POWERGRAMS

41 HEALTH COLLINS' HOBBIES LEAD TO UNEXPECTED GLORY IN GULF SHORES Tuscaloosa Lineman Matt Collins can add a new title to his name: Alabama's Strongest Man. Collins earned the title late last year when he won the Strongest Man competition in Gulf Shores. Weightlifting and strength training have always been a hobby, but until recently Collins was never interested in strength competitions. "Ever since I was little, my dad had me in some form of weight room or workout program, which continued through football and high school," he said. "I enjoyed it, so I continued it after school. I've lifted at several gyms in town and got to know a lot of guys who have competed in events like Strongman." Even though Collins was familiar with the Strongman competitions, it was encouragement from family and friends that finally influenced him to sign up. "I have a friend that competed in the Alabama Strongest Man and he told me about it. I never really considered doing it because I thought I would be wasting my time," Collins said. "But this past year, my brother-in- law encouraged me to compete in it to do something fun and different." Event organizers released the competition schedule in April but did not disclose the weights for the events. Collins started training two days a week to best prepare for what he thought the events and weights would be. For the state competition, events included: • Overhead keg press (Collins estimated it weighed 250 pounds, which he lifted three times to tie for first place.) • Farmer's carry (Must run 100 feet with 300-pound dumbbells in each hand.) • Hammer front hold (Must hold a sledgehammer with arm extended in front. Collins estimates the weight was 35-40 pounds, which he held for 1 minute 12 seconds.) • Car deadlift (Must lift Chevy Impala as many times as possible in 60 seconds.) • Stone load (Must place huge round stones on an overhead platform with a time limit.) While the events were challenging, Collins enjoyed his time at the Hangout being cheered on by his wife, brother-in-law and coworker, Hunter Bishop, Tuscaloosa Garage utility assistant. "It was intimidating to begin with because most of the people there had already done multiple contests and it was my first," Collins said. "But once I did the first event, my nerves calmed down and I just enjoyed getting the chance to lift." by Anna Catherine Roberson The Lifting Lineman Collins carries weights. Collins Collins at Gulf Shores event.

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