Jeff Ray
Born: August 3, 1966
Hometown: Northport, AL
Current Residence: Northport, AL
What is your Alabama Connection?
Born and raised in the Tuscaloosa, AL area
Current pursuits:
Still competing in powerlifting. Currently teaching middle school in Northport, AL
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I started lifting weights in high school for baseball. I wanted to put on muscle and get stronger.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
1992. A friend named Barry Lafoy who is also in the Alabama Powerlifting Hall of Fame saw potential in me, especially in deadlifting.
Do you have a powerlifting nick name, if so what is it and how did you get it?
At my current gym they call me The Godfather since I have been competing for over 30 years.
What weight class(es) did you compete in?
181, 198, 220, and now 242.
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Best Lifts @ 181 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
430
280
540
1250
SINGLE PLY
Best Lifts @ 198 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
1501
650
350
RAW
501
1578
SINGLE PLY
515
688
375
Best Lifts @ 220 lb. Weight Class
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
352
529
660
1541
RAW
WRAPS
1600
660
560
380
Multi-Ply
672
500
705
1840
Best Lifts @ 242 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
1509
617
352
RAW
540
1845
Multi-Ply
660
680
505
How many years did you compete? 31 and still going.
Between what year and what year did you compete?
1992-present. I took a couple of years off from 2012-2013.
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? 120
List your favorite meets you competed in.
WABDL Worlds, SPF Worlds, WABDL Riverfest, USPA Regionals, APA Regionals, APF State Meets, WNPF Worlds.
What’s the highest classification you achieved?
Elite Level
Multi-time World Champion
What’s the highest score you achieved?
531 Dots
512 Wilks
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
Alabama Powerlifting Hall of Fame, 4-time WABDL World Champion in the Deadlift. 2-time SPF Unlimited World Champion, Multi time National Champion, Multi time Alabama State Champion. Ranked #1 in Open Powerlifting for the 220- pound class in the 55-59 age group in 2021for Drug Tested lifters. Ranked in the top 20 many years in the master classes in Open Powerlifting.
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Barry Lafoy-got me in the sport. Rod Watkins, Phil Duke, and Casey Dunaway- former training partners and Alabama Powerlifting Hall of Fame members. Tom Gonnering, Eric Roberts, Ted Butler, Brant Bishop, Bobby Myers, and Rich Sandlin, for their advice and encouragement.
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for? Giving back to the powerlifting community
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Consistency is the key to improvement.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
Lifter, Judge-SPF Level 1, Meet Director, Spotter, loader and running the platform at multiple USPA Meets.
2004 WABDL World Championship
1st place @ 198 & Best Lifter
2004 WABDL World Championship
688.7 lbs. @ 198
Northport Crew 2001: Left to Right
Rod Watkins, Casey Dunaway, Bobby Snider, Jeff Ray
683.5 lbs. @ 198
Buddy McKee Meet Director