ARP, Texas — Bryce Everett set a new personal best of 505 pounds in bench press, which also set a new regional record.
Everett is a junior at Arp High School, and won back-to-back regional titles by dead lifting 530 pounds, benched 505 and squatted 615.
Bench press has become Everett's favorite event and he's excited to reach new weights.
"Because I'm the best at it honestly," Everett said jokingly. "I've always been really good at bench. Now, I just want to break the state record."
The state record is 530 pounds, which makes him 25 pounds away from being the record holder. Everett started powerlifting his sophomore year and he's enjoyed his improvements every year.
"When I go to regionals, I was doing weight I never thought I could do and I thought this was awesome," Everett said. "These past to years have just been awesome for me, winning regionals these past two years."
Everett uses his family members as motivation when he powerlifts because they've been in his shoes before.
"My Aunt Kimmie won state twice," Everett said. "I always want to be better than her. So I just try to be better than her every year."
He said he has his doubts of winning state this year, but he's going to strive for it nevertheless.
"I want to podium at state and get top three," Everett said. "That's all I've been thinking about."
The THSPA boys Division 3 state powerlifting meet is Friday, March 22nd at 4:00pm at the Taylor County Coliseum in Abilene.