What is your name and where are you from?
Dan Black- Raised initially in Quanah, TX – Graduated from Enid High School (OK) and live in Yukon, OK.
When did you start powerlifting and was there a reason for it?
Started training in 1983, however didn’t actually compete until March of 1985. My whole life I’ve had this nasty, feisty competitive side and wanted to big and stronger as I was weighing about 135 pounds at the time. A gentleman by the name of Bob Minor advised and coached me at my first meet. Not sure if he hadn’t have come around when he did that I would have made to that first event.
What are some of your best lifting accomplishments so far?
My lifting days have long past me by, however I was probably the strongest in 1992 (534 SQ, 292 BP, 501 DL, 1300 Total @148). Most proud of the 501 squat in 2009 at 48 years old, the last time I was on the platform. The 2003 Masters Nationals in Arizona in which I was able to lift with my friend Terry Perkins for the first time and coached by NASA Hall of Famer, the Legendary Bill Shackelford is the most enjoyable as lifter.
What are some lifting goals that you have set for the future?
All of my attention (lifting) is spent in coaching and developing anyone is willing to listen and put the effort in to improve. A tremendous amount of wise people have been placed into my life and is a true indication of God’s grace. At the very least I can do is pass that grace and wisdom on to others.
What kind of training program do you follow?
The training methods I use are fairly simple, yet difficult for some lifters to accept and follow. For powerlifting, we do it all in one day. Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift—think about it, sound like a meet? Also, no long dragged out training cycles, generally around 12 weeks, absolutely NO doubles and singles…again NO doubles and singles. Limited about of triples and no reps less than 5 for BP. I know, those out there who truly believe and have to “feel the weight” is all about your ego. Think about…how many times have you heard lifters cry about missing at weight at the meet that claimed they did in the gym a week or two earlier. You have to accept that once your body goes catabolic, the likelihood of reversing the chemical process naturally isn’t in your favor and will may end up with a disappointing outcome come meet time. I know it isn’t full proof, and accept it may not work for everyone perhaps—-you can always looks at the meet results of our lifters.
How long have you been involved with NASA Powerlifting?
Over 33 years.
Can you recall your first NASA powerlifting competition?
Yep, March 9, 1985 Oklahoma State Powerlifting Championship, Bartlesville, OK.
If you could lift against anybody else heads up in NASA who would it be?
I would prefer coaching match up against Rich Peters & Mike Licciardi, my coaching mentors.
What are some of your favorite moments from being at NASA meets?
There are so many—The time over last 33 years meeting the most enduring people, traveling, lifting, coaching, and learning from an amazing journey. To be able to pass some of the experiences on the Team Black Mentorship Powerlifting TEAM, in which we were able to win the TEAM Trophy at the 2015 NASA World Cup. Seeing those lifters have the successes and the accomplishments that they proud of.
When can we expect to see you step on the platform again?
As a lifter, doubtful that will happen, besides having a small part of watching someone else exceed their own expectations, far surpasses anything I could ever do or have done as lifter.
Is there anything else you’d like to let the NASA Powerlifting world know?
I would like to thank my NASA family and tell them how much I love them. Powerlifting has been so good to me. “If you are not making someone else’s life better, you are wasting your time.”