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Panther sets sights on silver at state

By DEREK LaRIVIERE
Published April 21, 2006

LECANTO - After a 2005 season in which Lecanto was unable to send even one competitor to the state championships, the Panthers have a legitimate contender this year.

Stan Kruslicky, a senior and third-year lifter, has improved leaps and bounds over the course of his prep career, and now the results are speaking for themselves.

"He's one of the hardest-working individuals anyone knows," coach Ron Allan said. "He does the best he can every time he goes out there."

After winning the county championship with a personal-best total of 580 pounds, Kruslicky knew he was well-prepared heading into the postseason.

He proved his mettle at sectionals, the last step before state, totaling 570 (325 bench, 245 clean and jerk) to win the sectional title and earn the trip to Gainesville for the state competition. Only Pasco's Todd Jeter (565) was able to rack up more than 500 pounds over the the two events in the 183-pound weight class.

"Stan hasn't been beat in his weight class in any meet this season," Allan said. "When he sets his sights on something, he goes for it."

Kruslicky showed signs of breaking through last season as the Lecanto program suffered through its worst season in some time. He did not make state, but he was named an honorable mention to the Times All-Citrus/Hernando County honor roll.

"I came into this year wanting states," Kruslicky said. "That is what motivated me all season."

He is one of the top candidates for lifter of the year as he focuses on his chances at medaling this weekend.

Both Kruslicky and Allan realize the chances of walking away with the gold are slim with someone like Spruce Creek's Dustin Adams out there. Adams went for 680 pounds at his sectional and should win the state title handily at 183.

That fact has not stopped Kruslicky from setting his sights on lifting a personal best and shooting for silver today.

With a lift of 600 pounds, Kruslicky would find himself bunched with about five or six other guys who have maxed out there. Performing on the biggest stage could give him the edge he needs to come through.

At first he was driven to lift by his father, working out at home. Then he continued and decided to join the lifting team as he trained for football during the offseason. Three years later, he can taste the opportunity that made this, his final season, his most successful.

"I looked at lifting as a way to improve myself in general," said Kruslicky, "as well as a way to get stronger."

It all comes down to this for the senior leader of the Panthers. He seems to be ready to shoulder the load.

With a game plan in hand, Kruslicky decided to leave for Gainesville a day early and stay overnight to prepare himself for the following morning's events. That attention to detail could give him the upper hand he needs come tonight.

[Last modified April 21, 2006, 01:41:14]