THE MAN

I graduated in April 2004 and I made the decision that I would give my self a full year to train with the intention of winning my first competition. The 2005 FAME World Championships came around and I entered the open class at 187lbs. The competition was tough, and I had the time of my life on stage. The feeling of being out there in front of my family and friends was priceless and winning the show was a dream come true. The rest is history

MOTIVATION
For Competing
Competing is a wonderful experience that I would encourage anyone to try for a number of reasons. Competing is one of the hardest things you'll ever do in your life. You have to have discipline, courage and whole lot of heart. You go through months of agony, sacrifice, stress and hunger just to get a few moments on stage. But when you get to that stage, and you know you've done everything right in those past months, you'll feel like you're on top of the world. You'll be filled with a feeling of accomplishment so high, that nothing will bring you down. That day will be your glory, and all those months of preparation will feel absolutely worth it. This is the kind of hardship that develops character and strength, making the everyday obstacles of life a lot easier.

Since I have started competing, I find myself looking towards the hard road and treating life like a challenge, rather than shying away from its struggles. With that said I'd like to leave you with a favorite quote from Albert Einstein. I like it because it grasps how competing has changed my view on life and success.

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom." - Albert Einstein

CONTINUED