Tavares High School weightlifter Ethan Mentz had a lot to be proud of when he stepped onto the floor of the FHSAA State Weightlifting Championships this past Saturday in Lakeland, Florida. Ethan is a senior and is coming to the final chapter of his high school journey.

Mentz draws inspiration from one person in particular, and that would be Trey Hanson. When asked who his favorite college or professional player was, Ethan says, ‘Trey is my favorite college athlete because he is the person who taught me the snatch.’ Trey Hanson became the first Tavares High School athlete to earn a scholarship for college weightlifting, where he currently lifts for Brewton-Parker College.

Trey was at the State Championships rooting on his former teammate at Tavares High School. The two have a close friendship together.

To even get to states was a major accomplishment for Mentz. He has only been lifting for 2 1/2 years. Before weightlifting, he played basketball before injuring his PCL. Since then, Mentz has been weightlifting. His hard work has paid off as he performed well this season.

Mentz was the only Tavares High School weightlifter to make the FHSAA State Championships in Lakeland. While he finished 13th and did not medal, Mentz took a lot of inspiration from his friend Trey and worked hard to make it to this level. Mentz was lifting against some of the most powerful lifters in all of Florida.

Mentz is not just a weightlifter but is also focused on pursuing a career in aviation or physical therapy. ‘I want to be an aircraft mechanic, but I have colleges that want me to lift for them and they are big on physical therapy,’ says Ethan. No matter what this young man chooses to do, he has a great work ethic.

We wish Ethan the best of luck as he prepares to graduate in a few short weeks!