Heavy task ahead for state lifters

By CAREY FREEMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 14, 2000

INVERNESS -- For the second consecutive year, Citrus County will be well-represented at the Class A State Weightlifting Championships. How well that representation does, though, remains in question.

While the county lacks a lifter like former Crystal River state record holder Ricky Posselt, it nonetheless has its share of contenders. Leading the list are Citrus' Jordan Darga (169-pound division) and Wes Davis (219).

Darga has hoisted a total of 570 pounds, which should match up well with his competition. Davis is well short of Posselt's 720-pound state record from last year, but he has improved his totals by as much as 70 pounds since the beginning of the season and has a good chance of returning the title to Citrus County.

"That was a super-human effort there," Citrus coach Johnny Bishop said of Posselt. "Wes' total is right at 100 pounds less, but I still think it will be competitive. One goal this season was to be able to compete, not just show up at state. He's improved from 295 to 340 on his bench and 265 to 290 on his clean and jerk. Those increases are impressive, and you don't get that without working hard."

However, Bishop believes Darga may have the best chance of the Hurricanes' seven lifters.

"At 199, if he has a good day, (Bobby) Harmon also has a good chance," Bishop added.

Lecanto will take four lifters to state, but only one is likely to contend for honors. Harold Skidmore, a state runner-up in wrestling, is hoisting totals (445) that should put him near the top at 129 pounds. However, he will be facing an old nemesis in Crystal River's A.J. Davis, who has matched that total and has beaten Skidmore twice by virtue of his lighter weight in weigh-offs. "It could come down to Skidmore and Davis for the title," Lecanto coach Steve Sherland said. "Someone could come out of nowhere, but those totals are about what won state last year. Honestly, though, I think Harold has a lot more in him than 445. I'm hoping for 460 or 465."

Crystal River, after dominating the sport the last few years, has fallen back to earth and will field its smallest contingent -- three lifters -- in several years. Davis leads the group.

State weightlifting

• WHO: Citrus -- Eric Evans (129), Phil Davis (154), Jordan Darga (169), Clayton Swearingen (169), Chris Vihrachoff (183), Bobby Harmon (199), Wes Davis (219); Crystal River -- Nate Messier (119), A.J. Davis (129), Chris Harder (154); Lecanto -- Jimmy Rodriguez (119), Harold Skidmore (129), James Crossley (219), Byron Simmons (Hwt).

• WHEN: Saturday. Weigh-ins from 7-9 a.m.; competition begins at 11.

• WHERE: Bell High School. From I-75, get off on State Road 441 (Exit 78). Continue south on 441 into Alachua. Turn right at the stop light (SR 235). Proceed to SR 232 and turn right. Follow into Gilchrist County to SR 129. Turn right. The school is about 3 miles down.

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