Chad Vaughn, 1998 Graduate of Konawa Public School, has qualified for the U.S. Olympic Weighlifting Team. According to an Associated Press story, the 170 pounder, currently residing in Oklahoma City made the team on Saturday night, May 8, 2004. Each team member's ranking depends upon a percentage comparing the total amount lifted to a world qualification standard in their category in a series of competions. Chad was born on May 11, 1980, and hails from Konawa. He began competing in weight lifting in 1998 with coach Richard Fleming. He has established a long career of weight lifting successes including American Open 9th Place in 1998 and National Juniors Bronze Medalist in 1999. Konawa is proud of his achievements and wishes him great success in his future endeavors.