East County Athlete of the Week: Alex Colas

Alex Colas is a senior on the Braden River High boys weightlifting team. Colas, who at 310 pounds is in the unlimited weight class, qualified for the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A state meet by lifting a combined 635 pounds (360-pound bench press, 275-pound clean and jerk) at the team's regional meet on April 8 in Charlotte. The state meet will be held April 22 in Port St. Joe. 

When did you start weightlifting?

I started taking it seriously during my sophomore year. I started doing it with the football team during our morning workouts. We'd wake up around 6 a.m. and get our lifts in. It was a struggle at first, honestly, but I have learned to like it. This is actually the first time I have been able to do weightlifting as a sport in the spring. The past two years I have been recovering from injuries. 

What is the appeal to you?

I like that I can see myself progressing. The numbers are improving. My coaches are always pushing me to do better and I appreciate that. 

Do you feel nervous before meets?

I don't feel nervous at all. I always talk to Coach (Richard) Lansky before meets and he will tell me what all the other guys are lifting. That way I know what I have to lift. After that, I just have to go do it. 

What technique tip has helped you the most?

To be honest, I don't have any technique secrets I use. I'm in the biggest weight class. I'm a strong guy. I use chalk and I lift away. 

What are your goals for the state meet?

At states I would like to hit 370 or 375 pounds in the bench press and 285 or 290 pounds in the clean and jerk. The 275 pounds I lifted in the clean and jerk at regionals was a personal record for me but I feel like I can beat it. 

What is your favorite food?

I love pizza. My favorite is basically a meat lover's pizza: pepperoni, sausage, bacon, turkey, all that stuff. 

What is your favorite recent TV show?

I have been watching the new Marvel show "Moon Knight" and I have been liking that a lot. 

Which super power would you pick?

I would pick invisibility. I'd use it to get away with anything I wanted, like sneaking out of my house at night or messing around with my friends. 

What is your favorite school subject?

My seventh period class is weightlifting so I should probably pick that one. We actually have not been lifting too much lately (because of the sport's postseason). We have been playing basketball in the gym instead and that is a lot of fun, just messing around with my teammates. 

What are your other hobbies?

I play video games a lot. Recently I have been playing 'Apex Legends.' I also watch a lot of movies. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Your spot is never going to be handed to you. You have to earn your spot. My football coaches told me that during my sophomore season and I'll never forget it. I wasn't playing as much as I wanted and I was upset. After I heard that, my whole mentality changed. It made me better in everything. 

Finish this sentence: "Alex Colas is …"

… Goofy. I mess around with my friends a lot.