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Hernando Today

On 'Track' For Weightlifting Medal?

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By MARTY MILLER

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: February 14, 2009

For first-year weightlifter Ava Baylor of Hernando High, just making the state weightlifting meet today at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey is an accomplishment.
Consider that Baylor, a senior who finished third at the Region V meet in late January and is ranked tied for 15th place going into the state meet in the unlimited weight class, got started in weightlifting only because she believed it would help her in the shot putt.
"Last year I was in the district tournament for the shot putt and did all right," Baylor said. "But before this year I decided it was my senior year and I was going to really work hard, so I came out for weightlifting."
It was only after beginning to take the sport seriously that the Hernando senior found out she really enjoyed it.
"It's a relaxing sport," she said. "It's like basketball when you are by yourself out on the court shooting baskets. When I'm lifting weights, I just zone out. All I'm doing is concentrating on what I'm doing right then."
While Baylor lifted a total of 315 pounds, there are four lifters tied for 11th in Saturday's meet that are just five pounds ahead of her and just 15 pounds separate her from a tie for eighth and a medal.
Her coach Shawn Bingham says that technique may be the difference between Baylor and gaining a medal Saturday.
"She's increased her bench press through the year tremendously," Bingham said. "She started off at 160 pounds and she's going for 180 Saturday. And if she holds her technique, she's one who could place."
Baylor admits she began to do better at the sport once she got the hang of it.
"At first, I just muscled things up early in the year," Baylor said. "Now as it gets later in the year and the weights are getting heavier, I have to have better form if I want to get them up."
One of three Leopard lifters going to the state meet, Baylor has come a long way from just wanting to improve in track.
"When I first came out, I thought you lifted weights and then called it a day," Baylor said. "But now I enjoy doing it and I can see myself 10 years down the road doing this just for fun."

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