Dublin Lion power is on display as varsity football players are heading to state competition in the Lineman challenge. The event will be held at Hardin-Simmons University Saturday, June 21 at 9 a.m.
“We’ve not done this event very often,” said Coach Griffin Fauntleroy who has been helping lead the Lion line in the point-based competitions, along with Coaches Andrew Norwood and John Ward. “This is our first time in about six years from what I understand.”
The Dublin boys earned their state ticket at HSU by placing in the top 3 in their division at the first state qualifying event, despite only having seven present for the night event: Juan Alvarez, Jayden Balvantin, Westin Rollins, Edwin Nevarez, Grayson Holloway, Hunter Splawn and Riley Kemp.
“We’re really proud of these guys and how they competed, especially to qualify for state with only [seven] guys,” Fauntleroy said.
These athletes were joined by fellow members of the line Thursday, May 29 on Cervetto Field as Dublin hosted its own Lineman Challenge with athletes pushing a pick-up down a track, vying to lift the most weight in bench press, flipping a tire downfield and back, throwing a medball and running relays and obstacles. Joining at this event were Luis Elicerio, Joe Salinas, Tony Ortiz, Hazin Chacon and Issac Martinez.
“That’s going to help us moving forward,” said Coach Fauntleroy of the other players coming in for the big event.
This home challenge, along with another invitational slated for Comanche Thursday, June 5 at 6 p.m., are offering the guys a chance to get some more experience before going up against other 3A teams across the state June 21.
Coach Fauntleroy encourages Dublin Lions fans to come out to these events and show their support. “It’s a fun event to be at,” he added.