After this weekend’s conclusion of the EliteFTS Powerlifting Experience II I wanted to take the time to reflect on a few things that really hit home for me. As an intern with EliteFTS and also a newbie in the powerlifting sport my mind was literally a sponge, soaking up the knowledge from EliteFTS legends such as Steve Goggins, Clint Darden, Casey Williams, Brandon Smitley and many other Elite FTS team members who helped coach the participants during the weekend’s events.
The first thing I would like to reflect on is how important Technique is. At the end of the Powerlifting Experience a total of 166 PR’s were set. Based off that number only proves that what the coaches were teaching and showing to the participants were applied to their lifts making them stronger than they ever imagined. You can be just an absolute stud in the gym due to brute strength with not very good technique, however it’s the lifters with not as much brute strength, but with good technique that will make them surpass the stronger lifters.
The second takeaway from the Powerlifting Experience was how family oriented Elite FTS is. At EliteFTS we have team members from all parts of the country and some even originating from other parts of the world, but when brought together you would have thought we were all brought up in the same household. There is such a brotherhood and code to uphold one that I have never seen or been a part of before.
The third and final takeaway from the Powerlifting Experience was Clint Darden’s closing speech at the end of Saturday’s event. Clint’s words were beyond moving and were stronger than any powerlifter in attendance at the compound that day. In short Clint’s speech was about filling your own lunchbox and being accountable for what you’re putting in your lunchbox. Only you can determine what goes in that lunchbox no one else. If you don’t like what is in your lunchbox simply change the contents. The lunch box represents life and as we all know Clint is battling cancer yet his lunch box has never been fuller. That speech has motivated me to always be accountable for what is in my lunch box and to live a life full of good things and good people.
This weekend was a lot more than just throwing weight around and setting PR’s this weekend. It was about EliteFTS teaching, learning and giving back to the sport that has gave so much to us. Not only did most of the participants walk away with a PR, more importantly they walked away with self-confidence and self-respect in themselves knowing that they can accomplish anything they want to achieve and fill that lunch box till it’s full. That was EliteFTS mission and by the power of iron that mission was firmly accomplished.
Codi Casper is from Carrollton, Ohio. He recently graduated from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in Applied Journalism while playing strong safety on RMU's football team. New to the powerlifting circuit, he placed 3rd in his first ever meet this past April. He competes in a full meet this August at Lexen Extreme.