When did you decide to start lifting weights? Was there any particular reason for starting?
Chris: I started lifting weights at my first duty station when I was in the Air Force. I was stationed at Tinker Afb.
My supervisor was a lifter…so I don’t think I had a choice. Seriously I started lifting to simply get stronger and I wanted to gain weight. I was 135 pounds when I started training. Fast forward, and I soon was overseas and trained with a powerlifter and bodybuilder. I liked bodybuilding, but I leaned toward powerlifting. Being strong was more fun to me, less stressful, and tbh I couldn’t see myself in the man panties.
At what point did you find out about NASA Powerlifting and when was your first NASA competition?
Chris: As the years went by, I had been training as a powerlifter but haven’t competed yet. I was encouraged to enter a competition by my training partner. After visiting AAU meets at the time nothing clicked, something was missing. Strong competitors, but my experience wasn’t good. I get the intensity, egos etc., but my gut told me this wasn’t where i need to be. Eventually I was looking through Powerlifting USA magazines and came across NASA, and saw the organization was out of Noble.
Though didn’t pay attention to the dates of the meet. One day I was driving down Meridian, and just as I passed the Biltmore I thought I saw Welcome NASA on the board…turns out there was a meet that weekend. I’m not 100% sure, but I believe it was the World cup I visited to simply watch. I walked around just watching…I met quite a few competitors, but Tom Manno, and Dave Oyler by far were the biggest competitors i have ever seen at the time. What really made me choose NASA was the fact that not one person I met refused to talk to me. Everyone was very friendly, and a few thought I was competing. It certainly was a great experience. So, I felt NASA was the organization I wanted to be in. I’m a believer if an organization is great it comes from the top. I was convinced at the time Rich Peters was the source of this………so I thought (just kidding) My first competition was the first Unequipped Nationals meet as a 198er.
What are some of your earliest memories from competing in NASA Powerlifting about the staff, fellow lifters and the competition itself from your lifting and perspective?
Chris: One of my earliest memories: I maybe had competed in 3 meets,and asked how can I help. I simply was told to show up at the hotel for load in. I met Tad…he was a teenager though not sure how old.
Either way it set me on my journey as a setup, spotting and loading guy. Haven’t stopped yet…love this stuff. Long days, but still fun to me. Don’t let the sweat and beat up look fool ya…I’m actually okay on the platform. I’d say meeting all the really great people past and present in NASA through the years are very cherished memories. I’m proud to have so many brothers and sisters in Iron in multiple states I travel to with Rich and Tad. NASA is family to me. I responded like this because there are so many memories, so many great times.
What are your best lifts in competition, at what age and bodyweight?
Chris: 562 squat, 380 bench and a ” poverty” deadlift of 529…all unequipped. I do not remember my age exactly for each lift, I estimate I was in my 40’s then.
What records and/or awards have you received from NASA Powerlifting in terms of State and/or National Records and maybe awards from the national awards banquet?
Chris: Well, I once held ok state records in UE powerlifting, briefly a bench world record way back when NASA had world records. Honestly, I don’t keep up with records because I forget to check when I actually do compete.
As for awards…hmmm…so many through the years in my division from sub master 2 masters 1, masters 2…
A few jackass awards, but my most cherished is the “A” Team Spotter loader award recipient along with several really great men I’ve had the pleasure working with through the years, Hall of Fame Inductee 2016, and Athlete of the Year 2019.
Being part of a really great group of men and women is such an honor. It’s humbling to be part of a very special group in the NASA organization.
What type of music and/or bands do you enjoy listening to while training or at the competitions?
Chris: During training to old school rap, house music, freestyle, salsa, reggaeton, go go, some metal. I have a lot of playlist, and also listen to Rock the bells Mixdown channel. Tbh It all depends on my mood on training days.
At competition I just listen to what Tad plays, and listen to the sounds of the meet. Adrenaline gets going as I simply observe my surroundings at the meet.
Are there any goals you have in mind for the future that you still want to achieve in the sport of powerlifting?
Chris: One goal is to squat 601 by the time I turn 60…I’m 2 years out. I had it on my back years ago in a meet but failed. Guess I’d actually have to compete consistently to get there. I’m just staying patient. As for bench…I’ll be happy to bench an unequipped 380 again or get that 402 as well. Currently I’m using a bench rocket mod 5 from Inzer (on loan from Rich)
I hope to equip bench 380 to 402 or better soon. I’m training and learning how to bench in the shirt. Deadlifts…well at this point I’ll take anything over 500. Though I may shock myself…just have to execute and actually pull the damn weight I know I’m capable of (what Rich calls for me)
What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of going to the gym and training?
Chris: There are other hobbies outside of the gym and training? I actually like to read, listen to music, cook, write, occasionally draw, and I’m not sure if it qualifies as a hobby…eat
What inspires you to continue training and lifting weights moving forwards into the future?
Chris: What inspires me to continue are seeing the veterans of the sport returning or still competing. Guess I’m one of the ” old” guys now.
My love for powerlifting, training and slinging iron as a loader also keep me going. It keeps me in fairly good shape as a spotter/loader. I’m very thankful I am able to move the kind of weights I do whether training, competing, and spotting/ loading meets throughout the year.
What advice could you give to any novice lifters out there who are just starting to compete and train for weightlifting and powerlifting?
Chris: My advice is to be very patient, stay away from PEDs or “gear” as they say now, find a good program to try, listen to your experienced coach if you have one. It’s okay to go after a record, but as a novice just get a total then build on it. If you fail, it’s okay. Learn from the mistakes. In my opinion chasing numbers as a novice can lead to disappointment.
Train smart, and personally my opinion don’t follow these fad programs (there’s alot out there) I’m old school…there’s not a quick way to get stronger. Just work your ass off, GOOD FORM, lots of rest, eat, hydrate, know your limits, train with intent, goals, do not go heavy every week, but above all have FUN. This is a hobby.
Thanks to Chris for taking time out of his day to talk to us about powerlifting! You’ll probably be seeing him soon at your next NASA meet!