There’s a weightlifting club dynasty being built on the east side of town.

In just its third year of existence Team Florida Orlando placed second in the 16-17 age division and third overall June 27-29 at the USA Weightlifting School Age National Championships in Foster City, Cal.

Team Florida Orlando

Program director and head coach Tyrone Harvey took eight Timber Creek High School girls weightlifters to the meet and watched as Stefania Maresca took the national title at 75-plus kilograms and Alexis Sanchez (53 kg) finished as a runner-up.

Although the two girls left the competition with a similar level of success, how they each got to the podium was quite different.

Harvey says Maresca is a relentless trainer entering her senior year with a real chance at a high school state title after coming close over the past two seasons. Sanchez began lifting competitively just seven months ago.

“Looking at the rankings before the trip, I was able to see that they were in a good position to finish near the top of the meet,” said Harvey.

By the end of the competition, both girls helped Team Florida Orlando come within a mere eight points of winning its age group. California’s Hassle Free Barbell and Team Georgia took the top-two spots overall.

Each lifter who made the trip to California – which was made possible through the group’s fundraising efforts and hard work during four-day-a-week training sessions – placed at the event.

Tina Lanni (75-plus kg) had been lifting just six months before entering the meet while Vicmariel Colon (75 kg) is said to have “huge potential” based on her dedication. Both finished fourth in the nation. Former cheerleader Danielle Mattessich (63 kg) and youngster Megan Murphy (69 kg) took fifth; while Jocelyn Mattos (63 kg), who began lifting this past April, and Britney Padilla (75 kg) each wrapped up sixth-place finishes.

Stefania Maresca won the national title at the USA Weightlifting School Age National Championships in Foster City.

“You can always go into a meet projecting a certain outcome,” said Harvey. “But it’s still always a huge accomplishment (when it happens) and I can’t be more proud of them.”

Team Florida Orlando, the only Olympic-style weightlifting club in Orlando, previously competed nationally in 2008 at Disney and a year ago in Georgia.

Harvey created the club as a way for his lifters to continue competing over the offseason once the short high school season is complete. He says there are currently close to 50 members – ranging in age from elementary school students to recent graduates from area high schools – taking part in the club at the facilities at Timber Creek High School, where he has coached boys and girls weightlifting since 2006.

If there was anyone qualified to lead such an effort, it’s Harvey. He won a weightlifting state championship in 2000 as a senior at University High School under the direction of then-coaches Jeff Boettner and Tony Bolyard.

Little did he know that 10 years later he would still be as heavily involved in the sport as he is.

“I really didn’t see it coming at all,” said Harvey of his life in the weight room. “I had coaches tell me back then (in high school) that weightlifting was my No. 1 sport, but I was just doing it to get ready for football.”

Alexis Sanchez lifted her way to a runner-up finish at the national competition.

It was Boettner that eventually planted the coaching seed as Harvey was invited to judge competitions after he had graduated. Harvey also serves as a youth service officer with the Orange County Sherriff’s Department.

And with the change in priorities that life presents to most anyone entering the twilight of their teen years, he’s always looking to drum up interest in weightlifting, whether at the youth level or for those looking to make a return to the sport. Harvey and Team Florida Orlando can be reached at 407-536-USAW (8729).

“After many of the lifters graduate from high school it’s hard to keep them coming back and lifting,” said Harvey. “Life kind of starts happening before they eventually move on. But I’m very grateful for those that stick around.”

If moments like last month are of any indication, there’s plenty of payoff in store for those interested in staying committed.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –