Logan's Judd nabs state title in powerlifting

Logan sophomore Haden Judd captured an individual state championship at the Class 1A-3A boys powerlifting championships Friday at Rio Rancho.

Logan senior Park Strong finished runner-up in his weight class at the state meet but broke a state record in the process during one of his events.

Judd had been ranked No. 1 in the state in his 148-pound class going into the meet. He made that stand up during the finals by lifting a total of 930 pounds in the bench press, dead lift and the squat. He bested runner-up Frank Angel of Hatch Valley by 20 pounds.

Strong, competing in the 220-pound weight class, broke a state record by dead-lifting 505 pounds. The previous record was 500 pounds by Brennen Garcia of Lovington last year.

Strong lifted a total of 1,100 pounds, behind only the 1,170 pounds lifted by Isaiah Ortiz of West Las Vegas.

Christian Kotara of Logan finished fifth in the 165-pound weight class, lifting 745 pounds.

Other Longhorns who competed at the state meet were Skyler DeLuca, Izaiah Kneitz and Mason Wallin.

Bella Coronado also competed in the Class 1A-5A girls championships.

"The kids performed well," Logan coach Dwayne Roberts said. "We had PRs (personal records) all over the place."

Roberts said the state meet proved to be a good atmosphere.

"It was fun," he said. "It was so team-oriented, with everyone cheering for everyone."

Robin Cook of San Jon also qualified for the state meet.

The New Mexico Activities Association lists powerlifting as an activity and not an officially sanctioned sport. It will become an official NMAA sport during the 2023-2024 season.

Tucumcari approved adding powerlifting among its sports offerings next winter. Nearly 60 schools in New Mexico are participating in the activity.

The Logan boys won the inaugural powerlifting state championships in 2021.