MONTICELLO — Pat Sutton doesn’t let adversity keep him down.Lawrence County’s Class 4A state champion powerlifter hasaccomplished much more than anyone ever expected in the field ofathletics.

Once considered a 90-pound weakling with chronic, severe asthma,Sutton had to lug a breathing machine with him between classesduring elementary school. To avoid asthma attacks, Sutton usuallyspent recess indoors, looking out the window and watching hisclassmates frolic on the playground.

No doubt, it was a painful, frustrating experience.

For sure, Sutton had faith in overcoming his physical illness.He obtained encouragement from his parents and spiritual strengthfrom Heaven. Certainly, prayer on your knees will help you stand upwhen facing difficult circumstances.

Sutton cheerfully answered all of our questions about hisaccomplishments in the weight room and shared some action photos ofhis record squat. There was no mention of his asthma nor hiscongenital back problem.

“Did you tell Mr. Goetz about your asthma and back problems?”inquired Lawrence County athletic director and head football coachMike Davis as this scribe posed Sutton for a picture in the fieldhouse.

“No, sir,” answered Sutton with a sheepish grin.

Davis said I would be amazed after I talked to Sutton about hisailments. I wholeheartedly agree.

The muscular 17-year-old looks like a powerful athlete. Standing5-foot-8 and weighing 220 pounds, Sutton’s stocky physique helpshim lift with the best in Mississippi. He earned his spurs lastweekend in the MHSAA State Powerlifting Meet held at theMississippi Coliseum in Jackson.

“I was shocked at what I lifted,” said Sutton. “When youradrenalin gets going, there’s no telling what you can lift.”

His squat of 640 pounds broke the Class 4A record by 15 pounds.His bench press of 340 pounds also broke a record. His deadlift of515 pounds was no record but the total poundage of 1,495 was a newstandard.

“I like the bench press best,” said Sutton. “That’s always beenmy best lift.”

He began lifting weights in the seventh grade and joined theLCHS powerlifting team as a freshman or ninth grader. Besidesplaying defensive tackle on the LCHS football team Sutton is amember of the Mississippi Gym of Dreams cheerleading squad. Thosefemale cheerleaders are supported by strong arms, hands, legs andshoulders.

“Powerlifting helps get you stronger,” said Sutton. “Infootball, it helps me control the people (linemen) I’m goingagainst,” on the line of scrimmage.

LCHS powerlifting coach Jesse Anderson also directs the Cougars’offensive line during the football season. He admires Sutton’s workethic.

“Pat is flat-out strong,” said Anderson. “He wants to be thestrongest person in the gym. This time he beat Stephen Triplettfrom Koscisuko,” in the state competition.

Davis selected Sutton as one of the varsity athletes who spoketo eighth graders Tuesday. The goal was to promote the value ofparticipation in high school athletics.

“I talk about football and sports in general,” said Sutton. “Ifyou work your butt off, you will be successful. Besides, sportswill keep you out of trouble.”

Sutton works hard in academics, too, achieving honor rollstatus. His favorite subject is math. He wants to attendMississippi State University and pursue a degree inengineering.

Davis said Sutton’s asthma is “one of the worst cases I’ve everseen.”

On the bright side, Sutton said, “Thankfully, it has gottenbetter the older I get.”

Asked about his back ailment, Sutton said, “By the grace of GodI have been able to accomplish what I have done.”

He was diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease in the ninth grade.”My back had been bothering me a lot in football so I went to aback specialist in Jackson.”

Sutton showed me the muscular hump in the middle of hisback.

“It’s genetic,” he explained. “I’m just glad I can adjust. I canstretch and work out the soreness.”

Davis said he has been impressed by Sutton’s work ethic in theweight room and the classroom. “I’m proud of Pat because he worksso hard. He gets the other kids fired up when he works out.”

For sure, Sutton is an inspiration to all of us.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven,MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com