Joseph (Joe) Hood, D.C.
Born: August 26,1955
Hometown: Gadsden, AL
Current Residence: Georgetown, Texas
What is your Alabama Connection? During the early years of my powerlifting career (1973-1984), I lived and competed in Alabama.
Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:
I retired from powerlifting in 2001, although I competed as a master's Olympic lifter through 2009. I taught weight training classes at Austin Community College from 1990-2014. I retired from a 33-year career as a chiropractor in 2023. My current interests include gardening, nature photography and music.
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I started lifting weights when I was about 13 years old. I was always interested in strength. Growing up in the country, I baled hay and built fences, but I wanted to become stronger. Both of my parents and their families were naturally strong, although they didn’t lift weights. My maternal uncle gave me a DP barbell set when I was 13 years old.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
I began powerlifting in high school. My first powerlifting competition was the Alabama State High School Championship in 1973. I placed first in the 181 lb. class in the competition. I became interested in powerlifting after reading articles in Strength and Health magazine.
Do you have a powerlifting nickname, if so what is it and how did you get it?
When I was deadlifting over 700 lb. in the 220 lb. class in a competition in my early 20s, the crowd began chanting “Clark Kent! Clark Kent!” I believe it was because I wore glasses like Clark Kent (Superman’s alter ego) and didn’t look like I could deadlift as much as I did.
What weight class(es) did you compete in? 181 lb. class (High School), 198 lb. class (Teenage Nationals), 220 lb. class, 242 lb. class (Open and Masters).
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Joe today
Best Lifts @ 181 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
375
195
440
1010
RAW
Best Lifts @ 198 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
540
295
675
1510
SINGLE PLY
Best Lifts @ 220 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
710
440
795
1895
SINGLE PLY
Best Lifts @ 242 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
705
460
755
1895
SINGLE PLY
How many years did you compete? 29
Between what year and what year did you compete? 1973 -2001
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? I don’t remember!
List your favorite meets you competed in.
Alabama State AAU and USPF Championships, ADFPA Alabama and U.S. Championships, USAPL National Championships (1985, 1986). Texas State USAPL Open Championship (1996), USAPL National Championship (1996) 242 lb. WDFPF Masters Championship (1997)
What’s the highest classification you achieved? Elite
What’s the highest score you achieved? 523.39 Wilks
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments? My first championship was the Alabama State High School Championship in the 181 lb. class in 1973. I won my age division of the Teenage National AAU Championships in 1975. I placed second in the 220 lb. class in the NCAA (National Collegiate) Powerlifting Championships in 1977. The last championships that I won were the Texas State USAPL Championship in 1996, the National Masters USAPL 242 lb. Championship in 1996 and the WDFPF World Masters Championships 242 lb. class in 1997. I won the 1985 and 1986 ADFPA National Championships in the 220 lb. class. My best lifetime lifts were: Squat - 710 lb. (about 1985 at 220 lb.), Bench Press – 460 lb. (done at age 41 in the 242 lb. class at the 1996 Texas State USAPL Championships), and Deadlift – 793 lb. (done at 220 lb. in 1986 at the USPF Region 9 Championships). I deadlifted 749 lb. at 242 lb. at age 41 in the 1996 USAPL National Masters Championships. That lift was at the time the USAPL 242 lb. Class American Record for Men’s Masters (Age 40-44). I never used anabolic steroids, testosterone or growth hormone, although I do not criticize those who did. Many lifters who did were and are my very good friends. My decision not to do so was personal. I was a USAPL National Referee and for a period of time the USAPL National Drug Testing Chairman.
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Drs. Terry and Jan Todd (my friends, coaches and mentors), John Kuc (placed 2nd to him in the 242 lb. class in the 1983 ADFPA National Championship). Larry Pacifico (competed against him in the 1975 Chattanooga Open Powerlifting Championship.)
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
I would like to be remembered for competing with honesty and integrity and for being kind, helpful and respectful to my competitors.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Enjoy and revel in the strength of your youth but develop other interests as well. Use the avocation of powerlifting to help you become a better person. Don’t just take-be a mentor to others and assist them in any way that you can.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama? (please list all you want)
USPF and USAPL National Referee, USAPL National Drug Testing Chairman, Spotter and loader.
A Younger Joe
810# USPF Nationals 1986
Video Link 1986 ADFPA Nationals 710.9#, 760.5#, 777.1#
793# in 1986