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Choctawhatchee weightlifters honored as 2025 FHSAA 2A state champions
Summary
The Okaloosa County School Board recognized Choctawhatchee High School’s boys weightlifting program and two individual state champions during its meeting, praising athletes, coaches and parents for the program’s sustained success.
The Okaloosa County School Board on May 20 recognized Choctawhatchee High School’s boys weightlifting program as the 2025 Florida High School Athletic Association 2A traditional state champions and presented certificates to the team and two individual state winners.
The recognition highlighted the program’s repeated success and the role of coaches, parents and school staff in supporting student-athletes. Superintendent Chambers introduced the group; Principal Heck and Coach Kendrick joined the team at the dais.
School board members praised the athletes’ discipline and family support. Mr. Heinle called the team’s accomplishment “very impressive,” and another member thanked parents for their support, saying parents “should get a medal” for backing the students.
Coach Kendrick, who has led the program, accepted the recognition and thanked the board. “I just wanna say thank you for inviting us up. It’s an honor to be here, and, hopefully, we’ll be back next year,” Coach Kendrick said.
The board also singled out two individual state champions: Dawson Newman (169-pound Olympic and traditional state champion, cited with a 265-pound record) and Brandon Stinger (219-pound division Olympic state champion, cited with a 300-pound record). Principal Heck noted the wider district success in weightlifting and the program’s consistency under current coaching staff.
The recognition occurred during the meeting’s ceremonial segment and concluded without vote; the board recessed briefly afterward and continued with the business agenda.
