It was just an hour-and-20-minute drive to Pickens Academy Monday, but the Russell Christian Academy powerlifting team made a statewide impression.

Drew Taylor, Taylor Wood and Cameron Brown all set state records at the AISA state powerlifting meet last week, with Taylor and Wood capturing state championships. Wood, who competed in the 111-115 pound class, broke the record in deadlift with 315 pounds and the record in bench press with 170 pounds, and he also won the entire lightweight division. Taylor won his 170-175 pound weight class and set a deadlift record with 490 pounds, and Brown finished second in the super heavyweight division while breaking the deadlift record with 585 pounds.

“I’m extremely proud of them,” RCA powerlifting coach Chad Eaves said. “They all worked really hard, and I think a lot of the guys — we took 12 — who didn’t win were more motivated in the gym this week after seeing that, if they had worked a little harder, they could have won. I’m looking forward to next year.”

Taylor, a junior who was competing in powerlifting for the third year, said it was a good feeling knowing he set a record. He previously won a state title two years ago.

“It feels good that your name is in the book and won’t be taken out,” Taylor said.

Wood said he wasn’t expecting to create a new record, but when he found out, it gave him extra motivation to keep setting goals for beyond this year.

“It felt good,” Wood said. “I feel like I’m going to keep moving up and keep accomplishing things. I feel like next year I can move up a class, break a record and win again.”

Brown, a senior, said he had a good feeling going into the competition. When he was lifting in front of the judges, Brown said he didn’t feel any pressure, because he’s used to people watching him lift.

“It’s just kind of normal,” Brown said. “I have all my buddies around me in the weight room, so when I got up there, it didn’t change anything.”

Also a football player for the Warriors, Brown said he takes just as much pride in powerlifting as he does taking the field in the fall.

“It’s just like anything else,” Brown said. “If you work hard hit it, you do well and break records.”

Having two state champions and three record-setters is good for a program that is just three years old, Eaves said. Next year, Eaves hopes to bring more RCA students to the state championship, including two lifters in each weight class and some female powerlifters.

“Anyone can compete,” Eaves said. “We want to take a bigger group and win the (team) state championship.”

It’s only Eaves’ first year as powerlifting coach, but he said he’s enjoyed working with the lifters. As a physical therapist, he also enjoys teaching the proper lifting form. Taylor said he has a good rapport with the athletes as well.

“He kicks your butt every day in the weight room, but afterward he can tell you what’s working,” Taylor said. “My max has grown in each category by at least 100 pounds since he’s gotten here, so he’s doing a great job.”