PORT NECHES — Tyler Moran is a world-record holder.

The 2016 Port Neches-Groves graduate recently competed in the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston and set the bench press record at 463 pounds.

Moran’s record is for the 18- to 19-year-old age group and 275-pound weight limit.

“I was really excited yesterday (Friday),” Moran said. “I have calmed down a bit.”

Moran finished eighth at the state powerlifting meet held by the Texas High School Powerlifting Association as a senior in high school. He set a personal best with a total of 1,675 pounds lifted. Moran squatted 635, benched 485 and deadlifted 555.

Moran said his father Todd helped him get on the GT Barbell team after working out at a local gym. Todd then heard about the Junior Olympics competition on the radio.

Todd said his son’s career in powerlifting started when he was 9. Tyler still owns the Groves Middle School bench press record at 305 pounds.

“He wasn’t happy at first having to always go to the gym,” Todd said. “When he started to have a little success, he then started to like it. Now it has become a passion of his.”

Moran’s lifting days do not stop with the Junior Olympics.

“Now, we are looking into the world’s competition held in Las Vegas in September,” Moran said. “I might also have a sponsorship come in.”

Powerlifting has also given the father and son duo a chance to bond together. Todd and Tyler barely ever work out without the other. Todd plans on competing with Tyler starting in October with the GT Barbells.

“It is great to spend so much time with your son,” Todd said. “It is a great experience. It is also great watching people’s reaction to Tyler lift. They are amazed at what an 18-year-old can do. It really is great to watch him.”

Moran said it is too difficult to say he will turn powerlifting into a job. He plans to attend Lamar Institute of Technology this fall and go into the fire academy in January.

Todd said his son will soon start to train again in the deadlift and squat competitions after rehabilitating his knee from a football injury.

Gabriel Pruett: 721-2436. Twitter: @PaNewsGabe