GET PUMPED: Destin Middle to host first-ever weightlifting meet

Destin Middle School students are getting pumped.

The first-official middle school weightlifting meet is set to take place at 2:45 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Destin Middle School gym.

“Our kids are really excited about it,” said Destin Middle atheletic director Daniel Griffin.

“It’s a lot of fun and very competitive. It will be good to see how they match up with other schools in the area.”

Other middle schools participating in the meet include Bruner, Pryor and Shoal River.

Both boys and girls from each school will get the chance to show what they can do. Each athlete will get three attempts on bench press and three attempts at clean and jerk.

Destin doesn’t have a weightlifting team, however they do lift. The Destin Marlins lift for the various sports and during physical education classes.

“We lift year round,” Griffin said, noting this is the second year for the athletes to get in the weight room competitively.

“They have come a long way,” Griffin said, mentioning most have doubled in strength.

However, Destin has never competed in a weightlifting meet.

“This will be an eye-opening experience for them,” Griffin said.

The meet will be divided into 10 weight classes for boys and girls. The classes are 101-pounds, 110, 119, 129, 139, 154, 169, 183, 199 and unlimited.

“I think in the lighter weight classes will be competitive,” Griffin said.

“We’ve got some kids that will be able to hold their own.”

The meet will be open to the public just like all sporting events. Cost is $3 for adults and $1 students. Concessions will be available.