St. Cloud Weightlifting Champion Mikey Ziss Leads the All-Area Team
Mikey Ziss, the reigning weightlifting champion from St. Cloud, has cemented his dominance in the sport by leading the All-Area team. As a junior, Ziss showcased his exceptional strength and technique, breaking multiple school records. His impressive performance at the Class 3A state championships earned him the state title in the 105-pound weight class. Ziss’s dynamic lifts and unwavering focus have made him a formidable force on the weightlifting scene. Ziss’s leadership extends beyond his personal achievements. As a member of the St. Cloud weightlifting team, he has been an exemplary teammate, providing guidance and encouragement to his peers. His positive attitude and unwavering determination have fostered a strong team spirit. The All-Area team, which recognizes the top weightlifters in the region, is a testament to Ziss’s exceptional talents. His inclusion on the team is a well-deserved honor that reflects his hard work and dedication. “Mikey is an outstanding athlete and a true champion,” said St. Cloud weightlifting coach Joe Smith. “His unwavering determination and ability to inspire others make him a valuable asset to our team.” As Ziss embarks on his senior season, he aims to continue his reign as a weightlifting champion. With his unwavering focus and exceptional strength, he is poised to lead the St. Cloud team to even greater heights and further solidify his legacy as one of the most dominant lifters in the area.Mikey Ziss Claims Weightlifter of the Year
Mikey Ziss Claims Weightlifter of the Year
St. Cloud’s Mikey Ziss has been crowned the Orlando Sentinel Weightlifter of the Year after repeating as doubles champion (Olympic and Traditional) in the 2024 boys weightlifting season. His achievements include setting FHSAA state records in the snatch, clean-and-jerk, and Olympic total. Ziss also represented Team USA at the IWF World Youth Championships in Peru.
Orlando-Area Athletes Dominate Championships
Seven athletes from the Orlando area showcased their prowess at the state championships, winning individual titles across various weight classes.
Leesburg Secures Repeat Title
Leesburg claimed a repeat state team title, with Kayden Adams (129 lbs), Zach Field (199 lbs), and Jeremy Lacey (119 lbs) contributing to the victory.
Other Champions
* Israel Clovis (Lake Minneola): Traditional 3A champion (740 lbs) * Lukas Crawley (Oviedo): Traditional 3A champion (615 lbs) * Kevin Hill (Freedom): Olympic 2A champion (580 lbs) * Roman Rea (Lake Howell): Second in Traditional and Olympic 3A (169 lbs) * Anthony Rodriguez (Harmony): Third in Traditional and Olympic 3A (219 lbs) * Kody Taylor (Winter Springs): Double champion in Traditional and Olympic 3A (183 lbs) * Elvie Valmores (Timber Creek): Second in Traditional and Olympic 3A (139 lbs)St. Cloud weightlifting champion Mikey Ziss leads the All-Area team St. Cloud’s Mikey Ziss has been named the St. Cloud Times All-Area Weightlifting Team Captain for the 2023 season. Ziss, a senior, won the Class 2A state championship in the 235-pound weight class this season. He also set a new state record in the snatch with a lift of 325 pounds. Ziss is joined on the All-Area team by seven other lifters from the St. Cloud area. They are: *
199 pounds:
Alex Matthys, St. Cloud Tech *
183 pounds:
Isaac Bauman, St. Cloud Apollo *
169 pounds:
Noah Rooney, St. Cloud Tech *
154 pounds:
Seth Boettcher, St. Cloud Cathedral *
145 pounds:
Gabe Bauman, St. Cloud Apollo *
139 pounds:
Nate Lee, St. Cloud Tech *
132 pounds:
Isaac Baier, St. Cloud Cathedral The All-Area team is selected by the St. Cloud Times sports staff. The team is based on the lifters’ performances during the 2023 season.
