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Hernando Today

Will Second Visit be the Charm?

GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

Hernando High junior Jasmine Sharpe

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By MARTY MILLER

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: February 12, 2009

On Saturday at the 6th annual Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Girls Weightlifting State Tournament at River Ridge Middle/High School in New Port Richey, Hernando junior Jasmine Sharpe is looking forward to competing in the 199-pound weight division.
When asked what kind of season she's had so far, the second-year Leopard lifter had a ready answer.
"I felt I've had a great year so far," remarked Sharpe. "I've had some wonderful teachers, I have a great time with weightlifting and now I'm starting track practice. And I made it to the state meet so I think I've had a marvelous year."
Sharpe, one of three Hernando lifters who will be competing in the tournament, is the lone Hernando County lifter to return to states after finishing in 12th place last year.
She also says that she is a little nervous about what may happen Saturday.
"I'm sort of anxious about what's going to happen Saturday," she indicated. "You get an adrenaline rush but after the first lift and you get something down on paper, you calm down."
Sharpe, who throws the discus for Hernando High, placed second in the Region V state qualifying tournament held Jan. 31 at Belleview.
She hoisted 155 pounds on the bench press and 145 pounds on the clean-and-jerk for a total of 300 pounds.
That totals seeds her in ninth place in the 199-pound weight class. But Sharpe is looking to improve on her 12th place finish from last year.
"I'm hoping to total at least 315 pounds," she said and then added with some determination. "I want to get in the top eight, I want to medal."
Becoming a weightlifter was something Sharpe found that she really enjoyed doing.
"This is my second year and I decided it would be nice to try it and I ended up falling in love with it," she added.
She also says that some people ask her why she does the sport, but to her, that is an easy answer.
"I tell them I just love the sport and have been thinking about doing this since my freshman year," Sharpe said.
Sharpe intends on going to college and plans a career in criminal justice while focusing on forensic science.
She knows that her mother Sharon will be at the meet and thinks Saturday could be a good day for her.
"I've just got to be patient and put everything else aside," she explained.

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