OHS senior and team captain Tykevious “Mook” Patrick recently set a new MHSAA 7A State record by squatting 800 pounds at the powerlifting championships. Beating this record is a great accomplishment for Patrick and for the OHS powerlifting team.
The atmosphere at the state championship was intense as lifters from across Mississippi competed at the highest level, pushing themselves to their limits. For Patrick this moment was the result of years of hard work and dedication.
“I knew this was the moment I had been working for all season,” Patrick said. “I just had to trust my training and go for it.”
Patrick consistently shows up to practice and puts in the effort, pushing his teammates to improve and stay determined when things get tough. His leadership has played a major role in the team’s overall success this season.
“Mook is not only a great teammate,” powerlifting coach Issac Boose said. “He is a leader amongst his peers that puts in the hard work. He leads by example and holds his teammates to a very high standard.”
One major aspect of powerlifting is being physically in shape. At the start of the season, Patrick was above the weight limit for his category, but he was determined to make a change before the state competition. Through consistent training and discipline he cut the weight and improved his overall performance.
“I was a little overweight before the meet started, so I had to get on the treadmill and work it off,” Patrick said.
Patrick’s journey has not been without challenges. At this meet a year ago, he appeared to set a 725-pound record—until a deadlift disqualification wiped it away.
“I had the record, but the disqualification took it off the board,” Patrick said.
Through perseverance and support from his coaches and teammates, Patrick was able to bounce back stronger than before. His commitment to improvement became clear throughout the season.
“He comes in and works hard even when he doesn’t feel like it,” Boose said. “We knew he would accomplish this goal when we began workouts. It was just a matter of building up to it and attempting it at the right time.”
Through perseverance and support from his coaches and teammates, Patrick was able to bounce back stronger than before. His commitment to improvement became clear throughout the season.
“He comes in and works hard even when he doesn’t feel like it,” Boose said. “We knew he would accomplish this goal when we began workouts. It was just a matter of building up to it and attempting it at the right time.”
Patrick’s dedication has also had a lasting impact on his teammates, pushing them to reach new levels in their own performances.
“Seeing him lift so much weight at practice and still finish workouts with intensity becomes contagious,” Boose said.
Senior team captain Malcolm Burnett has watched Patrick develop over the years as both a teammate and close friend.
“The biggest improvement I’ve seen in him is his work ethic,” Burnett said. “When he first started, he would usually give up, but now he pushes through everything.”
As his high school career comes to a close, Patrick hopes his journey will inspire others to stay committed and push through adversity.
“Be consistent and stick with it,” Patrick said. “Don’t give up. Keep going to practice and don’t miss any days.”
