ROMAN Reyes Jr., an NMI-born athlete now based in Idaho, competed at Corrupted Strength Classic 2022 in Houston, Texas on Nov. 5, and set a new Idaho state squat record at his very first attempt.
Roman Reyes Jr. sets up for a squat during the Corrupted Strength Classic 2022 in Houston, Texas on Nov. 5.
Reyes competed in the 100kg Men’s Raw Juniors Division. For his first attempt, he lifted 252.5kgs (556lbs) to break the Idaho state squat record which was 250kgs.
“Setting the state record on my very first attempt was an amazing feeling,” he told Variety. “All the work I put — it finally paid off on the platform.”
His second attempt of 262.5kgs was also successful and was followed by his third and final squat of 267.5kgs/589lbs. All of his squat attempts were up to competition standards.
Reyes, who placed 4th overall in a very competitive class, said if he was given his last deadlift, he would have walked away with a bronze medal.
“I got two red lights for downward motion of the bar but after reviewing numerous videos, there was actually no downward motion,” he added.
The 22-year-old co-owner of Pacific Mist LLC, a professional exterior cleaning company, lifted a total of 672.5kgs.
“I was self-coached going into this meet. I started my prep at 14 weeks out,” he added.
Finishing first was Jordan Campbell with a total weight of 710kgs; followed by Alex Selby, 695kgs; and Jonathan Kosmas, 685kgs.
Reyes said his goal for the past two years was to be the state record holder. “Now that I have it,” he added, “the next goal will be to compete at a regional meet and qualify for the nationals.”
