Cordell eighth-grader Jaxon Jones secured a seventh-place finish at the State Powerlifting Meet in El Reno on Thursday, March 13. Competing in his first year of powerlifting, Jones exceeded expectations and set three personal records (PRs) along the way.
Jones initially entered the state meet as the 14th and final qualifier, meaning 13 competitors had lifted more weight than him at regionals. However, he climbed the rankings to finish in seventh place through hard work and a relentless drive to improve.
“When the dust settled, he was 7th overall with three PRs,” said Powerlifting Coach Bruce Munden. “Jaxon and I talked about what it would take to move up the standings, and in just one week, he pushed himself. I am proud of what he accomplished. He was 20 pounds from medaling at state in his first year.”
Jones competed in the 132-pound weight class, where he posted impressive numbers: a 220-pound squat, a 155-pound bench press, and a 310-pound deadlift, bringing his total lift to 685 pounds.
Jones’ parents, Jerrett and Becca Jones were proud to watch their son achieve this milestone.
“Becca and I couldn’t be prouder of Jaxon’s accomplishment in powerlifting. Along with his fellow athletes, he has shown grit, determination, and discipline: the grit to push forward through adversity when a lift or a meet didn’t go so well; the determination to set goals and achieve or exceed them, sometimes even surprising himself; the discipline to make weight and to put forth the effort to improve day after day,” said Jerrett. “We have seen the disgust on his face in failure and the elation in success. We have watched him make so many new relationships with his fellow competitors throughout the season. Some of these same young men he competes against in many sports and can call them a friend.”
Powerlifting holds special meaning for Jones and his father, Jerrett, who also competed in the sport during high school. He reflected on the experience of watching his son follow in his footsteps.
“Attending these events takes me back to all those years ago—the organized chaos of clinging weights, calls to stations, yelling spectators and coaches. Everyone and everything, and then it’s just you in that moment. It’s a peculiar thing, revisiting the past vicariously through your child,” Jerrett said. “I am so glad Coach Munden is bringing this back to our school. Coach Mac was my powerlifting coach ‘back in the day.’ He was a great mentor and leader for many young men and women.”
The Jones family also expressed gratitude for the
JONES., Page 12 coaches and supporters who have invested time and effort into the powerlifting program.
“[We] can see the sacrifice that is put in by these leaders—the time away from their families, effort, hours, and money, sometimes out of their own pocket. So, big thanks to Coach Munden and the sponsors and supporters of Blue Devil Athletics. We hope the program can continue to grow in the years to come,” said Jerrett and Becca.
For Jones, the experience of competing in powerlifting has been both challenging and rewarding.
“It was something I really enjoyed being able to do, and [I like] that I can compete against other people, too,” Jones said. “It’s fun that I get to compete at something my dad did when he was in school, and he never got to go to state like me. I love this as an individual sport.”
Jones also appreciated the opportunity to compete against schools he wouldn’t normally face in other sports.
He expressed pride in his achievement when asked about his seventh-place finish at state. “It was amazing being able to go to state and place 7th. [In] the end, I was proud of myself because I was able to do better than my expectations. What I would do differently is take more risks.”
With his first season in the books, Jones has already set a high standard for himself and his teammates. Congratulations!