Curtis Dennis Jr.
Born: March 12, 1980
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Current Residence: Nashville, Tennessee
What is your Alabama Connection?
I've competed majorly in Alabama when I was living in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama
Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:
Building a clothing brand and restarting my coaching business
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I started when I was 12 years old in the basement of my parents house as kid. I got addicted to strength when I saw worlds strongest man and Bill Kazmaier.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
I realized Bill Kazmaier was a powerlifter at some point and that got my interest going for powerlifting. I did my first meet at the age of 17 in a bench only competition. From there I was addicted to the sport. I did my second meet in Griffin, Georgia when Steve Grubbs allowed me to train with him since he was a USAPL ref and lifter so I could learn to train the right way for the platform.
Do you have a powerlifting nick name, if so what is it and how did you get it?
Hulkzilla. I got it from a friend that saw me for the first time at the gym.
What weight class(es) did you compete in? 275, 308 & 308+
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Scott Albano, Curt, Brant Bishop
2025 HOF Banquet
Best Lifts @ 275 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
451.7
633.8
1085.5 P/P
SINGLE PLY
Best Lifts @ 308 lb. Weight Class
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
405
700
RAW
WRAPS
1740
635
MULTI-PLY
832.8
567.7
711
2006.2
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
369.2 (167.5KG)
SQUAT
523.6 (237.5KG)
892.7 (405KG)
RAW
WRAPS
1620.4 (735KG)
573.2 (260KG)
610 (276.7)
457.5 (205KG)
SINGLEPLY
1620.4 (735KG)
1620.4 (735KG)
1620.4 (735KG)
1620.4 (735KG)
Best Lifts @ SHW Weight Class
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
501.5
771.6
RAW
WRAPS
1970
750
MULTI-PLY
950
765
730
How many years did you compete? 20 years
Between what year and what year did you compete? 1997-2015; 2023-current
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? 27
List your favorite meets you competed in.
1999 WNPF ALABAMA STATE, TUSCALOOSA, AL
1999 USPF GEORGIA STATE KENNESAW, GA
2002 WABDL RIVERFEST GADSDEN, AL
2006 APF ALABAMA STATE, GADSDEN, AL
2006 APF GEORGIA STATE, KENNESAW, GA
2007 NGBB INVITATIONAL, KENNESAW, GA
2007 APF GEORGIA STATE, KENNESAW, GA
2007 NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, ELIZABETHTON, TN
2008 SPF REGIONALS, BIRMINGHAM, AL
2011 SPF IRONFEST, ATMORE, AL
2012 APA RAW NATIONALS, DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL
2024 APF HALL OF FAME CLASSIC, GADSDEN, AL
What’s the highest classification you achieved? Elite
What’s the highest score you achieved? 495.20 Wilks
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
-
705 bench in 2007
-
765 bench in 2008
-
1940 total in 2011
-
501 bench/771 dead in 2012
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Steve Grubbs(first coach), Brant Bishop(second coach), Tommy Fannon, Dave Bowman, Jeremy Hoornstra, Garrett Griffin(bench coach), Scott Albano, Jon Grove(third coach) and NGBB barbell club
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
Being the guy from Alabama that made the record board at the legendary North Georgia Barbell for my bench.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Always learn from an experienced coach who has decades in the sport. It proves dividends.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
If I wasn't competing I was helping others because I wanted to see others win too. I was even a judge at one point at the last minute, lol.
711# APF Hall of Fame Classic
Heavy Training 605# Gold's Gym, Gadsden, AL
705# APF Georgia