A pair of local teens who have been successful athletes at Mount Si High School have found acclaim in another sport: power lifting.

Doc Derwin and Jack Kelly, both representing the Alpine Fitness gym in North Bend, won their respective weight classes at the state power lifting competition in Tumwater on Sunday, March 7. Derwin, in the process of winning his title, also broke his own American record for most weight lifted in one lift. Derwin, competing in the boys 16-17 age group at the 220-pound weight class, lifted 160 kilograms, equivalent to 352 pounds, which broke the previous mark of 150 kilos, or 330 pounds, which the local athlete attained in a competition last August.

Derwin, a Mount Si senior, was humbled by the accomplishment.

“It’s a pretty great experience knowing that I’m able to set a record for the entire nation,” Derwin said. “It’s a great feeling to know that I’ve really put all that I’ve learned into very good use.”

Kelly, who many Wildcat fans recognize from his success with the boys’ golf team, competed in the 16-17 age group, at the 148 pound weight class. The Mount Si junior lifted 80 kilos, equivalent to 176 pounds, to take the top spot in that division.

Both teens lifted raw, which means they weren’t wearing any special equipment.

Derwin and his dad, Glen, both played a role in getting Kelly started in the sport.

“He would be lifting with us and we kind of encouraged him, noticing that he also had great strength. We figured if he could get into this, this might also be something that he likes,” Derwin said. As for Doc himself, his dad also had a hand in getting him involved in the sport. In his first competition, about four years ago, Derwin realized his potential.

“In my first shot, I set a state record. That success encouraged me to do more,” he said.

Preparing for the matches is a challenge.

“The toughest thing about getting prepared for a match is the mental focus. Usually, you’ve got to take about two days off before the meet itself to get yourself in that mental position of what you need to do,” Derwin said.

That preparation is made easier by the support his dad, a longtime power lifter, gives.

“He’s always 100 percent focused on me when I need him,” Derwin said. “If I feel that what I’m doing is a little bit off, he’s always willing to make time to just analyze my form (and) make sure it’s 100 percent.”

Derwin said that there are a lot of people in the community who participate in this sport.

For those who want to try it, “just go for it,” he said.