This past weekend, Landrum High School sent seven athletes to the Boys State Strength Meet held at White Knoll High School. Not only was this the first time Landrum has ever competed at the state level, the Cardinals came back with a 2A Team Championship. Of the seven athletes who attended the meet, six of them finished in the top ten in the state.

In a day filled with state records being set, our very own Anthony Anderson in the 140-pound weight class set two state records with a 425-pound squat and a 655-pound total. Anthony was named the 140-pound state champion defeating many 3A and 4A competitors in the process.

Wrenn Pierce also cracked the top ten with a ninth place finish in the 140-pound weight class. Wrenn hit a personal record in the bench with a 205-pound effort.

AJ Raber competed in one of the toughest weight classes, the 180-pound weight class. AJ finished with an impressive 335-pound squat on his third and final attempt.

Kericho McCauley finished sixth overall in his weight class, and was a PR bench press short of stepping on the podium with a fourth place finish. Kericho hit a 435-pound squat and a 245-pound bench and his broad jump finished fourth in his class.  Kericho has another year and expects to do very well next year.

Isaac McDowell was tied for sixth place but was bumped to seventh place due to body weight. Isaac hit personal record in the squat and bench with a 435- and 310- pound efforts respectively.

Stanley Belue Taylor had the second highest squat in the state in his weight class (220) with a 475-pound showing. Stanley also cracked the top ten with a ninth place finish and expects to be back and better for next year’s meet.

Blake McCullough was diagnosed with the flu Monday and came back strong by Saturday to also crack the top ten with a ninth place finish. Blake finished with a 405 squat and 285 bench.

Overall the Landrum Cardinals had a great showing and are very proud of this accomplishment. After our girls’ strength team won the girls meet in February, the strength program at Landrum is growing quickly and has another 365 days to improve on what has started.

–Submitted by Chad Cooksey