Gulf County sends weightlifters to state tournament

The cheers from Wewahitchka Elementary School were joyous on Thursday morning, as the students gathered in front of the school to help send 13 Wewahitchka High School weightlifters to the state tournament this weekend.

As the school bus rounded the corner onto Highway 71, beginning its six hour journey to Lakeland, where the FHSAA girls weightlifting finals is being held, weightlifting coach David Peavy reflected on what he said were bright prospects for the girls.

“This is the first year we’ve stood a real chance at a state championship,” he said. “They’ll have to lift their best, but it’s possible.”

“The most we’ve sent to State in the past is six,” Peavy continued. “So this is a really big deal, for all of the girls, but especially for the captains, who have really seen the program grow.”

Port St. Joe High School also sent a weightlifter to the state tournament —Eighth grader Anniston Gainer.

The FHSAA girls weightlifting finals will be held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, with weigh-ins on Friday, February 17, and the heavy lifting on Saturday, February 18.