2 Recruiting NCOs excel at military powerlifting nationals

  • Published
  • By Annette Crawford
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  Two Air Force Recruiting Service NCOs' accomplishments helped their Air Force Powerlifting Team mates earn silver in the 2015 USAPL Military Nationals and Southeastern State Bench Competition in Atlanta March 14.

Master Sgt. Michael D. Lear, 347th Recruiting Squadron, and Tech. Sgt. Michael L. Parrott, Headquarters AFRS, were among the 14 team members led by their coach, Chief Master Sgt. Troy Saunders, HQ Air Force, the Pentagon.

"Having been the Air Force Team coach since 2009, as well as a military powerlifting competitor for over 27 years, I can unequivocally say this year's team consisted of the best in lifting and Airmanship to date," Saunders said. "I can attest that Master Sgt. Lear's and Tech. Sgt. Parrott's indomitable accomplishments of strength and spirit were core to the Air Force team's incredible performance at the 2015 Military Nationals."

The Military Nationals are an annual powerlifting competition that is open to all active duty military, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and contractors. Athletes have three attempts at the squat, bench press, and deadlift (nine lifts total) with their highest/best lift contributing to an overall total.

Lear registered in the RAW 83-kilogram/182-pounds weight class with a body weight of 82.3 kg (181.5 lbs.)  He won gold, broke two American military records and three of four Illinois State Records.

Lear completed each lift with a 220 kg/485 lbs. squat (an Illinois state record), 130 kg/287 lbs. bench press, 287.5 kg/633 lbs. deadlift (American military and Illinois state record) and totaled 637.5 kg/1,405 lbs. (another American military and Illinois state record). 

Parrott registered in the 93 kg/205 lbs. weight class with a body weight of 86.9 kg (about 191 lbs.). He conquered each lift with a 240 kg/529 lbs. squat, 150 kg/330 lbs. bench press, and 275 kg/606 lbs. deadlift. He totaled 665 kg/1,465 lbs. awarding him as a silver medalist in his weight class.

"Although powerlifting is focused on an individual's ability to overcome the forces of gravity, the success of any powerlifter relies on a strong network of support," said Saunders, who is also the USA Powerlifting Association Military Chair.
  
"Both of these outstanding athletes and Airmen excelled in their ability to congeal team spirit and fostered camaraderie that was reflected not only in their own incredible performances but inspired fellow team members to break American and personal best records," Saunders added. "It was an honor to work with them at this year's nationals, and I suspect they will be lifting for a long time to come."