Prep Powerlifting: Locals Heads to State as Participation Gaps Emerge Across Our Broader Community

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico Activities Association State Powerlifting Championships return April 10–11 at the Rio Rancho Events Center, closing out the winter sports calendar and serving as the final component in the Neighbors Cup standings.

But as local athletes prepare to compete, the numbers tell a mixed story for a sport still finding its footing across our broader community.

Centennial, Hatch Lead Local Qualifiers

Centennial High School enters the state meet with one of the largest contingents in the area, sending multiple competitors across both boys and girls divisions, including a strong junior class that will be well-positioned for future seasons.

Centennial High School Boys Powerlifting Team wins Invitational at their home gym on March 27, 2026. “Congratulations to the Centennial Boys Team for earning the title of Meet Champs today at the Centennial Powerlifting Invite! Always nice to win when you’re hosting!” (Photo Courtesy Thrive 575 Athletics via Facebook)

Hatch Valley High School, however, stands out.

Despite competing in the A-3A classification, Hatch Valley is sending a deep roster of qualifiers—particularly on the girls side—outpacing several larger 5A programs in total participation. The depth of the Bears’ lineup underscores a program that has embraced the sport early.

Hatch Valley High School Powerlifting team sponsored a meet at their home gym on March 30, 2026. “The National Guard received a plaque in honor of helping us out at our two meets!” (Photo: Courtesy HVPS Athletics & Activities via Facebook)

Organ Mountain and Mayfield will also be represented with a handful of qualifiers across multiple weight classes, while Las Cruces High School—dominant across several fall and winter sports—will send just one competitor to the state meet.

Notable Absences Raise Questions

Several programs across the region are not represented at all.

Schools in the Gadsden Independent School District—including Gadsden, Santa Teresa, and Chaparral—do not have qualifiers advancing to the state meet. Mesilla Valley Christian is also absent from the field.

For a sport still in its early stages at the high school level, uneven participation is not unexpected. Still, the gaps are notable in a region with a strong culture of strength training and access to high-level equipment and facilities.

A Sport Still Taking Shape

Powerlifting remains one of the newer additions to the high school athletics landscape in New Mexico, and participation levels often reflect how quickly individual schools have adopted and supported the program.

Unlike more established sports, where pipelines are well defined, powerlifting programs are still being built—often dependent on coaching resources, facility access, and student awareness.

That makes programs like Hatch Valley’s early success and Centennial’s depth particularly significant, as they may help set the standard for broader adoption in the coming years.

Know Before You Go: State Championships

The 2026 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers State Powerlifting Championships will take place April 10–11 at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

Tickets are available online only through GoFan, with no cash sales at the venue. The facility operates as a cashless venue, and all attendees should expect entry screening, including bag checks and metal detection.

Fans should also be aware of the venue’s clear bag policy and restrictions on outside food, beverages, and recording devices. 

Parking at the venue is free.

Final Lift Before the Neighbors Cup Winter Standings

With the state meet serving as the final winter sport, results will factor into the final Neighbors Cup Winter standings before the transition into spring competition.

For the athletes competing, however, the focus remains straightforward: a final opportunity to measure strength, preparation, and progress on the state stage.

For the sport itself, the weekend offers something else—a snapshot of where powerlifting stands today, and where it may still need to grow.

Qualifiers from Our Broader Community

Centennial High School Boys

• 132 Chavez, Cauis
• 132 Garcia, Kobe
• 165 Benitiz, Tiago
• 181 Ramirez, Dailen
• 220 Delao, Elijah
• 242 Martinez, Juan
• 308 Matherly, Luke

Centennial High School Girls

• 97 Reyes, Alayna
• 105 Rivera, Emarah
• 105 Zamora, Lorena
• 132 Matherly, Faith
• 198 Salas, Aliyah

Hatch Valley High School Boys

• 148 Vazquez, Ethan
• 242 Gomez, Elias
• 308 Gomez, Nathaniel

Hatch Valley High School Girls

• 165 Ramirez, Andrea
• 181 Puentes, Monserrat
• 181 Vasquez, Daylen
• 259 Fierro, Jovanna
• 259 Garcia, Kaitlyn
• 259+ Garcia, Katrina
• 259+ Moreno, Dulce

Organ Mountain High School Boys

• 114 Barela, Lerame
• 198 Gonzales, Jaden
• 198 Romero, Julian
• 275 Sanchez, Cris

Organ Mountain High School Girls

• 132 Bailey-Brown, Latonya
• 165 Garcia, Andrea

Mayfield High School Boys

• SHW Arrowood, Mikey

Mayfield High School Girls

• 123 Barraza, Gabriela
• 148 Ponce, Jayleen
• 181 Lopez, Julia

Las Cruces High School Boys

• 275 Medina, Richard