Morris, each placing second; Samira Dimas and Shelby Collins, third; Marina Bartels, fourth; Atika Fitriani, fifth; and Emily Nelsen, sixth.

The Hornet boys team saw Koner McCoy place third, while Kyle McCoy and James Hendrickson finished fourth.

For the first time, White River had two exchange students competing. Fitriani is from Indonesia and Rogiero “Ro” Djokarijo, from Suriname, placed seventh.

This year’s meet capped an impressive three-year run for the White River team, which is coached by Juan Garibay. At the 2016 state meet, the Hornet girls placed third and the boys were fifth. In 2015, White River’s girls took third place and the Hornet boys were sixth.