KP: How about some background information.

JC: I live in Spartanburg, SC with my wife Jaime and my 2 year old son Jax. I am VP of a Contract Engineering Firm, Southern Design Services, Inc. I am a 2000 graduate of Gardner-Webb University, where I also played football.

KP: How and when did you get started in the sport of powerlifting?

JC: I have always been interested in strength training and lifting weights. As a child and teenager growing up I messed around in the weight room with my dad and brother. Then when I got to high school, my football coach Doc Davis implemented my first real training program that wasn’t much different than the program I continued to do while playing football in college. But to answer your question, I actually didn’t begin training to compete in powerlifting until September 2001, and I didn’t actually compete in a meet until February 2002.

KP: What organizations have you lifted in?

JC: I have lifted in APA, USAPL, and several outlaw meets.

KP: What weight class are you in and do you hold any records?

JC: I am in the Superheavy class and hold the SC State Record.

KP: What are your best lifts and where have you competed?

JC: My best bench in a sanctioned meet is 625. My best bench in a touch n’ go unsanctioned meet is 635. I have only lifted in SC and NC up to this point (Spartanburg, Georgetown, Wilmington, Mooresville, Statesville, Winston-Salem) but that is going to change real soon.

KP: Can you share your views on drug testing?

JC: I think its up to the lifter. However, if you do use drugs stay out of drug free meets where they test. If you don’t use drugs, either lift in drug free meets or don’t complain that others are using. There are enough federations out there for everyone to find somewhere to lift and be happy.

KP: What supplements do you take?

JC: Lots of Protein, Glutamine, Creatine, and BCAA’s.

KP: What is your workout regimen?

Monday- Light Bench

Tuesday- Heavy Back, Shoulders, and Traps

Wednesday- Arms, Light Legs

Thursday- Heavy Bench

Friday- Heavy Back, Shoulders, and Traps

I also mix in some Westside Training techniques and other stuff Ive picked up from some other great lifters.

KP: What goals do you have in the sport of powerlifting?

JC: I want to bench 700+lbs., lift at the Arnold Classic In Columbus, OH, and be looked upon as a positive representative of the sport.

KP: What type supportive gear do you wear?

JC: Karins Xtreme Bench Shirt and Inzer Wraps. Karin’s shirt is the best…..bar none…..thanks Karin and Doug.

KP: As far as training goes, what type of equipment do you use?

JC: I use mostly free weights, and some cable machines. I lift in a "backyard type" gym so I don’t have all the commercialized machines most others have the luxury of using.

KP: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?

JC: In lifting it would be getting over the 600 and the 625 mark in the bench, and breaking Jerry Tancil’s state record. He’s a beast.

KP: What is your favorite lift?

JC: Obviously the bench.

KP: Any training tips?

JC: Don’t overtrain. Listen to your body and it will tell you what is too much. Also, have confidence in your strength and don’t be afraid to load the bar with crazy weight.

KP: Anything you would like to see changed in powerlifting?

JC: I would like to see lifters encourage and support each other more. I think it would also be more interesting if there were only a few federations to choose from. That way at the end of the year the best from each federation could meet in a Battle to see who’s the best of them all.

KP: What are some of your interests outside powerlifting?

JC: Spending time with my family and friends. Watching football, basketball, and baseball.

KP: Who are the people you admire and who inspires your lifting?

JC: I admire my wife for putting up with me and all the aches and pains that she has to hear about. My little boy inspires me because I always want to make him proud. However, my biggest inspiration probably comes from my brother who is also my liftoff man. He and I have one of the most awesome relationships ever. All my life, he has always known how to push my buttons and light a fire under me. And I always perform better when he is around…thanks Boog. My parents are also an inspiration to me. Many of you already know that my dad is without a doubt my biggest fan. I also have a pretty inspirational entourage that travels with me, and I can't let all them down. Other lifters that inspire me are Danny McMillan, Dan Pearson, Chip Stewart, Billy Henderson, Phil Harrington, Jerry Tancil, Todd Searce, Michael Belk, Larry Mulkey, The late David Samuel, Bill Carpenter, John Blackmon, Ryan Kennelly, Scot Mendelson, and Im sure I've left out many more. And last, but not least, the strongest man I’ve ever met, my grandfather who taught me as a child what brute strength was all about, the late John Cash.

KP: What is the biggest challenge to your lifting success?

JC: Sacrificing family time in order to work out.

KP: I know you workout with your Dad. How important are training partners to you?

JC: Without them,(my dad, my brother, and a friend Bob Pitts) especially my dad, I wouldn’t be half the lifter I am today. He is there no matter what pushing me and making sure that I don’t miss any workouts, and making sure I don’t get hurt. Its simple, I couldn’t do it without him.

KP: What does your diet consist of?

JC: This is an area I could definitely improve in. I eat pretty much whatever I want. But, I eat lots of steak, chicken, eggs. And drink lots of water. Also love my sweets too…..I cant lie….haha

KP: How do you see the sport of powerlifting in the future?

JC: I see it growing and getting bigger and better. It just needs to be promoted more so that more people will get involved.

KP: Anyone in closing you would like to mention or thank?

JC: I would like to thank all of my family for supporting me and being there for me, the lifters I previously mentioned, and the HOP Crew for giving me the opportunity to do this interview. I would also like to thank my church(Cedar Spring Baptist) and pastor (Dr. Jim Jackson) for providing me a great place to work out.

KP: Any final comments?

JC: I am just getting started…….stay tuned.

KP: I will stay tuned! Thanks Josh.