By Ken Grimes Jr.

Contributing Writer

kgrimes@cityoforangebeach.com

Maximizing ones potential is an essential trait in the sport of power lifting.

Orange Beach Patrol Officer Jason Dean is definitely maxing out.

Dean had made his first mark on the sport earlier this year in the World Association of Bench Press Dead Lifters (WABDL) competition held in Gadsden, by taking control of the 165-pound category. Standing 5-foot-8 inches and weighing 162.1 pounds, the 31-year-old police officer set new records with a bench press of 308 pounds and a dead lift of 402 pounds.

As the new state and national record holder from Center Star, Ala., in Lauderdale County, that first competition set the stage for Dean to compete in the National Championships of the 100 percent RAW competition in Richmond, Va., in July. This organization only allows the use of a weight belt with no straps or other equipment, which Jason says can easily add 15 to 20 pounds on a lift.

The four-year veteran of the Orange Beach Police force took the 165-pound class with ease, lifting 275 on the bench press, 350 on the squat, and 420 on the dead lift. His three attempts totaled a combined points total of 1,045, which also set a new national record, earning Dean the “Best Lifter Award” in the competition.

Dean, who lives in Foley, and fellow competitor Simone Wyatt of Gulf Shores were the only representatives from Alabama. There were lifters from 22 states entered.

Dean’s commitment to and enthusiasm for the sport, and his recent success, influenced several people around the Gulf Coast, such as Simone Wyatt, who’s married to Orange Beach Police Department’s Sgt. Aaron Wyatt.

She won first place in her division.

Along with husband Aaron’s support, and the motivation and inspiration provided by Dean, Betty Lafferty and Ron Jones also played an integral part in Simone’s getting involved in power lifting. She adds a word of thanks to Phil Kesterson, a gym buddy, who Simone calls her technical adviser, who has been a big help.

As the lifters represent Alabama and Orange Beach, sponsors play a part in covering travel and competition expenses for the lifters. Supporting Dean in this competition was Danny Williams and Lee McWilliams, who raised local support, including from Cotton’s Restaurant, Gulf Coast Choppers, Cleve Landreth and Rick Day. For Wyatt sponsors included Patrick Shedd of VIP and Terry Stewart of Visionary Home Builders. Wyatt and Dean both have qualified for the World Championships in Melbourne, Fla., in December.

Simone has only been truly power lifting for a couple of months and she says if she can do it, anybody can do it, and she hopes their efforts inspire others to work toward improving their abilities.

As he has been nicknamed by friends, “The Mighty Jason” has his sights set on the WABDL World Championship this November in Anaheim, Calif., which the previous competition qualified him to enter. His personal goal for the World’s in November is to dead lift 500 pounds — a quarter ton by a man weighing less than 165. He says of his recent accomplishments, “It’s great to see so many of my coworkers and friends beginning to work out and take a interest in their personal health and bodies. Maybe my success in power lifting will inspire others to get motivated. I feel great, and I feel better daily than ever before.”

The WADBL has informed the lifters that California governor and former Mr. Everything in bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenneger, is expected to attend the event.

If you wish to help Jason with funds to cover expenses and travel costs, call the OBPD at 251-981-9777 and leave a message for Jason.