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(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Steers tug of war team with their championship trophy Saturday, June 21. After finishing the day in fourth for total competitions in the 4A district, it was nice to see the team end on a strong note, according to coach Lance Lefevre. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Lineman athletes gather for the closing awards ceremony of the state lineman challenge Saturday, June 21. Athletes from all around the state competed at Hardin-Simmons University for a chance to be recognized as a top line unit in their respective districts.
It was a big day for the Graham Steers football lineman. The team had the opportunity to represent their hometown as they competed in the state lineman challenge championships for district 4A.
The event took place at Hardin-Simmons University in a large tournament Saturday, June 21, with events starting early.
The Steers were busy all morning competing in a bevy of events such as obstacle courses, farmer’s walk, sled pulls, power drives and truck pushes.
Overall, the Steers left everything on the field but ultimately finished the day in fourth place amongst teams that competed. This was something that coach Lance Lefevre thought was a promising day but felt the boys were somewhat disappointed in.
“They were getting disheartened,” Lefevre said. “In our groups all day we were getting some seconds (place finishes).”
However, the Steers ended the day strong on an event that they were strong in to qualify for the state tournament, the tug of war challenge.
The team finished the day as champions in the event.
Those who competed in that event were Macrae Reese, Bennett Coley, Brody Chapman, Brennan Strawbridge and Tyson Louder.
In order to accomplish this feat, they had to go through schools like Stephenville, Springtown, Lexington and Houston Kingswood in the final round in order to come out as champions.
“That was really special,” Lefevre said. “To end the day as champs, that was a great something to end off of.”
Lefevre also expressed confidence in his lineman group going forward into the season.
“I’m super excited about this year,” Lefevre said. “It shows that we’re working really hard. The tug of war shows where we’re at and it’s going to continue into the season.”
Now that the Steers lineman did their part in the state lineman challenge, all eyes will be on the 7on7 team and how they perform in their own state tournament Thursday and Friday, June 26-27.
