Topic: News: Baker County HS Excels at FHSAA 1A State Champs

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

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Baker County High School Excels at FHSAA 1A State Championships in Coach Bobby Johns First Year

In his first year with the Baker County High School weightlifting team, Coach Bobby Johns has already announced to his state competitors that the Wildcats program is going to be a force to be reckoned with. That came across loud and clear during last Friday’s 1A State Meet. With only four lifters qualifying, Baker County still managed to grab a share of the fifth place spot in team competition amid a field that included representatives from 121 schools across the state. The Wildcats tied Saint Augustine with ten points apiece which was good enough for a place among the top tier of teams.

The Wildcats performed their best ever lifts to garner podium finishes in three of four weight classes. "Every kid we took, had their best day and peaked at just the right moment. They all maxed out and put pressure on their opponents," said Johns.

After qualifying and placing last year while at Blountstown, Chaz Johns broke away from one of the strongest classes ever in the 238 pound bracket, to take third place with a 705 total. He was among only three competitors to max out over 700 on his combined Clean and Jerk and Bench Press. "He did a great job, showing lots of character and team leadership. I am proud of the way he has stepped up and led the team especially after having to change schools and just jump into teaching the kids my system," said Johns about his son.

Senior Gar Fraser was equally impressive in the 169 pound class. "In his first year competing, it is a tremendous accomplishment to take third place at state," said Johns. Fraser’s combined total was 590 pounds.

Sophomore Lucious Lee reached the podium in fifth place in the 199 class, with a 625 total. "As hard as that kid works, he will be back next year with a real chance to win it all. His class was full of brutes this year," said Johns. Fellow sophomore Josh Trippett in the 154 pound division, also qualified. While he didn’t place, Johns was pleased with his effort in performing a personal best bench press of 255 pounds. "He will be another one to watch," said Johns.

What has Johns even more excited about the teams chances in the future is that three of the qualifiers are also underclassmen. "We snagged fifth with kids that will be back looking for state championships next year. If we get the rest of the team to step up, Baker County will make a run at another state team title," said Johns. To help encourage that enthusiasm, Johns and his assistants Scott McDonald and Ronald Lee took the entire team of more than fifty lifters down to watch the meet. "It was exciting and an amazing experience. To see the way our kids supported their teammates and let everybody know who we were, sent a message," said the coach.

Johns is hoping to led the Wildcats program back to the level of success it enjoyed in the early 1990’s, when Coach Jerry Chester led the team to a state title. As most true Wildcat fans know, he is also counting on converting the weight room successes into dominating physical strength on the gridiron. Now that weightlifting season is complete, attention will shift to the football team. Johns is already busy preparing to welcome players to spring practice, which gets underway May 1.