Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

Princeton Times

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March 5, 2010

Christian breaks state record, takes home trophy from weightlifting championship

CharLy MARKWART Princeton Times

CHARLESTON — When heavy lifting is involved, Dalton Christian is the man to call.

Recently, the Princeton Senior High School junior athlete travelled to South Charleston and came home with his third consecutive state weightlifting championship.

Lifting in the 165-pound weight class, Christian, a member of the PSHS powerlifting team, bench pressed 325 pounds, breaking a state record and securing another championship trophy to add to his ever-growing collection of lifting accolades.

“I started lifting when I was probably about 12-years-old,” he said. “My dad and older brother always lifted when I was younger, so my dad got me into it at a young age. It's something that we've always done together. All of us still lift together, and I guess that's something that kind of pushes me to succeed.”

That family support and encouragement, along with the intangible spirit of competition that so clearly lives inside of the younger Christian, was enough to lead him to victory this year over nearly 100 lifters from around the state.

“I really just like the competition,” he said. “Competing has always been fun to me. To be successful in lifting it just takes hard work and determination, and you have to be consistent with your workouts.”

Known for the relentless passion and heart that he puts into every sport in which he participates, Christian has never been one to give less than his all when it comes to the time and practice it takes to succeed in sports. Next year, he hopes that hard work and persistence will help him to secure another lifting championship, as well as a championship trophy of a different kind.

“I'd like for us to win a state championship in football in my senior year,” he said.

A running back who rushed for over 200 yards and six touchdowns last season, Christian is also a member of the PSHS track team, running in the 100, 200 and 400 meter events, as well as several relay races. The well-rounded student-athlete also serves as the photographer for his school's yearbook. After graduation, he hopes to take those varied talents to a higher field.

“I would really like to play football in college,” he said.

But, for now, he continues to be intensely focused on gaining the competitive edge on the field, on the track, and in the weight room at PSHS. That, he says, is an achievement he loves to pursue.

“Sports is all about the competition for me,” he said. “That's why I play.”

— Contact CharLy Markwart at cmarkwart@ptonline.net.

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