Flagler Palm Coast Boys Weightlifters Tie with State Power Spruce Creek in Olympic Lifts

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Flagler Palm Coast Boys Weightlifters Tie with State Power Spruce Creek in Olympic Lifts

Bulldogs showcase strength and consistency in season opener against top-tier competition

The Flagler Palm Coast boys weightlifting team delivered an impressive performance in their season opener, matching perennial state contender Spruce Creek in the Olympic lifts.

Both teams concluded the Olympic competition with 45 points each, while Spruce Creek secured the traditional category with a 61-29 victory at FPC on Wednesday, February 4.

Coach Duane Hagstrom expressed confidence in his team's prospects, stating, "I don't think we'll see a better team than this the rest of the year. It's a good way to start — set the bar high, and then after that it’s easy sailing."

Emphasizing consistency over maximum lifts, Hagstrom noted the Bulldogs aimed to achieve 85% success in their lifts per meet, surpassing expectations by hitting approximately 90% in this competition.

Four FPC lifters dominated both the Olympic and traditional events:

Cody Strawser (129 pounds) achieved a 440-pound Olympic total and a 470-pound traditional total, with lifts including a 190-pound snatch, a 250-pound clean and jerk, and a 220-pound bench press.

Jackson Fedun (169 pounds) recorded a 505-pound Olympic total and a 520-pound traditional total.

Landon Gates (183 pounds) posted a 485-pound Olympic total and a 505-pound traditional total.

Matthew McFall (unlimited weight class) led with a 605-pound Olympic total and a 660-pound traditional total, including a 275-pound snatch, a 330-pound clean and jerk, and a 330-pound bench press.

Additionally, Anthony Giacobbe (119 pounds) secured the Olympic title with a 320-pound total, and Gavin Battaglia (219 pounds) won the Olympic competition with a 410-pound total.

Despite two varsity starters being unable to contribute points due to weight class issues, Hagstrom allowed junior varsity lifters to step in, highlighting the team's depth and commitment to discipline.

Looking ahead, Hagstrom emphasized the importance of building on this strong foundation, aiming to position the Bulldogs as contenders for the state title by season's end.