A new name is quickly rising through the ranks of Oklahoma high school powerlifting, and he is doing so in dominant fashion. Preston High School freshman Maddox Parsons delivered a remarkable debut at his first high school powerlifting competition last week in Okemah, capturing multiple event wins and earning overall champion honors – a milestone achievement for both the young athlete and the Preston program.

Competing against older and more experienced lifters, Parsons showcased strength well beyond his years. He secured first place in the squat with an impressive 375-pound lift and followed with another first-place finish in the bench press at 255 pounds. Parsons narrowly missed a sweep of the three primary events, placing second in the deadlift with a powerful 420-pound effort, falling just half a pound shy of first place. When the totals were calculated, Parsons amassed 1,050 pounds across the three lifts and 28 points to claim the overall division championship – marking Preston’s first powerlifting meet champion.

The standout performance reflects the dedication Parsons has shown in training and competition preparation. Lifting out of Hold Fast Gym OK and coached by Dylan Myers and Thomas Parsons, the freshman has steadily developed both technique and strength, allowing him to transition seamlessly from training platform to competition stage.

Parsons’ momentum continued beyond his high school debut. Competing at the USA Powerlifting Oklahoma State Championship, he captured the T1/Wrapped Division state title while also setting a new division bench press record. He came within inches of another milestone, narrowly missing a new deadlift record in his division – a testament to the rapid progress he has made early in his powerlifting journey.

With a state championship already secured, Parsons now sets his sights on an even larger stage. The Preston freshman will compete at the USA Powerlifting High School National Championship in March, where he will face top student-athletes from across the country. Despite his newcomer status, Parsons enters the national meet with confidence, championship experience, and a growing reputation as one of Oklahoma’s promising young lifters.

For Preston athletics, Parsons’ emergence provides excitement and pride, highlighting the expanding opportunities for student-athletes beyond traditional team sports. For Parsons himself, the achievements represent only the beginning of what appears to be a bright future in powerlifting – one lift at a time.