Of course it wouldn't be a trip if my flight wasn't fucked with in some way. We flew out on Wednesday for Vegas and our connection flight in Denver was missed because of thunderstorms. So we had to catch a flight to San Fran and then catch another to Vegas. We got to our hotel room in Vegas at about 3am, about 8 hours after we were supposed to be there.

I have never done a full meet in the USPA so there are a few rules I was not aware of, one major rule relating to underwear! You need to wear little whitey tighties. Now because I am a grown man, I do not own a pair of this style underwear. Luckily there was a guy at weigh ins at the same time that had to run to the store to get some for himself. He was kind enough to give me a pair, fresh out the pack mind you lol.

This was arguably the best meet of my life. I chose the USPA because the rules and regulations are more strictly enforced and I like what they stand for. I knew this would be a challenge, mainly walking squat out and lifting in single ply. I was unsure how I would do under the new conditions but I actually ended up with a 9 for 9 day hitting PR's on all lifts and a lifetime PR on Deathlift. Thank you Steve Denison for giving me the opportunity.

-First place in my weight class
-Tied for second overall by formula
-Biggest squat
-Biggest total
-Tied for biggest Deathlift

Squats
-800ish
-850ish
-903lbs PR
*My last squat I stumbled both forwards and backwards. I was so disappointed because I put a lot of work into my walkout and making it rock solid. My first two attempts went off without a hitch. On my third attempt, from a combination of bar whip and stage bounce, I fell forwards and them fell backwards. I was able to finally catch myself and get set. I hit it pretty smooth considering I wasted so much energy on the set up. I attribute this entirely to all the extra work I did on my hip and core strength.

Bench
-500ish
-550ish
-601lbs PR
*Bench was more or less auto pilot. I played it safe to get my total

Deathlift
-733ish
-804
-826 Lifetime PR regardless of ply or bodyweight

*Another huge success I attribute entirely to all the extra hip and core movements Shane Sweatt had me start doing. I actually missed my last warm up in the back so I was kinda freaking out inside when I hit the platform for attempt one. I hit it very hesitant and both Nate and Kathy told me to quit fucking this up and pull like me. Second and third attempts I pulled like myself and owned the stage woble that kicked my ass last year. My lockout was solid and I had much more in the tank.

My goal was to just get through the meet and total 2300lbs. My friend Casey Williams, you might know him from Elitefts, and I had some friendly bantar going because he just recently competed single ply and hit 2300. I knew I needed to beat that, but I did weigh about 60lbs more than him lol, so he technically wins.

I could not have asked for a better support system both leading up to the O, and while at the O. There was about 9 people from Fargo that came to watch me and they had special shirts made up that had a picture of me on it. I don't cry, but if I was a crier I believe I would have after seeing that. It meant the world to me!

I could not have gotten through the day without my wife Kathy and my good friend Nate. They both handled me all day long and took care of anything I needed above and beyond! Its because of them I succeeded.

I cannot thank my Sponsors enough for their amazing support making this whole process possible for me
-Elitefts
-Nubreed Nutrition
-Metroflex Gym Fargo
-EHOP(my gym and my teammates)
-Natural Health and Chiropractic

Thank you especially to my wife Kathy, its because of her I have the time to prep for meets. With a one year that also comes to the gym with us, Kathy took a bigger role in keeping an eye on her while I stay focused on my training. I love you Kathy.

Thank you to Kathy, Nate, Tyler, Brandon, Stephanie, Casey, John, and Kayla for being some a strong support system that day.