Coral Shores and Marathon have earned immediate success in one of the Keys’ newest sports. Weightlifting has long been a great complementary sport in Florida, preparing athletes for success in other arenas by making them stronger, more confident and less injury-prone.
The Hurricanes took top honors in the sport this year, securing district championships in both the traditional and Olympic styles of lifting. Marathon came in third in both categories. At regionals, the ’Canes took home the runner-up trophy in Olympic lifts and third place in traditional, and at the big show, the team earned four individual medals and fifth place finishes in both styles.
From the Keys Weekly staff, congratulations to the 2023 All-Keys Boys Weightlifting Team.
MVP
Julian Juvier
Senior, Coral Shores
Julian Juvier may be new to competitive weightlifting, but his strong work ethic and love for the gym caught the eye of head coach Erin Hamilton. It took a few years, but Juvier was convinced to give the weightlifting team a try, and it resulted in some serious hardware. In his debut season, Juvier won two district championships and two regional championships on his way to an achievement unmatched by any other Monroe County athlete: He captured dual state championships in both the traditional and Olympic style lifts. The double gold medal winner has impressive statistics to back up those medals, including a 235-pound snatch lift, a 315-pound clean and jerk and massive 375-pound bench press.
Thomas Eubank
Senior, Marathon
A four-year athlete in the weightlifting program, Eubank is described by coach Jessie Schubert as “the backbone of the team.” Eubank dedicated himself to working out and putting on muscle, and his efforts paid off when he qualified for the state meet. He was the only Dolphin to make the cut, ending his career on a high note. Eubank boasts a 145-pound snatch, 245-pound clean and jerk, and 285-pound bench press.
Tanner Ross
Sophomore, Marathon
Just a sophomore, Tanner Ross has his best lifts ahead of him. Described as a “workhorse,” Tanner focused on form and technique, and it led to numerous PRs throughout the season. His 165-pound snatch, 225-pound clean and jerk and 225-pound bench press earned him a runner-up medal at districts in Olympic lifts and third place in traditional, plus a sixth-place regional medal in Olympic lifts.
Matthias Martinez-Velez
Freshman, Marathon
Martinez-Velez may be young, but his coach divulged the secret to his success. “Matt is meticulous with his form,” Schubert said. He captured the runner-up medal in Olympic lifting at districts as well as a third place medal in traditional, sending him to regionals. Martinez-Velez has a 120-pound snatch, 135-pound clean and jerk, and 170-pound bench press.
Xavyer Arrington
Senior, Coral Shores
Xavyer Arrington exploded onto the weightlifting scene as a junior, claiming a state snatch championship in 2022 with enormous lifts. This season he was a double district and double regional champion on his way to a state championship in Olympic lifting and a third-place finish in traditional lift. Arrington’s 255-pound snatch, 340-pound clean and jerk and 365-pound bench press make this multi-sport athlete a threat on the gridiron and in throwing events for the Hurricanes’ track and field team.
AJ Johnson
Junior, Coral Shores
The 219-pound weight class was a tough one for Keys lifters this season, with three extremely talented and strong athletes competing in District 16. Johnson took top honors in the class, earning double district championships and a regional championship in Olympic lifts. He went on to claim ninth place at the FHSAA 1A State Championships in Olympic lifting. The junior has another season to add to his already-impressive lifts, including a 180-pound snatch, 260-pound clean and jerk and 250-pound bench press.
Dantay Diorio
Sophomore, Coral Shores
If Dantay Diorio’s athleticism on the gridiron impressed you last fall, you have a lot to look forward to next year, as the sophomore dedicated this season to gaining strength in the weight room. Just a sophomore, Diorio won double district championships in a tough weight class, then brought home a regional runner-up medal in Olympic lifting, qualifying him for the state meet. Diorio captured seventh place in Olympic style lifts with a 185-pound snatch, 255-pound clean and jerk and a 265-pound bench press.
