When did you decide to start lifting weights? Was there any particular reason for starting?
Sammy: I started lifting weights when I was in junior high for football. I had done some things around the house prior to that but that’s when I started consistently.
At what point did you find out about NASA Powerlifting and when was your first NASA competition?
Sammy: When I was a junior in high school I started training with John Cooper in the spring for football. He competed in NASA and told me he would take me if I ever wanted to compete. By fall of my senior year we got up the morning after one of my football games and drove to Ravenswood and I competed in my first meet.
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?
Sammy: I remember (and still am friends with) Greg Vanhoose being so helpful running and hosting all the meets I did early on. Jim Adkins, Warren McCommas, Gary Combs, and Kent Burgess all lifting impressive weights and being willing to teach me things when I asked. Lifting in meets with JT Hall and seeing him in powerlifting USA. Helping spot for the first time in a meet and it being for Andy Shields hitting a 700lb bench press. Bo Casto always talking to me and offering to help, and only knowing Larry Donahue for the longest time as the nickname “red light.”
What are your best lifts in competition, at what age and bodyweight?
Sammy: I’ve squatted 804 and benched 622 at 288lbs at 39 years old, I pulled a deadlift PR that same meet as well at 650 for my first perfect meet, but went on to pull 667 a year or two later. The year of my perfect meet in 2020 I had the 8th best total in the world for 308 single ply on open powerlifting (regardless of tested or not).
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?
Sammy: I still hold the 242 INT push/pull National record, 308 SM2 and SMP push/pull national records, 308 open full power national records in all categories and national record for full meet bench for SM pure 308 class (all single ply category). I’ve won WV lifter of the year 2010, a NASA hall of fame member, NASA overall athlete of the year/lifetime achievement award winner, powerlifter of the year, push/pull lifter of the year, bench press athlete of the year, and runner up in multiple categories multiple times. I also hold a multitude of WV state records.
What type of music and/or bands do you enjoy listening to while training or at the competitions?
Sammy: I have a broad range of things I listen to depending on my mood. From rap like Snoop, Dr Dre, Eminem, to rock like AC/DC, Godsmack, Rob zombie, to maybe just the Rocky soundtrack. lol
Are there any goals you have in mind for the future that you still want to achieve in the sport of powerlifting?
Sammy: Well I guess you could say I’m semi retired. I competed this year on a whim to prove a point to some of my athletes that thought they were just “too busy”. I still plan to host meets and help other lifters but something would have to change substantially both mentally and in my schedule of working full time in physical therapy and a second full time job training athletes at my business (Iron Saints Athletic Systems) for me to pursue the kind of numbers I’d want to do. Right now I’m focused on training my athletes and helping them be successful.
What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of going to the gym and training?
Sammy: I love to turkey and deer hunt, fishing, and would like to travel and spend some more time with friends if life will allow it.
What inspires you to continue training and lifting weights moving forwards into the future?
Sammy: It’s something I’ve done so long now it’s engrained in my routine. I don’t want to lose what I’ve worked so hard for and on top of that working in physical therapy you see what kind of problems come from a debilitated body. I also enjoy being able to actually show all my athletes the things I want them to do. I want to keep as much of my physical ability as long as I possibly can.
What advice could you give to any novice lifters out there who are just starting to compete and train for weightlifting and powerlifting?
Sammy: Find someone who has real experience and knowledge to help you. Not someone who’s done one or two meets but who’s stood the test of time and has helped other people achieve great things as well. Listen to them and learn as much as you can and be PATIENT. Consistency for most people is what will make you strong. Everyone wants quick progress but after a while those beginner gains fall off and it becomes a task of learning what you need at each stage as you get stronger. Time will pass either way but you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you stop.
Thanks to Sammy for taking some time out to talk with us a little bit about powerlifting!