The Burton Panthers continued their 2025 Powerlifting season with a trip to Taylor High School this Saturday for the Duck Invitational. The competition was fierce, with nearly 250 lifters, mostly from larger 4A and 5A schools.
Freshman Zach Purvis started the lifting off for the Panthers, adding 50 lbs to his three-lift total from last week. He finished with a combined 695 lbs, enough to secure a 3rd place finish and medal in the 123 weight class.
However, it was in the 132s that the Panthers shone brightest. Junior Hunter Duffy notched a personal best 900 lb finish, while Senior Jackson Morey finished with 915 lb and a 5th place medal. Senior Mark Odom made a strong case for a return visit to the State Tournament in Abilene with a combined 1035 lb total, only 15 pounds shy of last year's state finish. The effort netted the Panther 2nd overall in his weight class.
Senior Kolton Lunbeck finished with a 975 lb total, placing him 9 of 19 in the crowded and highly competitive 165 class.
Senior Avery Applewhite finished with a personal best 570 lb total, besting last year's total of 545 lbs. The Panther's lone woman competitor and team captain finished 11 of 25 in the 148, the largest of the girls' weight classes.
The Panthers are currently scheduled to lift at the Eagle Invitational in Milano on Wednesday, February 5th.