PICKENS — Nearly 20 Pickens High School athletes participated in the Region 6 Strength Meet hosted by the S.C. High School Strength Coaches’ Association on Saturday, with three qualifying for the state championships.

Cole Seaborn (first place, JV 205 class), Hunter Galloway (second, JV 205) and Brandon Batson (second, varsity 140) will compete in the state meet on March 14 at Lexington High School.

Other Blue Flame who earned medals were Bryce Dobbins (third, varsity 150), Dorian Butler (third, varsity 260), Jeb Kelley (third, varsity 235), Tyler Gravely (second, varsity 220) and Rennie Croley (second, varsity 260).

Featuring nearly 300 athletes from Pickens, Oconee, Anderson and Greenville counties, the event was held at the Velocity Sports Performance Complex in Powdersville.

The competition features 11 separate weight classes and two different age groups performing in four events: bench press, squats, 40-yard dash and standing broad jump.