The 2012-13 power lifting season at De Soto High School begins this winter. The team is following a successful year with hope for strong a season from returning lifters.

“A lot of young lifters are excited to come out this year, that are new, and we’ve got a lot of veterans that are coming back also,” coach Brian King said.

Senior Lauren Mabe is a returning State champion from last year that has a hopeful season.

“She [Mabe] has a chance to possibly be the first girl in the state of Kansas to clean 200 pounds,” King said.

Mabe has a goal to break a State record this year.

“The State record is 180 pounds for hang clean, and I can already lift 195 pounds,” Mabe said.

Senior Brent Johnson is another returning lifter that is following a successful season.

“Last year, I set a lot of maxes and took second or third at almost every meet last year,” Johnson said. “This year I hope to take first place at State for squat.”

Another veteran lifter, senior John Phillips, has a season goal to take the State championship.

“My training so far is looking really good. I already have eight records here at De Soto,” Phillips said.

Training for the team takes place during and after school.

“We train in class. We also train Monday through Thursday. I really want the kids to get four days in a week to train,” King said.

Much of the competitors success is result of the atmosphere within the weight room while they are training.

“I have been doing well in the weight room. I have a good weights class with a lot of energy,” Mabe said.

Johnson believes his class is important to his success as well.

“I have a good weights class. The people in there really push me, so it has been going really well,” Johnson said.

The team kicks off its season at its first meet on Jan. 29 at Royal Valley High School in Hoyt.