Golden bound for state

Olney High School junior La'Anna Golden punched her ticket to compete at THSWPA State Competition March 18 after taking second at the regional event in Bowie.

Golden will have just over a week to prepare before traveling to Waco for the state competition, where she will come in as a relative newcomer to the sport compared to some of the other competition.

"Coach Holt has been an amazing coach," Golden said. "He taught me the basics, but I'm a great learner. He taught me the techniques and I achieved it. He told me at the beginning of the year 'You have a good shot at making it. If you listen to me and do what I tell you, then you're going to be successful.' I did and I was successful."

Golden locked up second place after breaking a personal record on the deadlift. Golden lifted a total of 815 pounds, a career best by more than 

"It was on my deadlift. I was sitting in third place and I knew I could beat the girl in second. I just went out there, lifted my weight and accomplished it," Golden said. "It was a personal record for me and I was just happy I got the lead. I felt happy, achieved. This is my first year doing this. To bring home a silver medal and go to state  makes it even better."

The March 18 state competition will not be Golden's first. She previously competed at the UIL State Band Competition as part of a percussion ensemble. She was recently named to the girls Region II District II All-District Second Team after leading the Lady Cubs in scoring with 168 points and currently plays outfield for the softball team. 

"Sometimes it gets pretty difficult, but I just enjoy being active. Sometimes it can be overtaxing, but I love what I do," Golden said. "... I have to get up at 5 a.m. and be at the gym by 6 a.m. We just lift and the numbers get bigger and bigger each week. I'm a little nervous. I don't know any of the competition. I just have to go out there and lift and whatever God's will is for me, that is what it is going to be."

Fellow Lady Cub Christine Hiatt placed eighth in her weight class with a total of 565 lbs, a 25-pound improvement. Baylee Young placed seventh in her weight class with a total of 635 lbs, a 20-pound improvement.