Post by lovelace on Jun 5, 2006 12:52:18 GMT -5
Can you give us some background information (age, weight, where you are from, what you do for a living and your family situation)?
My name is Mack Branham. I am 75 years old and weigh 218 lbs. I was born in Columbia, SC. I attended and graduated from Clemson University (then Clemson College) in 1953. I attended the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), a graduate school of theology, for one year. At the end of that year, I decided to fulfill my obligation for military service and served as an Army Infantry line officer for several years. Following my army service, I returned to LTSS graduating in 1958. Following graduation and ordination, I served a multiple Lutheran parish in Lexington, SC. In late 1959, I entered the Air Force as a Lutheran Chaplain and served in that role until 1979 when I retired as a Colonel. Inasmuch as I have five academic degrees, including a Ph.D., I was invited to join the administration of my seminary (LTSS). In 1982, I was elected President of the seminary and served until my retirement in 1992. Since that time, I have been involved in church and community activities. I have been a Rotarian since 1980 and have served as president of two clubs and as District Governor of Rotary District 7770 (2004-05). I served four years as a director on the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce and as President in 2000.
My wife, Jennie, and I have been married for over 50 years. We have four children all of whom are married with children. We have eight (8) grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (twins).
When did you get saved and how?
I was raised in a Christian family and have always been involved in Christian activities. My friends were mostly active Christians who were involved in Christian youth groups. While in college, I was President of the Lutheran Students at Clemson University and was much influenced by the campus pastor. It was during that time that I made a decision to become a pastor. As I stated above, I entered the seminary following graduation.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
Powerlifting is just a “hobby,” a way to stay fit—especially at my age. In my late 30’s, I found that I was getting “soft”. So I began to lift weights—mostly a body building routine. I have continued to work out since that time. After I retired some of my friends encourage me to participate in Senior Games. I got involved as a thrower (shot put, discus, and javelin). I continue to do that and have won the state championships in those events for 5 or more years. I have been to 3 national Senior Olympics where I medaled in the discus and shotput and placed in the javelin. I have received USA Track and Field All America honors in shotput, discus, 25 lb. throw, 56 lb throw, the hammer and weight pentathlon.
I entered my first powerlifting meet in 1997 and since that time I have participated in more than 30 meets, including state, national and world championships. I have lifted in WNPF, USPF, USAP, Python League, NPU, ISA, Georgia Games, etc.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
I am a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Keep in mind that I did not lift in competition until I was over 65 years of age. My best lifts are: Squat: 340 lbs, Bench: 295 lbs, Deadlift: 470.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
I have many friends in powerlifting and many colleagues in the ministry. While I admire many people in the field of sports and in the Church, I have not modeled myself after any one individual.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
While in the active workforce, I generally was in the gym very early before work and in the office by 8:30 or 9 a.m. Since retiring, I am spending more time in the gym where I have many friends. I do not see any conflict between powerlifting and living a life for Christ. Powerlifting is just a hobby. Being a Christian is a lifestyle. As Paul stated “For me to live is Christ….to die is gain.”
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I train alone. Some times I work with others in the gym who ask for assistance or who want to work as my partner for a time. I would be pleased to have a partner but I haven’t found anyone in my age group who is as involved as I am. When my sons visit me or I visit them, we go to the gym and train together. My three sons work out on a regular schedule but do not participate in competition.
What organizations do you lift in?
USA Powerlifting, World Natural Powerlifing Federation, Python Powerlifting League (Tee Myers’ group) and, of course, IBP.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Ephesians 2: 8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 1:17 b “The just shall live by faith.”
What is your favorite food?
Chicken, pasta and rice.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex..Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
I suppose one would say that I use a progressive routine. I read lifting routines on line and in Powerlifting USA for ideas. However, I do not follow any particular routine.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
As a theologian, I use so many versions, including consulting the Greek text when I am preparing a message. I read the RSV more regularly than others.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Religious—The Bible. Non-religious—John Grisham’s novels. I enjoyed Tom Bokaw’s The Greatest Generation.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
While serving as a Chaplain in Vietnam (1968-69), I saw God work in the lives of many men as they confronted life and death situations. It was literally “one day at a time.” We had a staging hospital at Cam Rahn Bay. There were as many as 350 to 400 wounded men a day. Generally, they were air evacuated out the next day and another group would arrive.
What is your favorite lift?
The deadlift.
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear?
Bench shirt—Inzer; Lifting suit—Inzer and Titan
What is your favorite religious songs?
“Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound..”; O Lord, my God When I in awesome wonder…”; “A Mighty Fortress is our God..”
Who is your favorite music artist?
I like most music—even country and some opera—but I don’t have “a” favorite artist.
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
I generally participate in the 220 lb class. However, I have lifted in the 190 lb and 242 lb class (just slipped under 190 lb and over the 220 lb line to set the records in the other weight classes).
Python Powerlifting League: National and World Records
WNPF: State Records. Have won World’s 3 times but I don’t hold the records
USA Powerlifting—SC State Records
And, recently—IBP—SC State Records
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
I believe your body is “a temple” therefore you should work to keep it healthy and not damage it by using steroids, etc. I also believe that one should have good stewardship in regard to keeping healthy. We have so many people who are obese. This endangers their health and is poor stewardship of the body we have been given by God.
Who is your favorite apostle and why?
Peter. He is very human and impulsive yet a dedicated leader of the Apostles. He is famous for “putting his foot in his mouth” on numerous occasions.
UPDATE FROM MACK:
Here's an update. After skipping them for two years, I went to the State Games yesterday in Florence, SC and competed in the discus, shotput and javelin. I won these events. I had to go this year in order to qualify for the Senior Olympics next summer. I may not go to the Olympics next year but I wanted to have the option just in case I decided to compete.
My name is Mack Branham. I am 75 years old and weigh 218 lbs. I was born in Columbia, SC. I attended and graduated from Clemson University (then Clemson College) in 1953. I attended the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), a graduate school of theology, for one year. At the end of that year, I decided to fulfill my obligation for military service and served as an Army Infantry line officer for several years. Following my army service, I returned to LTSS graduating in 1958. Following graduation and ordination, I served a multiple Lutheran parish in Lexington, SC. In late 1959, I entered the Air Force as a Lutheran Chaplain and served in that role until 1979 when I retired as a Colonel. Inasmuch as I have five academic degrees, including a Ph.D., I was invited to join the administration of my seminary (LTSS). In 1982, I was elected President of the seminary and served until my retirement in 1992. Since that time, I have been involved in church and community activities. I have been a Rotarian since 1980 and have served as president of two clubs and as District Governor of Rotary District 7770 (2004-05). I served four years as a director on the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce and as President in 2000.
My wife, Jennie, and I have been married for over 50 years. We have four children all of whom are married with children. We have eight (8) grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (twins).
When did you get saved and how?
I was raised in a Christian family and have always been involved in Christian activities. My friends were mostly active Christians who were involved in Christian youth groups. While in college, I was President of the Lutheran Students at Clemson University and was much influenced by the campus pastor. It was during that time that I made a decision to become a pastor. As I stated above, I entered the seminary following graduation.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
Powerlifting is just a “hobby,” a way to stay fit—especially at my age. In my late 30’s, I found that I was getting “soft”. So I began to lift weights—mostly a body building routine. I have continued to work out since that time. After I retired some of my friends encourage me to participate in Senior Games. I got involved as a thrower (shot put, discus, and javelin). I continue to do that and have won the state championships in those events for 5 or more years. I have been to 3 national Senior Olympics where I medaled in the discus and shotput and placed in the javelin. I have received USA Track and Field All America honors in shotput, discus, 25 lb. throw, 56 lb throw, the hammer and weight pentathlon.
I entered my first powerlifting meet in 1997 and since that time I have participated in more than 30 meets, including state, national and world championships. I have lifted in WNPF, USPF, USAP, Python League, NPU, ISA, Georgia Games, etc.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
I am a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Keep in mind that I did not lift in competition until I was over 65 years of age. My best lifts are: Squat: 340 lbs, Bench: 295 lbs, Deadlift: 470.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
I have many friends in powerlifting and many colleagues in the ministry. While I admire many people in the field of sports and in the Church, I have not modeled myself after any one individual.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
While in the active workforce, I generally was in the gym very early before work and in the office by 8:30 or 9 a.m. Since retiring, I am spending more time in the gym where I have many friends. I do not see any conflict between powerlifting and living a life for Christ. Powerlifting is just a hobby. Being a Christian is a lifestyle. As Paul stated “For me to live is Christ….to die is gain.”
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I train alone. Some times I work with others in the gym who ask for assistance or who want to work as my partner for a time. I would be pleased to have a partner but I haven’t found anyone in my age group who is as involved as I am. When my sons visit me or I visit them, we go to the gym and train together. My three sons work out on a regular schedule but do not participate in competition.
What organizations do you lift in?
USA Powerlifting, World Natural Powerlifing Federation, Python Powerlifting League (Tee Myers’ group) and, of course, IBP.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Ephesians 2: 8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 1:17 b “The just shall live by faith.”
What is your favorite food?
Chicken, pasta and rice.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex..Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
I suppose one would say that I use a progressive routine. I read lifting routines on line and in Powerlifting USA for ideas. However, I do not follow any particular routine.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
As a theologian, I use so many versions, including consulting the Greek text when I am preparing a message. I read the RSV more regularly than others.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Religious—The Bible. Non-religious—John Grisham’s novels. I enjoyed Tom Bokaw’s The Greatest Generation.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
While serving as a Chaplain in Vietnam (1968-69), I saw God work in the lives of many men as they confronted life and death situations. It was literally “one day at a time.” We had a staging hospital at Cam Rahn Bay. There were as many as 350 to 400 wounded men a day. Generally, they were air evacuated out the next day and another group would arrive.
What is your favorite lift?
The deadlift.
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear?
Bench shirt—Inzer; Lifting suit—Inzer and Titan
What is your favorite religious songs?
“Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound..”; O Lord, my God When I in awesome wonder…”; “A Mighty Fortress is our God..”
Who is your favorite music artist?
I like most music—even country and some opera—but I don’t have “a” favorite artist.
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
I generally participate in the 220 lb class. However, I have lifted in the 190 lb and 242 lb class (just slipped under 190 lb and over the 220 lb line to set the records in the other weight classes).
Python Powerlifting League: National and World Records
WNPF: State Records. Have won World’s 3 times but I don’t hold the records
USA Powerlifting—SC State Records
And, recently—IBP—SC State Records
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
I believe your body is “a temple” therefore you should work to keep it healthy and not damage it by using steroids, etc. I also believe that one should have good stewardship in regard to keeping healthy. We have so many people who are obese. This endangers their health and is poor stewardship of the body we have been given by God.
Who is your favorite apostle and why?
Peter. He is very human and impulsive yet a dedicated leader of the Apostles. He is famous for “putting his foot in his mouth” on numerous occasions.
UPDATE FROM MACK:
Here's an update. After skipping them for two years, I went to the State Games yesterday in Florence, SC and competed in the discus, shotput and javelin. I won these events. I had to go this year in order to qualify for the Senior Olympics next summer. I may not go to the Olympics next year but I wanted to have the option just in case I decided to compete.
