Beaufort’s CJ Cummings wins American Open title

It wasn’t a record-setting night, but it was definitely a good night.

Beaufort’s C.J. Cummings won the American Open in the 69-kilogram weight class Friday night at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev.

Cummings, 15, attempted potential records on his third lift in both the snatch and the clean and jerk but was successful on neither. But his total of 300 kg (661 pounds) was enough for the championship.

In the snatch, the Beaufort High sophomore completed lifts of 125 and 130 kg (286 pounds) but missed on a would-be personal record of 135 kg (298 pounds).

In the clean and jerk, Cummings lifted 160 and 170 kg (375 pounds) but couldn’t successfully lift an American Record 175 kg (386 pounds).

“It was a good day,” Team Beaufort head coach Ray Jones said. “Not a great day, and that’s OK, because that is just the way things go sometimes.”

The win comes a day after fellow Beaufort teen Dade Stanley set two Youth American records.

“(I’m) so proud of my boys,” Jones said.

This story was originally published December 5, 2015 at 11:09 AM with the headline "Beaufort’s CJ Cummings wins American Open title."