could be sleepers’ in North

[03/08/02]Chad McMullen’s last three weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.

After Saturday, he can relax.

The first-year Warren Central powerlifting coach is making final preparations for the second biggest meet of the year.

Thirteen teams will descend on WC Saturday morning in the North State meet with state meet invitations on the line.

“We originally got the bid for the regional meet this year and Madison (Central) was going to host North State,” McMullen said. “We decided to flip-flop it.”

McMullen leads seven Warren Central lifters into the meet after his Vikings took second behind MC at the regional meet nearly a month ago.

Vicksburg, the defending North State champion, will have six lifters.

The 10 a.m. meet will feature 12 weight classes in three events squat, deadlift and bench press. The top three finishers in each event advance to the state meet in Pearl in April.

Henry Jackson, a three-time regional winner, leads the Vikings at the 123-pound class. He will be joined by Jay Barlow (132 pounds), Ken Thompson (220 pounds), Deonte Selvy (308 pounds), John Hicks (220 pounds), Brandon Jones (181 pounds) and freshman Robert Murphy (148 pounds).

Vicksburg is led by Darrell Williams in the 165-pound class. Williams, who McMullen said is “one of the strongest kids I’ve ever seen,” was the lone first-place Gator in the regional meet.

He will be joined by Lorenzo Clark (123 pounds), Anthony Sanders (148 pounds), Justin Randle (198 pounds), Derrick Hinkle (super heavyweight) and Phelan Gray (220 pounds).

McMullen said Madison Central and Columbus, which will each bring at least 12 lifters, are the favorites to win the meet, but the Vikings and VHS could be sleepers.

“From a points standpoint, Madison and Columbus have the advantage because they are bringing more guys,” McMullen said. “If the ball rolls right, I think we have a good shot and so does Vicksburg. They have some tremendous lifters.”