First, I have to express some gratitude to Dave Tate and his team at elitefts. I am honored to have the opportunity to write for the company and contribute to the team.
Elitefts has been a part of powerlifting for me since my start in 2004. The very first programs that I found were here. The first people that really helped me at meets were team members here. The first powerlifting gym I trained at, a place I desperately needed at the time (a story for another time), was co-owned by former team member Chris Mason. My first coach and subsequently long time mentor was another former team member, Brian Carroll. I found him because of a recommendation from other elitefts team members.
So you see, elitefts has been a part of powerlifting for me since I got started. I wouldn't have found the people I did, experienced the success the have, or learned anywhere near as much as I have without it. I am humbled to be considered qualified enough to contribute back to it. Thank you!
Some Background
Powerlifting
- Raw from 2004-2016. Totaled 2000+ at 242 a couple times. Benched 500 raw a few times in the same weight class.
- Multi-ply 2016-2018. Totaled 2400 at 242 and 2305 at 220.
- Late 2018-Present: Back to raw, lifting at 198.
Personal
- Midwest guy, originally from east central Illinois
- Nerd with an engineering degree from Rose-Hulman in Terre Haute, IN
- Married to my beautiful wife Chelsea since March 2015
Professional
- Medical device product development project manager
- Working on a business degree and interested in corporate strategy and business development
Immediate Plans
After a brief hiatus, I plan to compete in the USPA Nationals lifting raw with wraps at 198. This will be only the second time walking out competitive squats and 3rd time in the 198 class. I spent much of 2018 losing weight and building a better body.
So far, training is going very well. Several weeks ago I started working with Casey Williams on my programming. I had been obsessing with doing it myself and wanted someone else to take over. It's been a good change of pace and nice to not have to think so much about it. Casey is a good coach; smart and to the point.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully this is good timing for me to get my log started up, right at the beginning of a contest prep. Should be a fun ride through the end of June!
