RUSK, Texas - Jesuit Dallas powerlifter Darren Clemons save his best for last at the THSPA Region 3 Division 1 Championship meet on Saturday.

After lifting 350 pounds in the squat and 225 in the bench press, the junior put up a personal best in the deadlift with a 440 pound effort. That pushed his total weight lifted to 1,015 pounds to finish second in the 123 pound weight class and advance to the State Championship on March 28 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

A year ago, Clemons finished sixth at regionals with a 715-pound total.

Clemons is the first Jesuit Dallas powerlifter to qualify for state since 2017 when Jordan Odulio and Evan Jackson went at 198 and Stephen Mancillas at 165.

In addition to Clemons, sophomore Diego Park represented the Rangers in the same 123-pound division. Park had a 297 squat, 170 bench press and 300 in the deadlift for a 667 total.