Pictured, Magnolia West junior Alex Romano finished fifth at the state powerlifting meet. Photo by Justin Elbert.

Alex Romano, a junior at Magnolia West High School and cheerleading squad member, competed in the State Women’s Powerlifting meet in Corpus Christi March 20 finishing in fifth place, coming home with a state meet medal.

Romano lifted almost 700 pounds over three lifts at state this year. She lifted 110 pounds on the bench press, 275 pounds squatting and 320 pounds dead lifting.

Michael Kazmierski, head powerlifting coach at MWHS, said he always knew Romano was strong.

“You could just tell she had some raw strength to her,” he said. “She has a powerlifter build and strong legs. She has natural talent.”

Kazmierski said that on the first weight training day Romano was working out with weights equal to or more than some of the guys.

Romano, who competes in the 132 pounds and below category, said she has fun working out.

“We have a lot of fun working out and goofing off and stuff,” she said. “It’s also fun to learn new things, like powerlifting.”

“My friends think it is pretty cool,” Romano added. “Some of my friends are actually in it with me.”

She said her parents did take a little encouragement to warm-up to the idea of her being on the team.

“They were scared I was going to get hurt,” she said. “Or that I was going to get too muscular.”

When asked if she thought her success as a powerlifter intimidates boys, she laughed, saying, “No, I don’t think so.”

Kazmierski said that of course it intimidates her male counterparts knowing that she can lift more than they can, but they would never admit it.

Romano said that after high school she is planning to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to peruse a degree in physical therapy.

With the powerlifting season recently over, Romano has already set a lofty goal for next year.

“My goal for next year is to finish in the top three at state, but I prefer first place,” she said. “Well see what happens.”

This is the first year for powerlifting at MWHS. This year three girls and 12 boys were on the team.

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