Del Rio High Raw Power Teams Dominate Fort Stockton Meet

Del Rio Raw Power competed at Fort Stockton’s Panther and Prowler Raw Power Classic Jan. 17, and the results underscored a fast-growing program that is already delivering local wins. Del Rio’s newest sports team is already making a splash, or in this case a smash.

“Raw Power is often referred to as ‘unequipped raw lifting,’ meaning competitors lift with only their singlet, a belt and knee sleeves. The suits often seen at powerlifting meets are not allowed.” Competitors still have to lift in three disciplines including the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. The combined weight of those three successful lifts determines where the athlete will finish in their weight class.

Head coach David Gomez noted the program’s recent expansion: “The girls added it two years ago, but for the boys this is the first year.” That context helps explain the sweep of top finishes by Del Rio boys even as the girls team, established earlier, continues to build depth and experience.

Del Rio’s lifters showed out as the boys team finished first in the varsity division while the girls finished fourth. Four of Del Rio’s boys finished first in their respective weight classes, anchoring the team title and giving Del Rio families and the school’s athletic program something to celebrate.

Ricky De La Cruz was first in the 132-pound weight class with a total weight lifted of 745 pounds. Marcos Rodriguez took second in the 132-pound weight class with 720 pounds. Eric Gutierrez was third in the 148-pound weight class with 775 pounds lifted. Michael Alvarez was fifth in the 165-pound weight class with 720 pounds lifted. Nick LaMountain was first in the 181-pound weight class with 1,165 pounds lifted. Luis Rodriguez was first in the 198-pound weight class after totaling 1,125 pounds in his lifts. Jaden Ortiz was second in the 198-pound weight class with 1,010 pounds. Damian Guerrero took fourth in the 275-pound weight class with a total weight of 1,150 pounds. Luke Miner rounded out the first place finishers by taking the top spot in the 242-pound weight class with 1,205 pounds lifted total. Fernando Perez took third in the 242-pound weight class with 1,065 pounds. Angel Vasquez was also third, grabbing the number three spot in the 308-pound weight class with 655 pounds total.

Members of the Del Rio High School Raw Power powerlifting team gather for a photo after they competed in Fort Stockton Jan. 17.

For Val Verde County, the results matter beyond medals. The rapid addition of a boys squad this school year and steady growth of the girls program signal expanding opportunities for strength sports at Del Rio High, offering students another path to fitness, camaraderie and potential scholarships. The meet also highlights the need for continued school and community support - from coaching and equipment to transportation and funding - if the program is to sustain momentum and expand access equitably.

Del Rio athletes have set a standard to build on; next steps include keeping community support steady and following the team as the season progresses.