For the first time under coach Derek Marshman, Northview High School will send two weightlifters to the state meet in Kissimmee, Fla.

Senior La’Mikal Kyles finished second in the 183-pound class at regionals with a combined total of 535 pounds in the pause bench and clean and jerk events and senior Arkelle Elliott finished fourth in the 199-pound class with a total of 565 pounds. Both will travel south Saturday to compete in Class 1A.

“This is a big deal,” Marshman said. “There were some younger guys at regionals that didn’t do as well and I think seeing their success will help them later on.”

As a team, NHS performed well this year, taking first at a meet against Jay High School and Rocky Bayou, placed second at a meet against Baker High School and Jay and sent a total of eight lifters to regionals.

The son of Anna Elliott and Barrett Bailey said he’s looking forward to going down there, “having fun and tearing it up.”

“I think I’ll do good if I really put the work into it,” Arkelle Elliott said.

Both members of the state champion football team, the lifters said they’re most looking forward to heading back to the Orlando area.

“I think I’ll do good,” said La’Mikal, the son of Velvet Kyles and Clark Burt. “Hopefully I can come in the top four.”

Marshman said recently the football players have switched to more of a powerlifting routine to help prepare for the meet. They work three days a week perfecting their lifts.