DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven’s Class 5A powerlift champion, Stephen Springfield, prepares for a his debut in the National Powerlift Championship in San Antonio, Texas.

Brookhaven’s junior Stephen Springfield captured state championship gold in the 242-pound division of the Class 5A State Powerlift meet in Jackson recently.

“I was extremely nervous at the start,” said Springfield. “I knew before entering the meet that I would have a tough battle on my hands, but I managed to settle down and did the lifts that I needed to win. It felt really great to win the state championship for the first time.”

While competing in Jackson, Springfield broke a squat record, which was previously set at 640 pounds, with a lift of 650 pounds. In dead lift, he lifted 625 pounds and on the bench press event, he maxed out at 320 pounds.

Springfield finished with a final total of 1,595 pounds.

After the Class 5A state competition, Springfield received a great honor as he was chosen to represent Brookhaven at the National Powerlifting Championship, which is taking place this weekend, concluding on Sunday at the El Tropicana Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

“I felt truly blessed to be chosen for this great opportunity,” added Springfield. “I feel really confident in my abilities, and I believe that I will do really well there.”

Springfield, 16, is the son of Matt and Emily Springfield. His national coach is Jim Battenfield. Springfield’s coaches on the Brookhaven High powerlift team are Brad Bland and Russ Britt.

Springfield was among nine players chosen to represent Mississippi at the National Powerlifting championship.