Post by lovelace on Oct 30, 2006 10:48:25 GMT -5
Can you give us some background information (age, height, weight, where you are from, what you do for a living and your family situation)?
My name is Vince Scelfo. I am 48 yrs. old. I am a little over 5 feet tall and compete at 148. I was born and raised in New Jersey. I live in Michigan. I am remarried to a wonderful woman of God and fantastic watercolor artist, Vickie. We will celebrate 15 years of marriage in September. We have no children together. I have two daughters from my previous marriage. She has three sons from her previous marriage. Two of her sons have blessed us with four granddaughters. I am a chiropractor and will reach 25 years in practice in March.
When did you get saved and how?
This is an interesting story as I was raised Catholic. It was 1994 and we had just moved to a different city. Things had not been going well for us. We weren’t attending any church. However, I would watch Fred Price every Friday evening. I decided to write him this long, lengthy letter about what was going on in my life. One night, one of his pastors actually called me on the phone. We had quite the long talk. It was actually at this time that I received the gift of tongues. Now unbeknownst to me, my wife had received the gift of tongues earlier in the week. But she was afraid to tell me about it until after I had told her my experience. Shortly thereafter, we found a church home and we were baptized later that summer at a church picnic.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
I started competing in powerlifting after I graduated high school in 1975. Marriage, children and career kept me out of competition from 1982-89. I lifted in one meet and then took another long layoff. I returned to the platform two years ago. I am “retired” from other sports.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
We attend a non-denominational Christian church.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Squat:451, Bench:264, Deadlift:352…all done in the 148, 45-49 Master Division. My best ever deadlift is actually 445 done as a 123 back in 1979 at the NJ States.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
Jesus is the only One I look up to as far as religious figures are concerned. In powerlifting, I consider myself “old school” and remember guys like Lamar Gant, Larry Pacifico, Don Reinhoudt, Precious McKenzie, etc. I was friends with Joe Seinfeld and used to train with BP WR holder Mike Sauers while I was in chiropractic school in Georgia. Hard to believe his WR BP was 280 at 114 when you look at the lifts today. I used to write back and forth with Ed White. Today, Brent Mikesell has helped me along the way and I respect a lot of his opinions regarding the sport.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
I believe that they are intertwined with each other. I believe that God has given me the grace and strength to accomplish what I have for His glory and purpose. However, I try to do my training at times that would not interfere with my relationship with my wife. So I usually train in the mornings on my off days so that I can spend evening time with her.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I generally train alone and most of what I do is self learned from reading and studying magazines and other lifters’ logs. That’s the way I’ve always been. I do train boys at a local detention center on a volunteer basis three days a week.
What are the organizations you have you lift in? I lift in AAPF/AWPC. I may try some others down the road, but the rules of performance and gear agree with my basic principles about the sport.
What is your favorite Bible verse? Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
What is your favorite food?
Being Italian…what else? Pasta. In fact my “Indian” name in Boy Scouts was “Little Indian Chief who throws ravioli at the catcher”.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex..Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
My training is really a hybrid of different methodologies that I have adapted to my own specific needs and goals. However, I would say that it is heavily influenced by Westside.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
King James Version when I study or memorize verses. If I just want to read, I use the New American Revised Standard.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Admittedly, I don’t read very much at all. Maybe a book a year, if that much. The last book I read was Joel Osteen’s, Your Best Life Now.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
God has literally walked us through many fires and high waters. There’s simply not enough time to share all his blessings and miracles. But one thing that I consider very exciting is when he gave me the opportunity to work with the boys at the juvenile detention center. Many of the boys are juvenile criminals. Others I work with have been neglected and abused. All of these boys, besides lacking in social skills, have no self confidence. They are quiet and subdued. They do poorly in school. They feel unloved and unwanted. They don’t know what a family is. Last year, I prayed that God would allow me to win the AWPC Worlds and set World Records and use it for His purpose and glory. What an exciting year it has been working with these boys. The transformation in the kids that have partaken in the program is miraculous. Even the teachers remark how more outgoing and more confident the boys are. They’re doing better in school. They smile and laugh more. In truth and as bad as this may sound, I enjoy working with these boys as a volunteer more than I enjoy going to my office and getting paid. I don’t know what God’s plan is regarding this or where it will lead. But when I see the expression on these kids face when they win a state title or break a state record, I just feel so overwhelmed by it all to know that for even just a little while, God has granted me the honor and privilege to play some small part in shaping these boys lives.
What is your favorite lift?
Definitely the squat!
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear or do you compete raw?
I have always used Inzer gear.
What is your favorite religious hymn/song?
I don’t have a favorite song. However, any song that that helps me get into the presence of God is a good song.
Do you have any hobbies outside of powerlifting?
Fly fishing and fly tying. I’m also in a simulated football game league.
Whom is your favorite music artist?
Again, I don’t really have a favorite musical artist. I like specific songs instead. I really enjoy that new country song that talks about if you’re going through hell, just keep moving. Funny how you can sometimes get more hope and encouragement from a three minute song than you can from a 45 minute sermon.
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
I compete in the 148, 45-49 Master Division. I previously held the AWPC squat record and AAPF American records in all lifts. These were all recently just broken. I’ve had many state, regional and Teenage American records when I competed in the 70s.
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
I have always been a drug-free lifter. I guess I could never understand why anyone would want to jeopardize their health for a plastic trophy. In the great scheme of things, powerlifting is really not that important. It’s like what Paul says about everything being dung. I have literally thrown out 99% of the trophies that I won over the years. They were great memories of past accomplishments, but in the big picture of things, my health and what I do with my life is more important.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why?
I found it interesting in reading other interviews that almost everybody chose Peter. I guess we can all relate to his battles of faith. But as I got to thinking about this, a few verses came to my mind about Paul. He was beaten, scourged, shipwrecked, jailed, and who knows what else, yet he persisted in his mission to preach the gospel. In my own life, I have been beaten down in many areas as well, but I still find myself getting up every morning to fulfill whatever purpose God has for me that day.
Do you have any final comments?
I just want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to share with you. I believe that God is beginning to give me more opportunities to be a blessing and encouragement to others.
My name is Vince Scelfo. I am 48 yrs. old. I am a little over 5 feet tall and compete at 148. I was born and raised in New Jersey. I live in Michigan. I am remarried to a wonderful woman of God and fantastic watercolor artist, Vickie. We will celebrate 15 years of marriage in September. We have no children together. I have two daughters from my previous marriage. She has three sons from her previous marriage. Two of her sons have blessed us with four granddaughters. I am a chiropractor and will reach 25 years in practice in March.
When did you get saved and how?
This is an interesting story as I was raised Catholic. It was 1994 and we had just moved to a different city. Things had not been going well for us. We weren’t attending any church. However, I would watch Fred Price every Friday evening. I decided to write him this long, lengthy letter about what was going on in my life. One night, one of his pastors actually called me on the phone. We had quite the long talk. It was actually at this time that I received the gift of tongues. Now unbeknownst to me, my wife had received the gift of tongues earlier in the week. But she was afraid to tell me about it until after I had told her my experience. Shortly thereafter, we found a church home and we were baptized later that summer at a church picnic.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
I started competing in powerlifting after I graduated high school in 1975. Marriage, children and career kept me out of competition from 1982-89. I lifted in one meet and then took another long layoff. I returned to the platform two years ago. I am “retired” from other sports.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
We attend a non-denominational Christian church.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Squat:451, Bench:264, Deadlift:352…all done in the 148, 45-49 Master Division. My best ever deadlift is actually 445 done as a 123 back in 1979 at the NJ States.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
Jesus is the only One I look up to as far as religious figures are concerned. In powerlifting, I consider myself “old school” and remember guys like Lamar Gant, Larry Pacifico, Don Reinhoudt, Precious McKenzie, etc. I was friends with Joe Seinfeld and used to train with BP WR holder Mike Sauers while I was in chiropractic school in Georgia. Hard to believe his WR BP was 280 at 114 when you look at the lifts today. I used to write back and forth with Ed White. Today, Brent Mikesell has helped me along the way and I respect a lot of his opinions regarding the sport.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
I believe that they are intertwined with each other. I believe that God has given me the grace and strength to accomplish what I have for His glory and purpose. However, I try to do my training at times that would not interfere with my relationship with my wife. So I usually train in the mornings on my off days so that I can spend evening time with her.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I generally train alone and most of what I do is self learned from reading and studying magazines and other lifters’ logs. That’s the way I’ve always been. I do train boys at a local detention center on a volunteer basis three days a week.
What are the organizations you have you lift in? I lift in AAPF/AWPC. I may try some others down the road, but the rules of performance and gear agree with my basic principles about the sport.
What is your favorite Bible verse? Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
What is your favorite food?
Being Italian…what else? Pasta. In fact my “Indian” name in Boy Scouts was “Little Indian Chief who throws ravioli at the catcher”.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex..Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
My training is really a hybrid of different methodologies that I have adapted to my own specific needs and goals. However, I would say that it is heavily influenced by Westside.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
King James Version when I study or memorize verses. If I just want to read, I use the New American Revised Standard.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Admittedly, I don’t read very much at all. Maybe a book a year, if that much. The last book I read was Joel Osteen’s, Your Best Life Now.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
God has literally walked us through many fires and high waters. There’s simply not enough time to share all his blessings and miracles. But one thing that I consider very exciting is when he gave me the opportunity to work with the boys at the juvenile detention center. Many of the boys are juvenile criminals. Others I work with have been neglected and abused. All of these boys, besides lacking in social skills, have no self confidence. They are quiet and subdued. They do poorly in school. They feel unloved and unwanted. They don’t know what a family is. Last year, I prayed that God would allow me to win the AWPC Worlds and set World Records and use it for His purpose and glory. What an exciting year it has been working with these boys. The transformation in the kids that have partaken in the program is miraculous. Even the teachers remark how more outgoing and more confident the boys are. They’re doing better in school. They smile and laugh more. In truth and as bad as this may sound, I enjoy working with these boys as a volunteer more than I enjoy going to my office and getting paid. I don’t know what God’s plan is regarding this or where it will lead. But when I see the expression on these kids face when they win a state title or break a state record, I just feel so overwhelmed by it all to know that for even just a little while, God has granted me the honor and privilege to play some small part in shaping these boys lives.
What is your favorite lift?
Definitely the squat!
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear or do you compete raw?
I have always used Inzer gear.
What is your favorite religious hymn/song?
I don’t have a favorite song. However, any song that that helps me get into the presence of God is a good song.
Do you have any hobbies outside of powerlifting?
Fly fishing and fly tying. I’m also in a simulated football game league.
Whom is your favorite music artist?
Again, I don’t really have a favorite musical artist. I like specific songs instead. I really enjoy that new country song that talks about if you’re going through hell, just keep moving. Funny how you can sometimes get more hope and encouragement from a three minute song than you can from a 45 minute sermon.
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
I compete in the 148, 45-49 Master Division. I previously held the AWPC squat record and AAPF American records in all lifts. These were all recently just broken. I’ve had many state, regional and Teenage American records when I competed in the 70s.
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
I have always been a drug-free lifter. I guess I could never understand why anyone would want to jeopardize their health for a plastic trophy. In the great scheme of things, powerlifting is really not that important. It’s like what Paul says about everything being dung. I have literally thrown out 99% of the trophies that I won over the years. They were great memories of past accomplishments, but in the big picture of things, my health and what I do with my life is more important.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why?
I found it interesting in reading other interviews that almost everybody chose Peter. I guess we can all relate to his battles of faith. But as I got to thinking about this, a few verses came to my mind about Paul. He was beaten, scourged, shipwrecked, jailed, and who knows what else, yet he persisted in his mission to preach the gospel. In my own life, I have been beaten down in many areas as well, but I still find myself getting up every morning to fulfill whatever purpose God has for me that day.
Do you have any final comments?
I just want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to share with you. I believe that God is beginning to give me more opportunities to be a blessing and encouragement to others.
. I choose the name Zacchaeus because i'm also short, 5' 3", but weigh considerably more then you, 205 lbs. With the lords help i've been able to put up some decent numbers and also my good friends Marvin, Miguel, Matt and Horace who I train with occasionally help me out greatly. If the weather holds I will be there Jan.17 to help out. Take care and god bless you and your family.