SAN ANGELO, TX — Central High School senior Jaylen DeHoyos showed up to the Region 1 Division 1 Championship powerlifting meet in Big Spring and crushed multiple powerlifting records.
The 19-year-old broke records including bench press total, deadlift total, squat total, and overall total pounds lifted with 965lbs.
The overall total record is the combination of three major competition lifts, including bench press, squat, and deadlift.
Powerlifting competitors must compete against other lifters from Texas high schools in the region by performing each lift one at a time.
Setting Three Regional 1 Records and Awarded 'Overall Best Lifter'
Dehoyos set a new Regional 1 Division 1 Championship record for the best deadlift with a total of 375 pounds (+15 lbs PR). She also set a new record in the bench press lift with a total of 185 pounds.
Additionally, Dehoyos set another Regional 1 Division 1 Championship record with an outstanding display of lower body strength by successfully squatting 405 pounds (+15 lbs PR).
Lastly, she set a fourth Regional 1 record for "Total Weight/Pounds Lifted" with a staggering 965 pounds (+25 lbs PR).
Dehoyos received plaques for her achievements and personal best records. As icing on the cake, Dehoyos was also awarded "Best Overall Lifter" at the Regional 1 Powerlifting meet.
Strategies for Powerlifting Meets
Just like any sport, there are strategies involved in powerlifting that specialized strength coaches teach their athletes to utilize during meets to increase their chances of placing or medaling.
Most powerlifting athletes are coached to use the first attempt as a way to put up a number that almost guarantees them a spot on the board. They refer to it as "A sure thing."
The second attempt usually involves competitors increasing the weight to a number that they have been working toward lifting. Lastly, the third and final attempt is often used for one of two reasons. Competitors use the third attempt to go for a "fantasy weight," which far exceeds their personal best and is unlikely to happen.
One powerlifting coach described the third attempt this way, "Going for a fantasy weight is like if all the stars aligned perfectly, the moon is in the right position, and Mercury is in retrograde, then it might be possible."
Powerlifters also use the third attempt to outlift other competitors that currently outrank them in the competition. It's their chance to chase down top-placing contenders and steal their spot on the podium.
Jaylen Dehoyos Wrecks Regional Powerlifting Meet
(Credit: Yvonne Dehoyos Sent)
Jaylen Dehoyos Pursuing Powerlifting Scholarship
Dehoyos has decided to further her powerlifting career when she graduates from San Angelo Central, attending college on an athletic scholarship. The 19-year-old has visited several universities, both out-of-state and here in Texas, of which a few have expressed interest and offered scholarships.
She plans to begin her collegiate career in the Fall of 2024. The Dehoyos family is prepared to make sacrifices to support Jalen's passion for the sport of powerlifting throughout her college years.
Dehoyos told San Angelo LIVE! that she loves powerlifting because lifting heavy weights gives her a sense of empowerment and boosts her confidence. She explained that the constant pursuit of lifting heavier and setting new PRs (personal records) makes her feel like she can do anything in life.
Ultimately, Dehoyos feels the confidence and empowerment transfer into other areas of her life. Specifically, the discipline required to get stronger has taught her to apply the same principles to other goals like good grades, improved relationships, and self-worth.
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