Thomas Snellings
Born: August 12, 1971
Hometown: Martling, AL
Current Residence: Albertville, AL
What is your Alabama Connection? Born and raised here.
Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:
Coaching young, old, new and experienced powerlifters. Helping anyone the Lord sends me in any way I can.
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
When I was 22 years old, my friend Tim Riggins invited me to come workout with him. I struggled with addiction for several years and spent time in jail. Starting to workout helped me swap my addictive habits to something healthy.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
I first started in 1999. I entered a WABDL competition just to see what I could lift. The camaraderie and experience got me hooked!
What weight class(es) did you compete in? 242, 259 & 275
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Best Lifts @ 242 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
630
470
625
1725
RAW
Best Lifts @ 259 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
630
470
600
1700
RAW
Best Lifts @ 275 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
550
425
600
1575
RAW
How many years did you compete? 15
Between what year and what year did you compete? 1999-2010 / 2020-2022
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? 15
List your favorite meet(s) you competed in.
My 1st meet was my favorite, because it was my very first experience.
What’s the highest classification you achieved? Elite
What’s the highest score you achieved? 466.76
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
-
2 Elite total RAW at 242 and 275 weight classes
-
Over 70 total records set in 4 different federations
-
Coached over 15 state champion powerlifters
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
Always being ready to any lifter that needed help. Always cheering for EVERYONE!
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Find a good coach and listen to them. Include your friends in your lifting. Your friends will always be there for you.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
-
I’ve been a States Chairman for the SPF of North Alabama.
-
A judge for the SPF and judged several state level meets.
-
Been a meet director for 2 meets.
-
I’ve spot/loaded at several meets.
625#
470#
605#