You have what it takes to make the Club?

By Sgt. 1st Class Shelda Sternberg
135th History Detachment

FOB FINLEY SHIELDS, JALABAD - SFC Nathan Wooten, MAJ Donald Loethen, MAJ Craig Swank, SSG Joshua Podorski and SSG Brian Gwin are now in the Club. To be placed in the Club, you have to lift your highest combined weight between 3 lifts; Squat, Bench Press and Dead Lift.

SFC Wooten, who has lifted for over 15 years, has lifted more on his current deployment than ever in his life. He started lifting in 1996 and has made this his lifestyle. He weighs 247lbs currently and lifted over 1605lbs for the challenge; 545 in the Dead Lift, 605 in the Squat and 455 in the Bench Press.

SFC Wooten stated "my power lifting techniques are attributed to Louie Simmons at West Side Bar Bell." I study the techniques that west side teaches, I use the training aids they provide in order to critique my technique. Since following the Westside method Wooten's lifts have increased exponentially.

MAJ Loethen, who went out on a mission the day of the event, has lifted since he was 16 years old. He stated "this was not my best performance". He lifted bare foot during the event. He weighs 218 currently and lifted 1205lbs for the challenge; 345 in the Dead Lift, 455 in the Squat and 405 in the Bench Press. "I was pretty disappointed in my numbers," said Loethen.

MAJ Swank, who has also lifted since he was 16, attributes his lifting technique and power lifting ability to his Chuck Taylor shoes. He wore the shoes for the event. He currently weighs 190 and lifted 1140lbs for the challenge; 440 in the Dead Lift, 405 in the Squat and 295 in the Bench Press. Major Swank an avid follower of cross fit stated his cross fit exercises have helped him tremendously by keeping him physically strong and fit.

SSG Brian Gwin and SSG Joshua Podorski also stepped up to the challenge. Both soldiers were never in the gym prior to their deployment. SSG Podorski stated he had only been working out 6 months. He stated his good workout partner, SFC Wooten has really helped him a lot. SSG Podorski lifted 845lbs for the challenge; 405 in the Dead Lift, 225 in the Squat and 225 in the Bench Press. SSG Gwin lifted 605lbs with his two lifts; 385 in the Dead Lift and 225 in the Squat.

All will be on the wall of fame at the "Muscle Depot", the gym here at FOB Finley Shields.


For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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For more information about this release, please contact Missouri National Guard at (573) 638-9846 or e-mail at ngmo.pao@us.army.mil