The Palestine Herald
Sat, May 17 2008
—
By SALLY SEXTON
H-P Sports Writer
ELKHART — Elkhart senior Leonard Grabs is making a little history.
Grabs becomes the first Elkhart powerlifter in eight years to head to the state powerlifting meet, which will be held Saturday at Abilene High School.
“It’s been a long time, and I’m happy to see someone out there,” Elkhart coach David Wilbanks said. “We’re looking forward to representing Elkhart at state.”
Grabs won his 181-pound weight class in the regional meet to advance.
“I think he’s confident, and this is going to be a first time experience for him,” Wilbanks said. “He may be a little awe-struck at first with all the other participants.”
Grabs currently is sitting in sixth after the regional meets, but Wilbanks feels that could change.
“Everyone is pretty close, and at state you never really know what’s going to happen,” the Elkhart coach said. “It’s a very challenging environment.”
The Elkhart senior has not had a lot of time to focus on powerlifting. Grabs also plays baseball and participates on the track team.
“He’s been pretty busy and it’s difficult to find time to prepare,” Wilbanks said. “We’ve worked out a few times, but we’re really going to try to hammer on it and focus next week.”
————
Sally Sexton can be reached via e-mail at sports2@palestineherald.com
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.