Hey everyone! We want to give our athletes the chance to shine & show themselves off! So below we have some answers to the questions you have been asking yourself about them.

Athlete: Brandon Dudley

Weight Class/Rank: 105kg Jr (2021 usapl jr National champion)

Occupation: Coach / Personal trainer

Why did you start competing & how long have you been competing?

After finishing my D1 baseball career my friends basically bullied me into powerlifting haha. I've been competing for almost a year & a half

What is your proudest moment in your sport?

Being able to compete in front of my dad at my first USAPL meet & see the smile on his face watching me compete

What's your go to meal?

Can’t go wrong with some shrimp & grits, if it’s on the menu at a restaurant I’m 98% going to get it

What do you like to do outside of the gym?

I longboard, love to dance, watch anime, & write & educate

What’s something about you that not many people know?

That I’m a huge nerd. Growing up I was in chess club & drama & only started playing sports to make friends because I didn’t have any at my school.

What are some of your favorite anime?

• One Piece
• Ace of diamond
• Food wars
• Tokyo Revengers
• Hunter X Hunter

 

Athlete: Payton Cowan

 

WeightClass/Rank: USAPL 105kg Jr

Occupation: Full-Time Student (Bio & Chem Major) Cashier @ Ace Hardware / Powerlifting Coach

Why did you start competing & how long have you been competing?

My first competition was way back in 2019 & my most recent was 2021, so roughly 2 years!

What is your proudest moment in your sport?

At my most recent meet, finishing out my biggest total yet with my 567 deadlift, hitting the top of that lift & getting to look out at all my supporters was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. 

What's your go to meal?

Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches. As a college kid this one’s a no brainer, easily my favorite food & it’s cheap & calorie dense. 

What do you like to do outside of the Gym?

If I don’t have homework & I’m out of the gym, typically I like to spend time with my girlfriend, play video games, watch anime, or continue my chess lessons! My current favorite video game is Old School RuneScape!

What’s something about you that not many people know?

I wasn’t always an active person who cared about their health. It took up until junior year of high school to realize that the way I was treating my body wasn’t acceptable, & that I needed to make a change! Typically I don’t talk about that area of my life too much, but it’s necessary to remember your roots & why you started in order to keep in mind what keeps you going! 

What are some of your favorite anime?

• One Piece
• Dragon Ball Z Kai
• Naruto/Naruto Shipudden
• Tokyo Revengers 
• Attack on Titan 
• Demon Slayer

Athlete: Max Hall

WeightClass/Rank: 75kg

Occupation: Personal trainer/ coach / podcaster

Why did you start competing & how long have you been competing?

I’ve been competing for 4 years. Honestly I just started cause it looked fun and I missed competition after retiring from college football. However I keep competing to show others like myself that have Autism, are weebs and struggle with mental health …. You too can be strong, don’t quit on yourself.

What is your proudest moment in your sport?

This is a hard one for me cause I’m so focused on what’s next I forget to stop and smell the roses. But college football was pretty cool and my 2019 100% RAW worlds and 2021 IPL worlds experiences were pretty dang dope.

What's your go to meal?

Ramen = Gainz enuf said

What do you like to do outside of the Gym?

Watch a ton of anime and live in my parents basement typical weeb stuff 😂😂

What’s something about you that not many people know?

Well I’m born and raised in a small town in coaldale where everyone rides horses and I’m allergic to horses.

What are some of your favorite anime?

My Hero Academia (I’m Deku most days but catch me in a peak and I’m Bakugo)