Interview of the Month 
JT Hall former Interviewee
I am going to make this a monthly feature.
I will be interviewing people involved in various sports, not just weightlifting
sports.
I am not looking for only top level people in any given sport, but "average
Joes" as well.
The idea is to gain inspiration for reaching our fitness ( both physical &
spiritual) goals, being encouraged by others that share our faith and that try
to maintain a fitness routine of some sort as well as a healthy well-rounded
lifestyle.
Steve Mathews,former interviewee
Being obsessed with our sport of choice or even general physical fitness is
NOT our goal.
All of the interviewees will be examples for our readers of a good mesh of
both spiritual and physical fitness.
I hope you will all support and encourage this concept. Please contact me if
you would like to be considered for an interview, or know someone we should interview.
daveyarnell144@Christianiron.com
November Interview
Hall of fame powerlifter Rickey Dale Crain interview
The interview was over an hour total. It is broken into 7 downloadable MP3 segments
To download, simply right click on the mp3 link, choose "save link as",
save to a folder on your computer
such as "my documemts/ my music"
You must have Windows media player, Itunes or similar to playback the audio.
Save all segments & burn to a cd if you like, or just keep on your hard drive.
Segment 1 below, Rickey discusses early family life, current trends in powerlifting, his current role in
the sport
rdcintseg1.mp3
rdcintseg2.mp3
In seg 2, We talk about combination events( power & strongman,power & bodybuilding), steroids,
hormone therapy, drug testing in meets
rdcintseg3.mp3
In seg 3 Rickey talks about competitions, rivalries, switching to sumo deadlifting, and supplementation
then & now
rdcintseg4.mp3
In seg 4, We discuss the downside of supplement marketing trends, Rickey's friendship with Dave Draper,
His musical endeavors, and music in the family.
rdcintseg5.mp3
Rickey talks about Mountain Hiking, lifting idols & mentors, his spiritual conversion, mentors and respected
people of faith.
rdcintseg6.mp3
In seg 6, RDC discusses technique & form in lifting, specialization on lifts, starting his business, and
the current state of the business
rdcintseg7.mp3
Seg 7 wraps up the interview talking about his website, newsletter, recent scaling down of his business
operations.
A huge thanks to Rickey for sharing so much of his time!!!!
from Dave @ Christianiron.com
Sep 30th
New interview with Rob Wess, North Carolina chairman of
Iron Boy Powerlifting
See interview in PDF format here:Rob Wess Christianiron Interview 9-30-09[1].pdf
Aug 4th Firefighting Powerlifter Tom Isbell Interview
Tom is a friend & fellow lifter I met on the Northstar pride forum, and who also has
competed in the WNPF, which I compete in. Tom is a stand up guy, as well as an
outstanding bench presser. Enjoy this: 
Tom,please give us a little background info on yourself to get us started
I’m 42 yrs old, married to Heather.
We have 2 children; 2 daughters Morgan and Hannah.
I am a Lieutenant training officer with Wade Hampton fire dept in Greenville, SC. I also am a
certified practicing paramedic for over 20 years. I have seen a lot and done a lot as a firefighter
and as a paramedic.
I also teach at Greenville Technical College (the biggest college in SC) in two programs. Those
programs are the Emergency medical technology program (EMT's and paramedics) and Fire
Science (firefighters).
Tom, tell us about your powerlifting career, please:
I started powerlifting in 2002. The first meet I attended was a small unsanctioned one in
Spartanburg SC. I remember being nervous almost nauseous. Once I got on the platform I was
hooked. Back then I was 165 lbs and now am in the 242 class.
I am a bench specialist by nature due to my build.
I brought the drug free North Star Pride organization to SC with the addition of the Greenville
chapter, which is now linked together with the Easley chapter. I believe using drugs is a personal
choice but it is a terrible one to make. Not only is it illegal and unethical. If somebody cheats and
then competes at a drug free meet it really is a character issue.
I have suffered at the hands of some of the non-tested people that have attacked me for my beliefs.
I don’t hold it against them.
Tom,
As a former user, I could not agree more that drug free is the best choice by far.
Tell us about what you have accomplished in Powerlifting in your career
OK, here goes:
Records and titles:
100% raw world champ 198’s
NASA national champ (grand nationals) 198
WNPF world champ 220’s
IBP (Iron Boy Powerlifting) regional and state champ 220’s and 242 classes
Former NASA American record holder
IBP (Iron Boy Powerlifting) state and regional record holder
WNPF state record holder
USAPL state record holder
Judging:
I work as the IBP South Carolina State Referee Chairman.
I also am an international level WNFP official.
UPA state level referee
Tom with 500@224 BW
Tom, that is quite an impressive list of accomplishments in your 7 years in the game.
Hey Tom, you did not get into competitive lifting until age 35. That’s a pretty late start. Any
lifting or other sports previous to that? How did you get started in PL?
Yes, I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to powerlifting. I was a pretty good wrestler while in high school in
Michigan and I also played soccer until the age of 21. When I began a real career I was worried about suffering a
bad injury to my knees or back so I retired from any type of contact sport. I hated to do it but when I became an
adult I had to put away some things that I enjoyed for the best of my family. I have an older brother that was and still
is very strong.
He always admired powerlifters and bought me my first weight set. I was small, young and week but at that point I
really became a powerlifter. I had the powerlifter mentality. I just didn’t compete until I was 35 yrs old. My friend
Robert McClure started out together at our first competition. We were literally amazed at the strength and abilities of
some of the amateur lifters.
Tom, you compete with gear all the time? Do you have a specific brand you stick with?
Brand means nothing to me. They don’t put money in my pocket or anything. I don’t endorse any particular brand
of
powerlifting apparel. I have found that I prefer a titan katana bench press shirt single ply. Priscilla Ribic (PL gear on
line) is my supplier for Titan bench press shirts.
I am a single ply competitor mostly but I have worn some double ply gear in training. I have a Karin’s DD bench
shirt that is very comfortable and I like it as well. I like APT wrist wraps but I just haven’t purchased any yet. I tried
a pair and loved them! I use inzer elbow sleeves. I would encourage anybody that benches heavy weight to use
these.Since I started using them I have no tendonitis or pain after a heavy workout.
Did you ever compete raw, and did you make a gradual transition or did you jump right into full gear early on?
That is a good question. I really think of myself as a raw bencher. I train 99% of the time raw (unequipped). The
only way to actually get stronger is to be stronger. Gear and knowledge helps you in competition but will not make
you any stronger. I don’t have an entourage of people that work out together. I usually do most of my work alone
with a trainer to assist me as a liftoff man. I started out competing raw (unequipped) and then moved to using a bench
press shirt after I had gained some experience. I would never encourage new lifters or kids to do equipped lifting.
Geared training takes some risks and you need more people.
I talked to Jason Jackson in Charlotte and he said that he didn’t have a regular workout partner at that time either so
I know that I am not alone with this problem.
Please tell us about your supplement plan, if any
The best supplements that I have found are:
Whey protein (no particular brand)
Creatine monohydrate (no loading amounts it is dangerous to your kidneys)
Multivitamins
Fish oils
Milk
Eat a lot of protein. This is the most critical.
(High protein, medium fats and lower carbs if you are trying to stay in a weight class)
Give us a glance of a typical workout, and/or a routine leading up to a competition, please
Well, I don’t do any periodization or anything. I pretty much like a lot of volume all the time.
I am a bench specialist so I will just attempt to explain a typical workout on the bench.
I do extensive warm-ups and it takes me a lot of time.
I like to stay away from max effort singles. It tears me down and it takes me a couple of weeks to recover.
I pause everything except warm-ups. After all I am training for a powerlifting meet that I will pause the weight so
why not do it in training all the time.
I like to a triple (save something ...never max effort)
Then increase about 40 lbs and repeat the triple (again no max effort)
I think like to do either a single or double with 30 lbs or so more on the bar. This feels like a max effort due to being
tired from working up to it but it doesn’t seem to tear me down like a heavier single would with an prior set. I will
mix it up by throwing some board presses, chain work and close grip bench presses from time to time.
As I get about two weeks out from a meet I will cut down or totally out any accessory tricep work and I will also
eliminate any singles. One week out I will do some easy bench work with a few reps for 4 sets with 70% of my raw
max..
Tom,
How do you feel about the direction PL is going in lately? Too many federations, you think?
What do you think about having meets where many feds compete together? Or what else would
you do to unify us?
First of all I want to say that I LOVE powerlifting. When I cant compete any more I will judge meets , direct them
or do something to stay involved.
Tom hitting 500 at 2008 WNPF meet
Tom,
I know you are a brother in Christ. Tell us a bit more about that, please
A man that was a recovered alcoholic led me to Christ at the age of 10. When I see an addicted
person, I don’t see a useless one. I see the potential in him.
I am a Baptist but denomination means nothing to me except what you are comfortable with.
Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Evangelical, Independent….it doesn’t matter to me. I believe that Christ
shed his blood for all of us. We are all sinners and need to realize that. If we accept that
gift and allow that to change us and strive to live like Him then we will enter His kingdom.
Do you have any spiritual mentors or favorite Christian musicians, authors, or pastors, etc., you’d
like to mention here?
There are a few that I would like to mention.
My father: He is a good man and always has shown me how to have a good sense of right and wrong. He has held
many offices in his churches that he attends. He was never particularly trained as a public speaker but I have seen him
rise to the occasion and speak to large crowds without difficulty.
Paul Vaniman:
I grew up in his church and he was an outstanding pastor and story teller. We all loved to hear him tell stories. He
always had a reason for his stories and related them to something that we could learn from. He used to say “the two
biggest words in the English language are DO RIGHT”. When I am faced with adversity I often think of him and to
just “do right”. It makes life much simpler.
My wife Heather:
She is a much stronger Christian than me and is very involved in church activities. I really appreciate her and that
she is such an ethically sound person. If I had a spouse that didn’t share my beliefs it would make life much more
difficult.
Robert Mclure, Leo Monroe and Ken Bayare:
They are good Christian people that also love powerlifting. It is important to surround yourself with people like these
guys.
Do you train with other Christians or a mix of folks?
Most of the people that I train with are Christians but I will train with anybody. I have met many good friends at
the gym. I guess the answer would be a mix of folks.
Do you have any lifting mentors or people you would say have helped you get where you are?
I have been wonderfully blessed with a strong powerlifting area here in North and South Carolina. These people
have helped me along with many others.
Keith Payne (founder and CEO of Iron Boy Powerlifting)
Troy Ford (President and owner of WNPF Powerlifting)
Rob Wess (Director of Officiating Iron Boy Powerlifting)
Brad Kelly (bench specialist)
Robert Mclure (fellow powerlifter and former training partner)
Jim Shoaf (fellow IBP official and NC hall of famer)
Leo Monroe (training partner and good Christian friend)
Dean Nichols (Fellow competator )
Rodney Allman (IPF masters bench world champion 2009)
Kate Tallion (Former APA state chairperson and competator)
James Gentry (raw powerlifting competator)
What competitions/records are you shooting for in the future?
I have no plans at this time. I may continue like I am, compete more unequipped or get together with some more
powerlifters and take my geared training more serious.
Do you ever contemplate getting into competition on the other lifts?
Do you train the other lifts?
I do squats and many other accessory lifting for training but I mainly stick to that and benching.
I am “physically challenged” in the area of deadlifting. Big body and short arms. I will most likely never do a
3 lift meet.
Is there anything you would like to add? How about your organizations website, etc,?
I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity for and interview. It has been fun.
I would also like to mention the northstar pride core values
The Northstar Pride website is www.nortstarpride.com I would encourage anybody that wants a good drug free
powerlifting network to visit this site. Membership is free.
The North Star Pride was established to promote drug free athletics. It is our belief that many athletes are in danger of
falling into what some call the “dark side” because our society as a whole seems to have become apathetic towards the
near epidemic use of
performance enhancing drugs. These drugs can cause serious physical damage but also have the capability of destroying
lives. We are concerned that this problem has also eroded the integrity of athletics. Because of this we have established
a NSP Value System.
“Commitment to Values” is not just a trendy slogan at the North Star Pride; it is our attitude and perspective regarding
athletics and life. The NSP is committed to promoting genuine unadulterated fair competition within sports by bringing
together individuals and
organizations with similar values.
Core NSP Values
Strength - We believe strength can be measured in many ways. Although we encourage physical strength and the
pursuance of “being the best you can be”, we also believe our values should be strong. The NSP is making a strong stand
against the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs. It is our belief that the use of performance enhancing drugs can be
unhealthy, unethical and in some cases illegal.
Integrity - The NSP stands for and believes in the athlete’s fundamental right to compete on a level playing field. Integrity
should always be an essential component of athletic competition. The integrity of competition in many sports has been
threatened by the dishonest athletes and coaches that elect to use illegal drugs in order to enhance their chances of
winning. This “win at all cost” attitude has caused many athletes to abandon their own integrity as well as the integrity
of their sport.
Equality - The NSP is committed to equal treatment of its members. All NSP members are very important regardless of
their status in any respective sport or profession. The NSP is committed to the idea that the “average every day athlete” is
equal to their more accomplished counterparts. Every athlete is equal.
Honesty – The NSP is dedicated to a high ethical standard. We believe it is of the utmost importance to be honest and
truthful in all dealings with each other.
NSP membership is based on the lifter’s commitment to uphold NSP values.
NSP Membership Requirements
• Athlete members must train and compete drug-free. No illegal performance enhancing drugs permitted.
• Members must support other NSP chapters and members.
• Members must abide by all NSP core values.
Tom,Thanks for taking the time out to do this for us. God bless & best wishes for the future!
Dave
July 8th
Christianiron.com interviews Jumpstretch C.O.O Carl Larosa
Carl LaRosa – Background Info
Carl LaRosa is Chief Operating Officer for Jump Stretch, Inc. in Youngstown, Ohio. In 1997 he
helped his father-in-law FlexBand inventor Coach Dick Hartzell to open the Jump Stretch Fitness
Center. The two are considered the leading authorities in rubberband strength training worldwide,
and had the privilege of training the Navy SEALS in band techniques in September of 2002.
Athletes in all sports train at Jump Stretch, starting at age 10 and continuing right on through to
the college and professional levels. Carl has trained and designed exercise programs for male &
female athletes who compete professionally in bodybuilding, powerlifting, football, baseball,
basketball, track, soccer, dance and more, including John Simon at Ohio State University and
Brad Smith with the New York Jets.
As the instructor for the FlexBand Training Seminar (a program that he also designed), Carl is
responsible for instructing coaches, trainers, and other professionals in Jump Stretch techniques.
He is instrumental in helping other companies to incorporate “band rooms” into their own facilities.
An accomplished athlete himself, Carl has competed in natural bodybuilding and powerlifting
competitions.
His most noteworthy bodybuilding accomplishments include
1st place in the Ohio-Penn SuperNaturals (heavyweight), 1st place in the Natural Olympus
(heavyweight), and 2nd place in the Junior Ohio (heavyweight). His powerlifting accolades include
various National and two World records in the I.A.W.A. (International All-Around Weightlifting
Association) where he placed 1st in
his division in
the 2002, 2003, and 2004 U.S.A.W.A. Nationals.
Carl has previously competed in Martial Arts and still competes in various forms of armored combat
He has been involved in exercise and weight training since he played football in Junior High and
High School and hasn’t stopped since.
The FlexBands are used by college and professional teams including the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red
Sox, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Cowboys, , LA Angels of Anaheim, New England
Patriots, New York Giants, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers, University of Michigan,
Mississippi State University, Mount Union College, Ohio State University, Thiel College, West
Virginia University, and many more.
Carl received his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, where he majored in
exercise science & human performance. His past experience includes work as an exercise therapist
at a chronic & acute pain management clinic.
Carl working with bands
Please tell us, Carl, when your father in law invented the flex bands, what led up to it, and was it a long process?
He was a football coach and he believed that strength had to be built through speed, so he padded a barbell and had
his lifters do squats fast. After a couple of low-back injuries, he was frustrated and thought “Why couldn’t this be
done on rubberbands?” At that time the name “Jump Stretch” popped into his head, but the product didn’t exist
anywhere but his own mind. The 2nd chapter of Daniel says that God reveals secrets…it took a few years to get
things going, and then much longer to get this type of training accepted.
When your father-in –law invented them, was it more or less for using with his students primarily or did he have a
business plan right from the start?
There was no business plan at all. He had the idea to make squatting more sport-specific for football. We have a
saying at Jump Stretch “Train quick to be quick. Train slow to be slow.” He set out to change the way people looked
at strength training and once the products were developed his goal was to impact the world, which I think has been
done!
When they were first introduced, what reactions were seen?
People had a hard time believing that strength could be built on bands. Then Youngstown State University went to
multiple National Championships using nothing but FlexBands for on-season lower extremity training. We also stretch
with the bands, doing what we call dynamic stretching. At the time when he first developed the bands, static stretching
was the only accepted stretching method. Now most of the pro and college teams are integrating dynamic stretches in
with their programs. It makes more sense, because the game they play is not static in nature. This is another area
we’ve made a big impact.
You instruct coaches and athletes in flex band seminars; do you teach students how to train using weights with bands,
like the Westside Barbell methods, or more exclusively just band training without weights?
The training seminars we offer are focused on teaching our system of band training (without weights) to professionals
I have had health care professionals from all over the world come and learn our techniques. God has certainly blessed
us to put such awesome people in our lives. One of the guys who got certified in the past couple of years is Tom Gill
who you previously did a Q & A with for christianiron.com. He’s a great guy & we’ve continued our relationship with
him as we have with the majority of the people who take this course with us. As for Westside Barbell, we really can’t
give Louie Simmons enough credit for how his vision of combining weights with the bands has impacted our company.
The series of articles he wrote for Powerlifting USA in 1997 about the bands amounted to the turning point for Jump
Stretch as far as being accepted with strength coaches on a wide scale.
On that subject, can one build strength & power using just combinations of the bands, platforms, etc without using
barbells and such?
Absolutely! We had two guys known as the “Watson Bros.” Stan & Ross Watson both had over 35” vertical jumps
and played for Mount Union College, who ended up winning consecutive National Championships. They had never
really trained with weights for their lower extremities. I can attest that they were great athletes. We can be much more
sport-specific with a band then we could with a barbell.
You have been involved with bodybuilding, lifting and martial arts and done well across the board… do you have any
favorites?
I have always loved the martial arts and have trained formally and informally for over 26 years. I believe the training I
am doing with the bands helped me the most. I also love training with kettlebells and still do barbell and dumbbell
work as well. When I was doing the bodybuilding I was young…now with work and family, the commitment and diet
would be too much for me! I’m almost 40 & powerlifting was giving my body too much of a beating, so I am really
training for performance at this stage of the game.
What does you personal current training program look like?
I do Jump Stretch classes with the bands 2 times a week and 1 kettlebell workout a week for performance. I also do
a standard push-pull workout for the weight room portion. I have been running 3-4 miles every Sunday before church.
This regimen has helped me go from 260 lbs. to 224 lbs. in about 9 months. I feel better than I ever have and I do
some type of activity every day.
Please tell us a little about how you came to faith, where you currently worship?
I was raised in the Catholic Church, until I met my wife Sherri. We dated for five years and she has been very
influential in my faith. She never nagged me to get baptized, but was always patient with all the questions I had about
how salvation works. I had been under the impression that good works got you to Heaven, but by that standard, I
had no chance! Only through faith in Jesus Christ can one attain salvation, and I was baptized at the Church of Christ
a few months after we got married. We now worship at Mineral Ridge Church of Christ.
Do you have any spiritual advisors or mentors? Favorite preachers, authors, Christian musicians?
Music has been another love of mine…I just started playing guitar, and I don’t know where I’m going with it, but I
enjoy it. Some of the Christian music today is amazing…there is great musicianship and a spiritual message. I am very
influenced by music…One of my favorite bands is Jars of Clay. As far as authors, Max Lucado is great.
My father-in-law is very inspirational to me, because he will do anything for anybody and he is always ready to share
his faith with others.
Do you work with many Christian athletes?...... any we might know?
It’s hard to say how many… We try to promote a Christian family atmosphere here at our gym, and cross paths with
a lot of Christian people. We’ve worked with Coach Jim Tressel (Ohio State), Coach Jon Heacock (Youngstown
State University), Billy Cundiff (former kicker for the Dallas Cowboys)…We work with Mooney and Ursuline High
Schools and Youngstown Christian School, all of which are Christian Schools here in our area. Some other names
you may have heard
are Brad Smith who is with the New York Jets and John Simon who will be playing for Ohio State this year. Since
we sell bands all over the world, you never know who we may have indirectly influenced.
Can personal trainers & fitness instructors get certified in band techniques?
Yes, we teach them the basics of our techniques, as well as how to implement them into their individual programs.
This is an additional level of training that looks good on a resume, and we often get calls from coaches looking to hire
someone who is well-versed in our techniques. Our course is approved for .7 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
through the National Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association.
For people who want to take this training to the next level and actually run a Jump Stretch facility themselves, we
offer additional training in conjunction with a marketing agreement so they can even use our name and logo.
Do martial arts trainers implement band training into their programs, and if so, how?
When I lived in South Carolina briefly, one of the Gracie brothers bought bands from us and started training with
them. MMA Champion Chuck Liddell bought bands from us at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. We have
video of King of the Cage Champion Dan Bobish hooked up with bands to both arms and both legs providing
resistance and helping with balance as he practices his moves. You just don’t have that kind of versatility with other
pieces of weight equipment!
What is new and exciting on the horizon in relation to Jumpstretch equipment and training methods?
As I mentioned earlier, we are working on marketing agreements to get gyms to carry the name and properly
implement the techniques. Also, many therapists are using the bands to treat injuries. The Red Cross is doing a
regional test on our injury prevention and treatment program for ankle sprains, and if all goes well, this will expand
across the country.
Are there any special benefits to using bands in physical therapy, rehab, and pain management?
Yes, there is a special technique for tractioning ankles that have been sprained that dramatically reduces downtime.
I have literally seen our therapist work on someone in with a Grade II (2) ankle sprain and have them running drills
in less than an hour. Our bands are a lot stronger than the thin bands you see at most doctors’ offices, plus the fact
that they are a continuous loop provides a wider range of options for the therapist.
Is your company branching out into any other types of training equipment or methods? What do you foresee for
Jumpstretch going forward?
We work the bands in with various other modalities like kettlebells & steps to keep our classes fresh. The beauty of
the bands is that you can incorporate them into just about any training regimen you have! I would like to see Jump
Stretch Fitness Centers using our techniques all across the country.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We have been working with a Christian organization called Marketplace Solutions in really trying to make Jump
Stretch God’s company, because this is the way we can minister to other people. None of the apostles were rabbis
or ministers…they were all businessmen. This is how God wants it to work…AS YOU ARE GOING into all the
world, make disciples. Your work can be your ministry. If it can’t, you might need to find another job.
Carl, Thanks very much for sharing all of this with us,
and say thanks to Sherri also. God Bless!
June 1st
Christianiron Interviews Dr. Spero Tshontikidis
Spero is the man behind the R.A.W. United
Powerlifting organization
Spero, please tell us a little about yourself
BACKGROUND
Personal
My wife, Caryn, and I live in Satellite Beach, Florida with our boys Yanni (17) and Sava (12). Caryn and I work in the Brevard Public Schools; I am a school counselor at an alternative school, and Caryn is a secretary at an adult education center. Yanni is a senior in high school and Sava is in sixth grade; Yanni lifts and surfs and Sava plays on a year-round, competitive soccer team.
Do you have any athletic background or interests other than Powerlifting?
I enjoy surfing, and get in the water as often as possible. We love living on the beach, and take full advantage of all the “beach lifestyle” has to offer.
POWERLIFTING
How long have you been involved in Powerlifting?
When did you start promoting contests?
What federations have you promoted contests for?
How many contests per year do you promote?
Rob Wagner introduced me to competitive Powerlifting in the early 1980s; we played college football together and became training partners. I had been a competitive bodybuilder, but after taking some kids to a USPF contest hosted by Brian Washington, I was hooked and began running meets.
I was very fortunate to have had outstanding mentors when I first became a contest director; folks like Bob Gaynor, Brother Bennet, Al Siegel, John Mogavero, and Sean Scully taught me a great deal about running quality meets. My first National meet as a contest director was the ADFPA High School Nationals. We had kids come from all over the country, and ESPN covered the meet. When the contest aired on television, I was in Tempe, Arizona for the ADFPA Women’s Nationals. It was the first time I had met Brother Bennet. We sat in his hotel room and watched the coverage together. As a very young contest director, it was pretty awesome to meet the founder of the ADFPA while watching ESPN’s coverage of my first National contest.
Since that time, I have hosted meets for several organizations to include USPF, NASA, AAU, APA, and 100% RAW. Currently, I promote 10-15 contests per year through R.A.W. United.
What is “R.A.W. United”?
R.A.W. United, or Redeemed Among the World United, is a Christian-based federation that donates all its proceeds to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. It is both an honor to serve God doing something I love, and humbling to have the genuine support of so many great lifters that believe in the federation’s purpose and mission. Although we are not an “in your face” ministry, we do want R.A.W. United to stand for more than just what occurs on the platform. And while there are lifters who believe in a “separation of church and chalk” (my favorite Powerlifting Watch criticism), I am convinced that our accomplishments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Armed Forces Championships, as well as our growth in Florida and the Mid-Atlantic over the past twelve months, are a testimony of God’s faithfulness to those who commit their works to Him.
I believe three areas – proceeds, format, and fees – make R.A.W. United different from most:
All proceeds generated by the R.A.W. United are utilized to support members of the United States military. Earlier this year we sanctioned two meets in Iraq. The federation afforded each competitor a free 2009 membership, a Valiant Warriors shirt, and a 12” x 16” plaque. In addition, our Armed Forces Championships, fittingly scheduled for the weekend of 9/11, is a free contest open to all active duty soldiers, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans.
Our 2009 format offers lifters two divisions: IRONMAN and RAW. The Ironman division requires competitors to wear a non-supportive singlet and a leather belt (lifters can opt not to wear a belt; we record top lifts in both categories). In the Raw division, lifters can also utilize non-fastening knee sleeves and wrist wraps. The Ironman division is tested, and the Raw division is not tested. To the best of my knowledge, we are the only raw federation offering this type of format.
Membership into R.A.W. United is free for lifters possessing a current card from a recognized federation; lifters that do not have a current card can purchase a R.A.W. United card for just $10.00. Lifters competing in our meets are given options with regard to their entry fees (no award, shirt only, shirt and award, etc.) in an effort to make our contests affordable for everyone. Finally, we do not charge crossover fees; lifters are automatically placed in both their age group and the open overall. Moreover, full power contestants are automatically crossed over into the push/pull, and Ironman competitors are automatically crossed-over into the Raw division.
What made you choose unequipped?
I enjoyed running equipped meets back in the eighties and nineties. Hosting lifters like Rob Wagner, Kirk Karwoski, and Mark Chaillet was awesome. It was always a rush to see the awe in people’s eyes when Kirk would bury a 900 pound squat! And while equipped lifting certainly affords competitors the potential to move bigger weight, you cannot discredit the numbers that lifters such as Brian Schwab, Tony Conyers, Ryan Celli, and Scott Weiss (who also competed in this year’s RAW Unity Meet) are posting with gear.
My switch to running raw meets had nothing to do with any sort of “moral high ground,” but rather with practicality. The bottom line is that raw meets are easier to run and it’s a much less expensive genre for the kids I coach. I am hoping that the addition of knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and a non-tested option at our meets will encourage many equipped lifters to give R.A.W. United a try.
What are the goals for your federation?
Our goals are simple: to revere God in all we do, to honor America’s military heroes both on and off the platform, to support and appreciate our members, and to host two FREE contests each year.
Are you happy with the growth of your organization?
Although we are by no means the size of federations such as the USAPL or the APF, we have already surpassed our membership from 2008, and it’s just April. I believe our credibility is growing in the raw community thanks to our Christian foundation and support for the military, the loyalty of our members and the positive comments they make concerning our meets, and the quality of lifters we are bringing to the platform (for example, the April edition of the federation’s magazine, “Power in the Blood,” features Zack Spidel’s 1915 RAW total at 308, Michael Francis’ 1185 IRONMAN total at 275, and Taylar Stallings’ 1160 RAW total at 181).
Are you looking for meet directors?
Any and all meet directors that believe in what the federation stands for and are interested in sanctioning a meet with us, can contact me at: rawunited@cfl.rr.com or 321-505-1194.
What do you see as the future of Powerlifting?
Powerlifting, like all sports, has changed in many ways since I first started running meets in the early 1980s, and in other ways has stayed the same. Many folks are frustrated with the number of federations in the sport, and the divisiveness it can cause. On the other hand, federation leaders like Jesse Rogers and Paul Bossi, and contest directors like Eric Talmant and Bill Beekley, put in enormous amounts of time, energy, and their own money to make the sport accessible to everyone. And, quite frankly, some of the dissention comes from those who do little for the sport. It’s amazing how many “anonymous” lifters post negative comments on Powerlifting Watch while doing nothing to initiate positive change in the sport. In the end, I believe that people will continue to gravitate to federations where they are treated respectfully and where competitions are well organized and well run.
Has the internet been good or bad for Powerlifting?
Similar to its impact in education, the internet is both good and bad for Powerlifting. Lifters can post comments on various forums that are misleading or outright lies (not to mention ones that are derogatory and/or offensive), and it can take days or even weeks to “set the record straight.” Moreover, the increasing numbers of lifters that hide behind anonymous posts or cartoon names and discredit the efforts of contest directors and/or individual lifters is both troubling and frustrating. On the other hand, Ross Semplice and Chris Watson have done an incredible job putting our website together (www.rawunited.org), and it is amazing to run a meet and see video on Powerlifting Watch before we’re finished cleaning up! The ability to communicate to strength athletes in such a simple, fast, and inexpensive way affords the Powerlifting community the means to truly “reach the masses” like never before.
Are you still involved with coaching high school lifters?
How do you handle that?
I coach elementary, middle, and high school lifters in Brevard County. The kids lift at
MILITARY
You were activated after 9/11. How old were you then?
I was forty years old on September 11, 2001. Immediately following the terrorist attacks, I served in an Infantry Training Battalion. I returned to the Special Forces community once I felt comfortable with weapons and tactics (I had been out of Special Forces since 1985). When our battalion deployed to Afghanistan, I was forty-five years old.
I know you can’t tell us what you did in Afghanistan in detail; how about some general info
My primary role in Operation Enduring Freedom was to serve as a Special Forces bodyguard. In the picture below, I’m at an airfield in northern Afghanistan with our Battalion Chaplain (left) and a coalition soldier from Norway (right). “Father Jim” and I traveled to Special Forces firebases throughout Afghanistan. I was honored to serve with some of the best our country has to offer, and humbled to call many of these heroes “friends.”
What were the conditions there?
Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan has a much more rugged terrain and seasonal climate. While the summers get up to 110 degrees or so, the winters are extremely cold. The picture below was taken in eastern Afghanistan when we first arrived in country (we look a lot cleaner in this shot!).
CLOSING
What does the future hold for Spero?
My old friend and loading partner Graham Bartholomew would always say, “When it stops being fun, we’ll quit doing it.” And while I’m sorer these days after running a meet, it’s still a lot of fun. The friendships that I have made and the doors God has opened for our soldiers serving in the Middle East since I returned home from the war has made R.A.W. United very special.
I’ve also become active in the Brevard Veteran’s Council, and speak about my experiences in schools. The picture above with Florida Senator Mike Haridopolous was taken at a political rally last year.
Any final comments?
Special thanks to Mike Lambert and Bob Gaynor for publishing this interview, to the lifters of R.A. W. United for their support and friendship, to our servicemen and women for their service and sacrifice, and to God for making this all possible!
May 1st 2009 Interview with Jerry Whitlow
A few months back, we did an interview with Derek Whitlow, Christian Powerlifter with the NASA organization.
Derek’s dad, Jerry is also a powerlifter, and was instrumental in getting Derek started in the sport (as we mentioned in Derek’s interview)
I thought it would be fun to hear from dad about his lifting history, etc, so we are doing the May interview with him!
Jerry is currently 68 and still training and competing!
He is in the Master’s 3 div of NASA, and is a 242’er, and has been lifting since the 60’s.
Father & Son
Derek filled me in on one of your favorite hobbies, ballooning.
Tell us a little about that and any other hobbies or interests you have, Jerry.
Please tell us a little more about your family, church, etc. also.
In 1972, Albuquerque held it's first hot air balloon rally with 13 balloons and I attended. As soon as I saw the balloon's I fell in love with them and had to have a ride. I did and I was hooked for sure. I pursued my commercial license and bought a balloon. I flew every chance that I had by going out on the weekends and also entering the balloon rally's in Albuquerque and in New Mexico. When I retired from my job in 1986, I pursued my dream job and went to work for World Balloon Company here in Albuquerque flying balloons commercially. I traveled the US and flew approximately 35 to 40 different balloons. After about 10 years of flying for World Balloon, I became burned out and decided to get out of the sport all together.
Along with ballooning, I have always loved hunting, fishing, playing my guitar and, of course, powerlifting.
Well, Jerry, you and I have all those things in common!
As of July 1 this year, I will be married to Deborah for 32 years. She is very supportive of all of my activities and I love her very much. We both attend Albuquerque Believers Center in Albuquerque, NM.
Derek said you have been saved since you were 12, and got saved at a Billy Graham Crusade.
So tell us about your salvation experience, please?
Billy Graham came to Albuquerque in 1952 and my mother wanted to go hear him. She took my older brother, my sister and my self to a tent service in Albuquerque and I remember it having a saw dust floor. I can still smell the saw dust!! We went 3 or 4 times and I began to feel the conviction and when Mr. Graham gave that "famous" invitation, my brother urged us to go and we both went forward and accepted the Lord. I have been serving the Lord ever since. It is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I dearly love my Savior and look for Jesus daily to return and rapture us out of here. COME SOON LORD, JESUS!
Jerry, I heard you had a tough injury in September of 07. Tell us about that and how the recovery has been going, please.
In the 60's I rode dirt bikes and was involved in an accident while doing donuts/spinning around in circles. Because of the pain, I was afraid that I had broken my left leg. The report form the Dr. was that it was not broken and went through some therapy to help it heal.
In 2007 after years of squatting, several competitions and lots of training, I had an accident in the gym. During my squat session while training for a powerlifting meet, with 405 lbs. on my shoulders, on the down part of the squat my patella tendon on my left knee snapped. I was sent to the hospital by ambulance. The emergency room took x-rays and it showed the tendon was pulled away from my knee.
After consulting with my orthopedic Dr., he determined that there had been a previous injury to that tendon and feel it was the injury that I sustained in the 60's that had finally given way and snapped. This injury required surgery to re attach the tendon to my knee and I went through 2 months of recovery in a large brace. After being released by my Dr. to go back to the gym, I began my own regimen in the gym of therapy to restore the strength back to my knee. It's all healed now and I am back squatting 335 lbs and it feels GREAT!! Although, there is still a little apprehension and not sure I want to push more than 335 lbs. Is it "worth the risk"? This is where I'm seeking wisdom from the Lord.
You and Derek were featured recently in a Power lifting USA article I read. That was AWESOME!
How did that feel, and what’s it like lifting and competing with your son?
Thank you. I felt they did a good job with the article. It was exciting and I felt honored that they would do an article about Derek & I in "the" Powerlifting magazine for the US. I hope someone is encouraged from my misfortune. I love working out and competing with my son. He is so far ahead of me in just two years of powerlifting that it makes me feel what I lift is light. So he helps me with the fear you can feel lifting heavy weights and pushes me to lift more. Derek is my inspiration.
So, Jerry, you have some lifting records, I hear. Please tell us about those.
What are some of the awards you have won in competition?
Jerry back in the 60's
I have won over 30 1st place trophies since 1996, Best Lifter over 40 and I've set 5 American records in bench only, squat, bench, dead-lift & total.
What are your best lifts in competition or otherwise?
Squat - 470 lbs.
Equipped Bench - 405 lbs.
Unequipped Bench - 360 lbs.
Dead Lift - 510 lbs.
What are your thoughts on steroids?
I am totally against them. They do more harm than good. I've seen fellow lifters on roids and they are rude, hard to get along with, and inclined to violence.
Do you take supplements?
Absolutely yes!! On a regular basis I take: creatine, branched chain amino acids, whey protein, vitamins and CO Q10. I feel they enhance my lifting by increasing my energy and strength.
Can you tell us how you train for spiritual fitness?
I feel it is very important to attend church, read and study the bible and pray for others daily. I witness as often as I have an opportunity with the leading of the Holy Spirit as I have had the opportunity to do at the gym. I seek and praise the Lord every chance I get.
How do you mesh your physical training and./or competition with your faith?
Jerry recently
I make it a habit to pray and ask the Lord to show me how to train and when to train, what meets to enter and if I should squat heavy or not. Basically, I ask Him for direction and help in everything that I do in my life.
Do you have a favorite scripture?
I sure do!
God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
This is my powerlifitng scripture.
That's a great verse for us Christian lifters, Jerry!
Who do you admire in the sports field and why?
I admire Kurt Warner, quarter back for the Arizona Cardinals, who is a Christian and lives it. Same with Tony Dungy who is all drug free and is a unequipped
I agrree,Jerry.I'm currently reading Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy's book.
Who are your heroes of the faith, and why?
First of all Jesus because he is the Saviour of the world. I also include in my "heroes of faith" list Moses because he led the Israelites out of Egypt and God gave him the 10 commandments, and Joshua who led Israel to conquer the promised land.
What are your goals for the future?
Are you going to try and continue competitive lifting into the future?
I'd like to set an American record in the Masters 4 class ( 70-79 years old), continue to train for competition for 3 or 4 years and then retire from powerlifting and just work out for fitness.
Any final comments?
I want to thank you, Dave, for the opportunity to express my self through this interview. I appreciate what you are doing for the Lord and hope to continue to do so. Thanks!! Jerry Whitlow.
Jerry,Thanks so much for your time and your contribution to the sport. We wish you well and will pray for your continued good health and strength to reach all of your goals.
Dave,Christianiron.com
April1 09 Tom Gill
Tom Gill is a former state champion bodybuilder, ex- military, ex Chippendale dancer ex night club singer ect.. .That was then, now Tom is the pastor of The Gathering (www.tothegathering.com) also currently the strength coach at a Christian school… quite a background quite a change!
He does boot camps and other types of training at his “Home Gym” (see the link on our Christian Gyms, trainers, etc page, http://www.thehomegym.zoomshare.com/)
Tom,
We appreciate your time and for sharing your story with us!
Thank you, it is an honor to get to share my faith in Christ with you and your viewers.
Please tell us a little about yourself (age, hobbies, occupation, etc)
I am 45 years young, but let me digress to a few years ago…….
I was a skinny kid; 5ft. 9in. and 115 lbsthough I was an active kid who played all kinds of sports until I injured both knees and was required to wear knee braces. I was told by doctors that I would never walk or play sports again.
A very young Tom
I saw a body building contest on The Wide World of Sports at age 14 that sparked my interest. By age 16 I had gained 50 lbs. and after intense training (not to mention defying the odds that the doctors predicted), won my age class in Mr. Teenage South Central Ohio. Only 2 weeks later I placed 2nd in the state competition. I then went on to win the state teen division twice in my class and several other titles.
Tom at 22
I watched and learned a little about God and I had a belief of sorts; yet, I wanted to do things my way. I entered the military and experienced several troubling life events. I ended up becoming a male dancer (Chippendale type stuff) in and out of the country.
I found out that the man that had trained me in bodybuilding when I was a teen became reborn, which blew me away; he was the last guy I thought would ever do that. By the grace of God, a little book of scriptures and with my former trainers influence, God took hold of me; I surrendered my life to Christ (going on 19yrs now).
I have shared my testimony and faith on the Montel Williams show, the 700 Club and many other TV and radio programs.
My wife of 17 years and I planted a non-denominational church 8 years ago; prior to that I had been a youth pastor and associate pastor at a few other churches. I am also on a bible college board.
http://www.online-bible-college.com/site/
My wife and I have 8 wonderful children (ages 13 years to 9 months) that we home school. I am the football strength coach at a local Christian school (we went 9 and 1 last year) and since then, the Lord has had me open a gym to train, and hold boot camps and fitness classes.
The Gills
Tom, you mentioned your old trainer’s conversion leading to your own eventually.
Can you please tell us a little more about your salvation experience?
I would LOVE too… In a nut shell, I believed IF I was good enough I might make it into heaven; though I wasn’t really sure what heaven was or where ect. God, of course, had my number all of my life. He was calling me; yet, I ran.
When I was born my mother was going to name me David; yet, at the last minute she changed my name to Thomas. My grandmother asked my mom (her daughter), “Why did you change his name, don’t you see the sandals on his feet?” indicating that I was called into the ministry. Looking back I can see how God did call me early in my life. When I was 5 years old I can vividly remember watching King of kings and getting sick during the crucifixion scene because of what they were doing to Jesus. Again at 5 years old I was watching a man singing at church and I remember thinking, “that’s what I want to do.” Much like the prodigal, however, I used the gifts God gives for myself and the passing pleasures of this world.
I have sung in Nashville, at Spring Break in front hundreds, at The Ohio State Fair and many other places; I thought that was the direction I was going. God, on the other hand, had a better plan. My mother gave me a little book of Scriptures and I was changed by the renewing of my mind! I saw that I was a great sinner and that Jesus is a great Savior, the only way to eternal life. Many are familiar with John 3:16; but John
I was reborn; REALLY. I know I am saved because I trust the word of God and the God of His word! Now I love God and pray that He will use me to do His good. Good without God leaves you with O! Only God is good.
July 4th 2007
You mentioned starting bodybuilding at age 14, how old are you now (if you don’t mind answering that), and have you been involved in any type of competition more recently?
I don’t mind sharing my age; I am 45 years young. As far as competitions go, I really can’t see me doing any, though I am training as if I were!
What kind of training do you have your students doing?
Wow, all kinds. Right now we are working to get them in cardio and endurance shape. Getting strong is the easy part! We are using more dynamic moves than static lifts; that comes later. They are football players, not power lifters or body builders; though I use a little of both, along with that we use chains, flipping tires, Jump Stretch bands (They are a great group of Christians by the way.) jumpstretch.com
What are your best lifts in competition or otherwise?
I have never had a big bench; only 390 lbs. I squatted 505 lbs. for 5 reps; deep (I had a very large guy spotting me). I put 330 lbs. over my head (I passed out after that one). I have never thrown up from a workout; though I have been very close. I did the 300 challenge last year in 18 min. 38 sec. using very good form.
Tom,
Some folks would possibly envision the lifestyle you had in your younger days as something to be desired… bodybuilding champ, erotic dancer, I imagine women probably made themselves freely “available”… was this lifestyle as great as it was cracked up to be?
No way! It was a constant lie; a painted lifestyle. There is no foundation, no absolutes, no HOPE! By the way, the only hope we have is not in a man, but Thee Man Christ Jesus; 100% God, 100% Man! The bars are dark, the thoughts were dark and the world is in the dark. Praise God I came to the Light!
How do you use your life experiences to help you in dealing with your students and your own children these days?
There are a lot of horror stories, a lot of analogies and experiential knowledge; I can relate and God allows people to see that. I am a very transparent type of person, which makes some uneasy and others at peace; knowing that I am the same guy no matter whether I am in the gym or in the front room or behind a pulpit. I pray that I live the gospel not only preach it!
What are your thoughts on steroids?
I started taking them at age 18 ½ year sold; when I was 19 years old my liver shut down and I have a little scar to prove it. They thought I had a burst appendix; but they were wrong. My liver shut down and I was very close to dying. I have told the guys on the team: avoid the ‘roids and think before you ink! No steroids and no tattoos. One day that barbed wire on your arm will look like a wonder bread twisty tie on your wrist!!
Do you take supplements?
Yes, fish oil, some creatine every now and then (not too much though), some Dim Pro Plus from Nature’s Way, and I may do some Black Powder or Gaspery Super Pump (but it gets me a little jittery so I only do it once in awhile when I need a little energy in the am workouts). I like the Beverly products! I just keep it natural with some supplements here and there.
What kind of physical training do you currently do?
I work out 6 days a week involving all types of training: body building, strength training, athletic training, strong man lifts, log press, farmer’s walk; with VERY LITTLE REST BETWEEN SETS! It has been like that for 30 years; I lift as heavy as I can; keeping reps from 5 to 12 depending on lift and mood.
Can you tell us how you train for spiritual fitness?
Stay close to Jesus. I read 4 chapters of His word every day, besides my sermon prep and bible studies. I just read two in the Old Testament and two in the New. I go through the bible in a year and the gospels a few times during that same year. I feed upon the word of God. When I read, I do not read to just gain knowledge, but to grow in a relationship with God! I pray that He would give me revelation of Himself during my time in His word and the meditation of His word through my day!
How do you mesh your physical training and./or competition with your faith?
Easily, my body belongs to the Lord. Do I want a broken down wreck or something healthy and fit for the Master’s use?! The body is many a muscle heads idol; it was mine, but it will grow old, change, ect. This is not BAD, it is normal; yet, we can continue to take care of it and use it for His glory in humility and grace. Many people mistake meek for weak; meek is the ability to control one’s strengths. As for the Christian, it is yielding to the Ultimate Strength, God; not doing things (trying to) on your own, but by God’s grace and power.
Do you have a favorite scripture?
My life verse is Romans 5:8; and I also like John 3:3, 16-18; Psalm 25, 27 and 51.( all of it!)
Who do you admire in the sports field and why?
Lee Haney; he is using the platform God gave him for God’s glory.
Mike Cherwenka; he is a good friend and awesome athlete. Mike is an Olympic 5 meter diver, world champion full contact karate, semi pro golfer (with plaques next to Tiger Woods for holes in one) and is built to boot! Mike loves the Lord and has taught me the value of focus!
Who are your heroes of the faith, and why?
The apostle Paul, David and a good friend named Paul Collins; he lives the gospel. Paul and his wife lead the Online Bible College (web site) it is great stuff. It helps me mature in faith and in my walk with the Lord.
In complete openness, I would say I admire my wife. I see Christ in her so much; how she cares for our children and loves me. She spends time in God’s word. She is my best friend and we keep Jesus between us, that way as we draw near to Him He draws us closer to each other also. That’s how we stay close here in the Gill house. She shows the selfless servant hood of Christ. She grows in her faith daily which challenges me to grow like wise and to love her as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. We are a very busy family to say the least; yet, my wife and I workout for about an hour 6 days a week, she homes schools our 8 children, she is in college getting her Bachelor’s (she is on the Dean’s list, straight A’s), I Pastor a congregation of over 100, volunteer as a strength coach, do personal training at our gym, we also run and of course we have the 8 kids!!!! Now if any of you say you’re too busy to get to bible study or church or read your bibles, you need to check and see if you’re truly saved! Because a hungry baby is a healthy and alive baby! You are born of the Spirit of God and now you hunger for the things of God and God Himself!! Let me put it this way, if you’re in the gym working out MORE than you are spending time seeking God, you are missing it!
What are your goals for the future?
I want to know God better and make Him known more, love my wife as Christ Loved the church and gave Himself up for her, love and train my children up in the Lord, and be a godly pastor and friend to those in our congregation.
Concerning the body, I’d like to get to 205 lbs. and have the look that I would have 2 weeks out of a contest (in preparation); but to sum it up: Keep the main thing the main thing!
Any final comments?
Jesus is returning; but the end of the world does not have to be the end of the world for your world to come to an end. If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, I urge you to do so NOW. He is there with you, waiting in His awesome mercy to forgive you and save you. You need saved and you know it! Call out to Him, repent, ask for forgiveness of your sins, confess that you believe He died for YOUR sins and rose from the dead to justify you and that He is now Lord of your life and you are His child!! Get to a bible living, believing and preaching church. Hey, if you wanna get big you train with the Big; so if you wanna know and grow with Christ, you go where they are!!
If you know the Lord, show the Lord in all you do; whether it is through exercising, or going to the market, or along the way. We are to MAKE disciples, not church attendees!!
Thanks again, Dave, for the opportunity to share a little of my testimony on your web site. I pray that many are encouraged in Christ through you and this site; I know I have been.
Thanks so much Tom and God Bless!!
March 09 Interview with Dennie Craddock
Dennie is a new friend here at Christianiron.com. He recently joined the NAS strongman organization and has competed in quite a few competitions and has placed well in all of them. Dennie is young, and has a lot of potential; it appears, at the age of 25.
We may see Dennie on the “Worlds Strongest Man” competition in the future.
Dennie was saved recently and is very excited about his new life in Christ.
Dennie has agreed to speak with us about both his new-found faith and his Strongman training.
Dennie, first off, thanks for doing this interview with us.
When you first contacted Christianiron, you mentioned your being involved with NAS.
For those who are not familiar, please tell us a little about the organization, what they do, etc.
. The NAS is the sanctioning body for strongmen/women on the amateur level for the US. The only way to obtain a pro card is to start at the level I'm at now and to work your way to the top. A pro card in obtained by winning the national championships or winning a pro-am level contest.
How did you become involved in the organization, and when was that, Dennie?
I've always wanted to become a strongman. I've been watching the guys on ESPN since I was 13. I couldn't find any sources or contest anywhere. The sport has only been in existence for about 30 years. I was talking to a co-worker about what I was interested in and weight lifting and strongman popped up. He searched the web and found info on NAS. I called the chairman of Illinois Tony Soucie. He invited me down to his house for a training session. I felt very comfortable with it so I continued to pursue it.
Dennie, please tell us about your salvation experience and the changes you have gone through as a result?
My salvation in Christ was a complete 180. Let's just say the road I was on was coming to a dead end. I strongly believe now that God was working in my life long before I came to know him. Before Christ I was an example of disobedience. My four year old daughter wanted me to come to their vocation bible school program. I was hesitant because churches and anything religious just made me uncomfortable. I ended up going and glad I did. The church was starting a new series called "The amazing change". It felt like the pastor was directly to me.
After the service I walked up to him, shook his hand, and thanked him for taking a lot of weight off my chest. After that Sunday, I started to attend regularly. I attended the annual men's retreat and I was saved there thanks to the words of Tom Harmon. It was truly a life changing experience.
Tell us a little about your family and yourself; where you are from, hobbies, etc
You mentioned that you make some of your own implements for training, please tell us more about that.
I'm from Somonauk, Il. born and raised. My wife Sarah and I have been married for four years. We have three kids Liam is 8, Bella is 4 and Kieran will be 2 very soon. I train solo at my house
Sometimes my kids lift with me. I made them their own kid size implements. I also made all the equipment I train with. I made a log press out of a 5 ft piece of telephone pole I found on the side of the road. It works perfectly. All my dumbbells and bars are made from plumbing pipe from home depot. I made a set of farmers walk implements from pipe and rebar also. Picked up a junk tire from the local john deere dealership and an empty keg from a friend that works at beverage company. I'm always keeping my eye for something free or little cost to pick up.
Tell us about your home church or place of worship?
I attend protestant Bible church. There are a lot of families with kids that attend. The church has a number of programs and clubs for people of all ages to take part in.
What challenges do you see with reaching friends, relatives and others for Christ and/or in discipling them afterwards?
I am pretty new to the Christian faith or any faith for that matter. I talk to people about how it has changed my life and I have invited them to the church. I have only recently started to disciple myself so I don't have a lot of knowledge to share with people.
So, Dennie, you have recently entered a number of Strongman type competitions. How did they go, and what led up to it?
How did you get started in the sport?
I competed at a couple local gyms in 2007 before I found out about the NAS. I placed 3rd in the first one I did and got first in the second one I competed in. My first meet in the NAS was in March of 2008. I placed 3rd, it was a very close comp. I place 3rd in Chicago's strongest man in the SHW class. In July I competed in Illinois strongest man. Everyone qualified for nationals before the meet even started. It was a small comp because there was about six other shows that day. I did Nebraska’s strongest man the following weekend and earned a difficult fourth. That was the best show I've been to to date. The last show of the year was in Manteno, Il. I got fourth at that show as well, but I did set a new state record in the farmer's walk for my weight class.
You train & compete as a heavy or super heavy depending on how it is designated. How much do you typically weigh?
I usually stay above 300 lbs. Rarely will I get below that. The weight class I compete in is 266+, losing weight for a comp really isn't an issue.
Do you feel your being involved in the sport has helped you in any way with other endeavors in life?
Strongman is a big passion of mine, but it really hasn't helped me much in other areas. I think a certain amount of respect and admiration comes with it, but I'm still a father, friend and husband. I just happen to be large and a little insane. I've learned not to underestimate anyone just by competing. Every competitor usually helps each other out. It's almost like an unspoken brotherhood. Few people are even willing to try the sport.
Yes, Dennie,
I’ve found the same in powerlifting competition, the camaraderie is great!
Are there a lot of people interested in Strongman and/or powerlifting in your area?
There are some people about 45 minutes away that train the sport and have a team, but I prefer to train alone. I can concentrate on what I need to do. I think more people are more interested in watching than trying. A lot of people still aren't sure what I do.
Where do you train, and do you have any partners?
I just train the basics. Squat, deadlift, and overhead presses. I train when I can. I haven’t been able to stick to a routine because something always comes up. I train the events once a week or when I find time. This sport is a big part of my life, but family, God, and my job come first. Always!!
I hear that, Dennie!
What are your Training/Competition goals for the future?
In 2009 I plan on doing a lot of the same competitions I did last year. I'm continually trying to improve my self. I want to break some of the SHW records for Illinois. I'm really going to try to win Illinois strongest man again. All I can do is run my meters on red and see what happens.
I’m sure you will do well, God willing.
What kind of Christian music, movies or books do you enjoy?
I used to listen to a lot of heavy metal, so I have become a fan of Skillet. I haven’t learned a lot of bands yet, but I like most music in general. I'm a big movie person. I like pretty much any movie too.
I’m not familiar with Skillet, but I’ll have to check them out.
Favorite verses?
I do have a favorite verse. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Yes, Dennie,
That’s a popular verse among many strength enthusiasts, it seems.
Do you have any Spiritual mentors? (Pastors, Evangelists, Authors, etc.)
Before when I said I started discipling. One of the members of the church volunteered to give me the basics on the bible and Christianity. Other than that everyone at the church feels like an extended family. I know I can discuss almost anything with a number of people at the church.
That’s the way it should be, Dennie; glad to hear that.
Any closing thoughts or comments you wish to share?
I would just like to say thank you for taking time to talk with me and taking an interest. I have never seen a power greater than God and never will. God bless and strong training.
Thanks very much for sharing all of this with us, Dennie.
We will be praying for you and hoping you continue to grow both spiritually and in strength,
Dave, http://Christianiron.com