LEXINGTON, Neb. — 18 high school students in Central Nebraska are celebrating national championships in a non-traditional sport.

The Lexington boys and coed powerlifting teams won national titles last week at the USA Powerlifting High School Nationals meet in Baton Rouge, LA. 

859 lifters from across the country participated in the meet. Each of the 18 Minutemen and Minutemaid athletes qualified to compete based on their performance at qualifying events earlier in the year.

Seniors Anthony Taracena and Miguel Castellanos led the way with runner-up finishes in their weight divisions. In addition to the boys and coed championships, the Lexington girls team finished fifth overall.

The team is coached by Amber Burson.