The South Panola boys powerlifting team competed in its first meet of the season Friday, January 23 at Charleston.

The team placed fifth overall.

“They did well considering they had eight first-time lifters,” said head coach Arnie Oakes.

Garrott Brewer placed second in the 220-pound class, while Justin Wright placed third in the same.

Kenyahti McMurry placed third in the super heavy weight class.

In the 181-pound class, Jonathan Bowens placed third.

Marjarvin Chapman placed fourth in the 308-pound class while eighth grader Sawyer Oakes placed fourth in the 132-pound class.

“The remainder of the team did well but did not place,” Oakes said.

The next day the powerlifting boys and girls teams traveled to Calhoun City for competition.

In the girls division, Sherika Harris placed third in the 198-weight class.

The boys placed third overall.

“It was a great improvement from Friday considering the team was missing three of its members,” Oakes said.

Sawyer Oakes placed first in the 132-pound class.

Second place winners were Marcel Nash in the 165-pound class and Keunte Turner in the 181-pound class.

Coming in third place were Brewer in the 220-pound class and Marjarvin Chapman in the 308-pound class.

Kasey Livingston placed fourth in the 198-pound class. Placing fifth were Justin Wright in the 220-pound class and DeShundrick Hines in the 308-pound class.

According to coach Oakes, all the team members placed and earned points for the team.