MARION — Justin Jay was never much interested in other sports, but he found a passion in lifting weights.
That passion has made him a state champion.
The 123-pound Humboldt High senior took home first place in his weight division Saturday at the Class 3A State Powerlifting Championships, hosted by Marion High School.
Jay, 17, earned four medals on the day, winning the overall title by placing third in the squat, first in the power cling and first in the bench press.
“I felt pretty good after the first round because I knew the cling was my best category,” Jay said in a telephone interview.
Jay bench pressed 180 pounds and 180 more in power cling. He squat-lifted 260 pounds.
All three marks were just off his personal bests (185 in the bench, 205 in the clean and jerk and 290 in the squat) but he was still happy with his effort.
“I finished 55 points ahead of my nearest competitor, which is a pretty substantial difference,” he said.
The state title culminates a four-year effort by Jay. He took fifth in his weight class at state as a junior.
“I was confident going in,” he said.
Jay is coached by Mike Miller. He also credits Will Jordan of Chanute for working with him through the years.
“Will teaches me in a welding class,” Jay said.
In addition to school, Jay works at O’Reilly Automotive in Iola.
He is the son of Mike and Jennifer Jay of Humboldt.
Humboldt senior takes home state lifting title
