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Central wins first state championship

By RICHARD BURTON

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 28, 2001

BELLEVIEW -- As more and more winners were announced, it became apparent who was going to win the state title. And like it had all season, Central had the most lifters honored.

The Bears finished with 32 points, 11 points better than second-place North Marion, and cruised to their first state title after placing third the past two seasons.

Central's win also was the first time a non-Marion County team has won the team title.

Depth powered the Bears, who had seven lifters place in the top six of their classes.

"I just want to congratulate the girls," Central coach Sharon Elliott said. "They are a great bunch, and they did a great job."

Leading the way for the Bears was Alaya Smiley, who won her second consecutive state championship.

Last season, Smiley won at 129 pounds. Saturday, she totaled 330 pounds, keyed by a bench press of 175 pounds, to win the 139-pound class.

Meanwhile, Central's Heather Krasniewski won a state title at 183 pounds after finishing second last season. She increased her total by 30 pounds and won by 30 pounds.

Lending support for Central were Elena Morales (second at 110), Tiffany Mobley (fourth at 110), Shanna Jager (third at 129), Christine Roe (fourth at 199) and Amy Royce (third 3rd at unlimited).

"I have six seniors on this team, and they all did a great job," Elliott said. "I am going to miss them all. We got good efforts from everyone today."

Citrus, which was sixth with 12 points, was led by runners-up Melissa Thomas (119) and Jessica Baum (154). Julie Shott (fifth at 101 pounds) also earned points for the Hurricanes.

Lecanto and Crystal River tied for 21st with four points while Springstead scored one point and finished 29th.

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