22-05-2025
Lady Gators ring in historic season
WEWAHITCHKA, Fla. (WMBB) – Wewahitchka High School girls' weightlifting team made history by being crowned state champions in both the Olympic and traditional categories of the FHSAA Class 1A Rural Division.
The achievement was credited not just to the athletes, but to the entire school and community, according to head coach Bobby Johns.
'It was really more than just about our girls,' Johns said. 'It was about our school and our community, and it was meant to be shared with them.'
Two lifters were named double state champions: Emma Rustin and Mackenzie Hatcher, who each took home titles in both Olympic and traditional events.
As a team, Wewahitchka was awarded both the Olympic and Traditional State Championships, a feat not often achieved, especially by a school of its size.
Rustin, a junior, was named champion with a 365-pound total in Olympic and 380 pounds in Traditional.
'A great feeling was experienced,' Rustin said. 'I felt like I represented well. I think we all did. The pride of the community was carried with us. Hard work was proven to pay off, even when it doesn't feel like it.'
Hatcher, a sophomore, posted 395 pounds in Olympic and 390 in Traditional. Ashlyn Ake added a first-place finish with 385 pounds in Olympic, contributing to the team's overall success.
'I am definitely very honored,' Hatcher said. 'Having the support of my school and being able to grow as an athlete and a person over these four years—those memories will always be treasured.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
