So I was pretty excited about this show as I have been making some serious improvements in my quest to get "stronger" lately and I was excited to test myself at a show of this caliber.

1st event - Log press - I was actually looking to hit 380 in this, but for some reason was only able to hit my opener of 340, even though I attempted 360....I was quite dissapointed until I realized that most of the guys were hitting 20-50lbs below their expected numbers.? I'm not sure if it was the log or the surface we pressed on but most guys fell short of their goals.? Of course Bermann didn't 'cause he's a freak!?

2nd event - Axle deadlift for reps - I was excited about this event because I freaking love deadlifting now and as Mikey J. said "I've really brought it out of the cellar lately".? I put my full suit on to hopefully save my back for future events and ended up ripping 12 on this!? Of course Nick Best won the event because he's awesome, but I still hit a PR by 7 reps and exceeded my goal by 1!?

3rd event - Stone load for height -? I started out great and was having a "who can load faster?" contest with Big John Connor, and then it happened.........I hit the lip of the 62" height, freaked out and bombed the event!!!!!!!? This hurt not only my point standings but my pride as well.? I was seriously upset about this and it took me a couple hours and a Higa AND Coy speech to get my mind right.

2nd Day - At this point I was sitting somewhere around 11th place which is just ridiculous for me, so I knew I had to do something big to even be in the top spots.?

1st event-?I knew I probably wouldn't press all the implements, because I don't have the biggest press and I was still a little taxed from the day before, so I decided to rip through the ones I knew I could hit.? Decent strategy but didn't get me very high in the field, because every one there but me is a freak show when it comes to pressing!

2nd event - Shield Carry - Once I saw that the shields were to be picked up from a stand rather than? the ground I knew this would be a sprint.? Once the whistle blew I thought "screw it, dont' worry about grip or anything just get moving" so I did, sprinted the course and ended up with a good time, but not good enough to beat Bermanns jog in the park!

3rd event - 950 yoke x 100ft - I was ready for this event as my foot has healed pretty good and I have had some decent training on this as of late.? The whistle blew and I went as fast as I could and ended up with a good enough time for 2nd place to Nick Best who is unbelievably fast.

4th event - Farmers medley 335 famers x 60ft and 600lb frame x 60ft - I was also looking forward to this event due to the 2in grip on the frame and because I love farmers walking.? I got to go with Nick Best which although he beat me I think helped me go faster because I was trying to keep up with him.? I finished the whole course with no drops in a time good enough for 2nd again.

5th event 380 stone over bar for reps- I wasn't sure how this would go since I only got 6 reps with a 360 stone in Florida but apparently you can load better if you don't pull and 815lb deadlift the same day!? I went for it and got 6 reps!? Good enough for a 1st place tie with Jason Kristal.

So after the show it was announced that I took 6th place which I was happy with but confused and a little dissapointed with....so I talked to Dione and she said a mistake was made and that I really tied for 4th with Nick Best but would be taking 5th due to less 1st place finishes!? I was so excited that I attacked Dione!? My goal was top 5 at this show and to tie (points-wise) for 4th made me ecstatic!? Overall I am happy with my performaces, I have made some serious improvements, especially on the "heavy events", and it goes to show that one little slip up in this kind of field and you'll be fighting to get back in the game the whole time!? The show was great and the venue was awesome, the crowd was going nuts the whole time, epecially on Friday, they couldn't get enough.? Thanks to all who helped with the show especially Grant Higa who helped me out a lot and to Bill Kazmaier for being a great announcer and a cool guy, who's always willing to help out or just B.S. with you.? And of course big props to the Wessels and Mikey J. for putting on a great show!? Thanks for reading!