Howard Upton
Birthday: 01/03/1969
Hometown: Guntersville, AL
Current Residence: Sardis City, AL
What is your Alabama Connection? This is my home
Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:
Accomplished author, businessman, martial artist, and powerlifter. I had to give up powerlifting for health reasons.
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I started lifting weights in high school. My coach was a body builder, but wanted to help youth get bigger, faster, and stronger. My goal was to earn a football scholarship, because my parents couldn't afford college. I accomplished that then went on to be both a USPF collegiate and Georgia National Champion powerlifter. Pete Pelham was my coach and mentor. Jeff "Huggy" Sherman was my training partner.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
I still has a competitive edge after my football days were over. Powerlifting was an amazing outlet.
Do you have a powerlifting nick name, if so what is it and how did you get it?
Thor, because I had long blonde hair back then. Milton Pepper actually started it.
What weight class(es) did you compete in? 242, 275, SHW
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Best Lifts @ SHW Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
860
600
760
2220
MULTI-PLY
How many years did you compete? Five years
Between what year and what year did you compete? 1988-1993
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? 30+
List your favorite meets you competed in.
They were all great!
What’s the highest classification you achieved? Elite
What’s the highest score you achieved? 562.6 Wilks
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
I competed with and trained with some of the greatest powerlifters in the world. That's my accomplishment.
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Kaz, Eddy Cohen, DD Nichols, Greg Warr, the list goes on and on.
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for? Just being a loving father and husband.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Take care of your body..
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
I held bench press competitions to raise money for The Children's Hospital of Birmingham.