Davis Senior Nehemiah Jenkins to Compete at THSPA State Powerlifting Championships

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Davis High School senior Nehemiah Jenkins has dedicated years of hard work, perseverance, and effort to reach a significant milestone. Now, this dual-sport student-athlete will represent Aldine Independent School District (ISD) at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association State Championships, which are set to take place from March 26 to 28 at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Jenkins, who letters in both football and powerlifting, has made his mark on the field and in the weight room. He plays on both the offensive and defensive line for the Falcons and recently earned second-team all-district honors in his first year playing on the offensive line.

His development has been closely guided by Coach Ray Metoyer, who has spent three years at Davis High School and eight years in the district. Metoyer recognized Jenkins’ potential early on, but he knew it would take dedication to turn that potential into results.

At the beginning of the season, Metoyer challenged Jenkins by outlining a plan that included qualifying for regionals and potentially advancing to state. Jenkins fully embraced that vision.

“I told him at the start of the season that he had a great chance to represent Aldine at the regional powerlifting meet in Dickerson, Texas, and possibly at the state meet in Abilene,” Metoyer said. “He was fully committed, and he accomplished both. Nehemiah believed in the coaching and, most importantly, in himself.”

Metoyer described Jenkins as a mature student-athlete and a team-first competitor who committed fully to his final season, both mentally and physically.  

Jenkins’ journey into powerlifting began in middle school, but it wasn’t until high school that he began to take the sport seriously. Initially focused on getting stronger for football, he soon realized his potential in the weight room.

“I’ve been lifting since my freshman year to get stronger for football,” Jenkins said. “That’s when Coach Metoyer told me that I could go to regionals in powerlifting and possibly state if I started working hard and took it seriously.”

Four years of consistent work have led to his qualification for the state meet — a goal that once seemed distant but is now within reach.

“I plan to win state Saturday,” Jenkins said.

In addition to his success in powerlifting, Jenkins is pursuing opportunities to continue his football career at the next level. He is currently set to visit Howard Payne University and Blinn College before Saturday’s competition.

His path to state has not come without challenges, but Jenkins said the adversity only strengthened his resolve and pride in representing his school and district.

“I have been attending Davis High School for the last four years, so I am a Falcon to the bone,” Jenkins said. “I am grateful I have the opportunity not only to represent Davis High School, but Aldine ISD as a whole.”

As he prepares to compete against the state’s top lifters, Jenkins carries with him the support of his coaches, teammates and community — and the confidence built through years of hard work.