Nathan Kirkman: Raw Determination

BRADEN RIVER — Every time he walks into the weight room, Braden River High senior Nathan Kirkman is reminded of what it takes to be a champion.

He’s seen what can happen with hard work and dedication. As a freshman, Kirkman watched his training partner, Tevin Bryant, capture the school’s first state title. Now three years later, Kirkman is looking to bring another championship home to Braden River.

“We were in the same weight class, so it was always nice to have someone to look up to,” Kirkman said. “It makes you push a little harder. It can happen with hard work. If you set a goal you can achieve it.”

Kirkman will make his second appearance in the Class 2A state meet April 21, in Kissimmee, after winning the 199-pound weight class of the Class 2A state qualifier April 4, at Charlotte High.

Kirkman lifted a combined 655 pounds — five pounds shy of his personal best — to win the state qualifier.

“I was pretty happy, but I didn’t get all of my lifts that I wanted to,” Kirkman said. “All of my hard work is paying off that I’ve put in all four years.”

Kirkman was the lone Pirate to win his weight class and earn an automatic berth into the state meet. Braden River’s Tyler Pittman and Tyler Linde also will be competing in the 154-pound and 183-pound weight classes, respectively, after receiving at-large bids to the state meet.

“I just need to hit all of my good numbers, work hard and improve,” said Kirkman, who lifts six or seven times a week. “If I can get everything a little higher and continue to improve, then I’ll have a better shot.”

Kirkman began lifting four years ago for football and has continued to do so not only for football but also because of his love of competing and lifting weights.

Kirkman advanced to the state meet last season, finishing ninth in the 219-pound weight class.

“I got all of my lifts, but I knew I wasn’t going to do anything special last year,” Kirkman said. “It was fun just to be able to go and see other lifters and know that you’re one of the top lifters in Florida.”

After dropping 20 pounds and a weight class, Kirkman is looking to achieve a combined personal best of 670 pounds and finish in the top six, which would earn him a medal. But more importantly, Kirkman also is hoping to provide his teammates with the same inspiration he received the first time he set foot in the weight room four years ago.

“I just want them to know that no matter what they want to do, they can achieve it with hard work,” Kirkman said.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].