Post by lovelace on Dec 16, 2007 21:08:12 GMT -5
We would like to thank William for taking the time out to share his passion with us. Also a special thanks to Tom Isbell for getting this for us.
Thank you once again WIlliam!
Interview below:
Can you give us some background information (age, weight, where you are from, what you do for a living and your family situation)?
• I am 27
• I have competed in the 165 and 181 classes but plan to stay in 181
• I am from Liberty, SC
• I am an accountant
• I am currently single
When did you get saved and how?
I got saved when I was 11 years old. I had just started attending a new church for about two months. One Sunday, I felt the Lord speak to my heart and I accepted Jesus as my savior. It was a very powerful experience that I can still recall vividly…also the best decision I have ever made.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
I have been competing in powerlifting for a little over two years. In the past year, I have also begun bodybuilding and I plan to compete in strongman competitions also.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
I am a member of the Wesleyan Church.
What are your best lifts in competition?
I started as a bencher and my competition best is 320 raw in the 181 class. This past year, I began doing the other lifts as well and I have squatted 360 and deadlifted 435 and curled 150. My deadlift has increased significantly since my last competition and I estimate that my current max is probably closer to 475 at the moment.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
I think it would probably take a couple of pages to list all the people who have influenced me and helped me to grow spiritually, so I’m not going to try. However, I will say that the Lord has richly blessed my life with so many great people who have been counselors and advisors in good and bad times. I would not be the person I am without the people in my life…they are truly a blessing…you all know who you are and I love you very much!
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
I don’t have to balance being a Christian with any aspects of my life. I am a child of God first and foremost and all else is secondary to that fact. The Lord has blessed me with success in powerlifting. I think this is because I have given that area of my life over to him…as I have tried to do with all aspects of my life.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
Both. I think when a person train someone else, he/she invariably learns from the experience, so regardless of how much a person knows, there is always something to learn from a new lifter. I have thoroughly enjoyed training people – it is highly rewarding and has made me a better lifter.
What organizations do you lift in?
I have lifted in IBP, APA, USAPL and AAU, but primarily in IBP and AAU. I have competed in SNBF and INBF bodybuilding contests as well and plan to continue with these organizations.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Well, I think they all need to be read and are relevant, there are two that stick out for me “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and “My grace is sufficient for you” I like them both because they both indicate that our Lord has power over all situations we could ever face in our lives, and it we find ourselves in times of need, his grace is enough to get us through.
What is your favorite food?
Italian, no question about it!
What kind of workout do you currently use?
I always try to change up workouts. I train for powerlifting specifically about two months out from a meet; the rest of the year I do a lot of bodybuilding training. Generally I’ll do failure sets and that sort of thing, that way I don’t have to lift as heavy all year. However, I do deadlift heavy all the time but with less frequency than other lifts. My workout style would best be categorized as progressive.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
I have an NIV Study bible that I got when I was in college. I like it because it gives you a lot of background and there is a short section at the beginning of each book that tells you the background of that particular book, chronology, etc…it’s really cool.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Too many to list – I probably read too much
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
Recently my girlfriend had a severe ear infection and waited too long to go to the doctor. By the time she got there, the doctor said that she would likely lose her hearing in that ear because of the severity of the damage; she was pretty upset about it. When she went to church that Wednesday, they anointed her and asked the Lord to heal her if it was in his will. During the prayer, she described a popping sensation in the ear and by the end of the service, she had recovered most of her hearing, by the next day, she could hear normally again out of that ear…it was really cool!
What is your favorite lift?
This changes but at the moment I would say the deadlift (because that is the one that is working best for me at the moment) but the curl and bench
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear?
No equipment…Lift raw or don’t lift.
What is your favorite religious song?
That’s hard, probably Old Rugged Cross, but there are so many others that I like also.
Who is your favorite music artist?
Phil Collins (inside joke)
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
I have competed in the 165 and 181 weight classes; however I am primarily a 181. I have won 3 AAU World Championships and a National Championship. I have AAU State, regional and National records and I have numerous IBP state and regional records.
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
I believe they can be dangerous and are illegal when used for non-prescription reasons such as to improve athletic performance, for these reasons, I am not in favor of steroid use. As a Christian, I believe that we should adhere to the laws of our country, and since they are illegal for use, I have moral objections.
Additionally, I think there is still a lack of sufficient evidence to determine the full effects of long-term use, but from what we know, the risks are high and the rewards are not worth it.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why
Probably have to go with Paul because he was arguably the most influential Apostle.
Do you have any final comments?
Thank s and God Bless!
Thank you once again WIlliam!
Interview below:
Can you give us some background information (age, weight, where you are from, what you do for a living and your family situation)?
• I am 27
• I have competed in the 165 and 181 classes but plan to stay in 181
• I am from Liberty, SC
• I am an accountant
• I am currently single
When did you get saved and how?
I got saved when I was 11 years old. I had just started attending a new church for about two months. One Sunday, I felt the Lord speak to my heart and I accepted Jesus as my savior. It was a very powerful experience that I can still recall vividly…also the best decision I have ever made.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
I have been competing in powerlifting for a little over two years. In the past year, I have also begun bodybuilding and I plan to compete in strongman competitions also.
What denomination of Church do you attend?
I am a member of the Wesleyan Church.
What are your best lifts in competition?
I started as a bencher and my competition best is 320 raw in the 181 class. This past year, I began doing the other lifts as well and I have squatted 360 and deadlifted 435 and curled 150. My deadlift has increased significantly since my last competition and I estimate that my current max is probably closer to 475 at the moment.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting?
I think it would probably take a couple of pages to list all the people who have influenced me and helped me to grow spiritually, so I’m not going to try. However, I will say that the Lord has richly blessed my life with so many great people who have been counselors and advisors in good and bad times. I would not be the person I am without the people in my life…they are truly a blessing…you all know who you are and I love you very much!
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
I don’t have to balance being a Christian with any aspects of my life. I am a child of God first and foremost and all else is secondary to that fact. The Lord has blessed me with success in powerlifting. I think this is because I have given that area of my life over to him…as I have tried to do with all aspects of my life.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
Both. I think when a person train someone else, he/she invariably learns from the experience, so regardless of how much a person knows, there is always something to learn from a new lifter. I have thoroughly enjoyed training people – it is highly rewarding and has made me a better lifter.
What organizations do you lift in?
I have lifted in IBP, APA, USAPL and AAU, but primarily in IBP and AAU. I have competed in SNBF and INBF bodybuilding contests as well and plan to continue with these organizations.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Well, I think they all need to be read and are relevant, there are two that stick out for me “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and “My grace is sufficient for you” I like them both because they both indicate that our Lord has power over all situations we could ever face in our lives, and it we find ourselves in times of need, his grace is enough to get us through.
What is your favorite food?
Italian, no question about it!
What kind of workout do you currently use?
I always try to change up workouts. I train for powerlifting specifically about two months out from a meet; the rest of the year I do a lot of bodybuilding training. Generally I’ll do failure sets and that sort of thing, that way I don’t have to lift as heavy all year. However, I do deadlift heavy all the time but with less frequency than other lifts. My workout style would best be categorized as progressive.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
I have an NIV Study bible that I got when I was in college. I like it because it gives you a lot of background and there is a short section at the beginning of each book that tells you the background of that particular book, chronology, etc…it’s really cool.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Too many to list – I probably read too much
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
Recently my girlfriend had a severe ear infection and waited too long to go to the doctor. By the time she got there, the doctor said that she would likely lose her hearing in that ear because of the severity of the damage; she was pretty upset about it. When she went to church that Wednesday, they anointed her and asked the Lord to heal her if it was in his will. During the prayer, she described a popping sensation in the ear and by the end of the service, she had recovered most of her hearing, by the next day, she could hear normally again out of that ear…it was really cool!
What is your favorite lift?
This changes but at the moment I would say the deadlift (because that is the one that is working best for me at the moment) but the curl and bench
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear?
No equipment…Lift raw or don’t lift.
What is your favorite religious song?
That’s hard, probably Old Rugged Cross, but there are so many others that I like also.
Who is your favorite music artist?
Phil Collins (inside joke)
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
I have competed in the 165 and 181 weight classes; however I am primarily a 181. I have won 3 AAU World Championships and a National Championship. I have AAU State, regional and National records and I have numerous IBP state and regional records.
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
I believe they can be dangerous and are illegal when used for non-prescription reasons such as to improve athletic performance, for these reasons, I am not in favor of steroid use. As a Christian, I believe that we should adhere to the laws of our country, and since they are illegal for use, I have moral objections.
Additionally, I think there is still a lack of sufficient evidence to determine the full effects of long-term use, but from what we know, the risks are high and the rewards are not worth it.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why
Probably have to go with Paul because he was arguably the most influential Apostle.
Do you have any final comments?
Thank s and God Bless!
