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North Carolina State Strength Sports
Hall Of Fame

Objectives

The North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization solely dedicated to recognition and preservation of strength sports in the State of North Carolina. Our organization remains committed to recognizing and celebrating strength athletes, coaches, meet directors, and other contributors, of this great sport. We are committed to highlighting past historical accomplishments of past lights and contributors.

Induction Criteria

The North Carolina State Strengths Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee requires the following criteria for persons being considered for possible induction:

  1. Candidate must be a current resident of North Carolina.

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    2. Candidates must have demonstrated a minimum of seven years active participation in weightlifting, power lifting, coaching, refereeing, volunteering, and/or strength sports.

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3. Candidates must be at least 25 years of age.

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4. Candidates must have demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout their career.

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5. Candidates must have demonstrated outstanding participations in the following categories: Strength Athletes, Lifter, Coach, Referee, and Volunteer.

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6. Candidates must present a written resume with specific details for the category he/she wants to represent. The resume must include the following categories:

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A. Weight lifting and power lifting awards won or placed in

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B. Records set (Weight Classes & Age Groups)

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C. Sanctioned meets directed

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D. Meets officiated

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E. Strengths sports leadership positions held

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F. Other documented participation and/or volunteer activities.

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7. Candidates must be drug free with no history of a failed drug test in any strength sports competitions.

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8. Athletes under consideration for admission for the NC Strengths Sports Hall of Fame will be judged by the Selection Committee on quality of competition each athlete has during their competition history.

Hall of Fame Inductees

MICHAEL BELK

"Michael started powerlifting in 1989 and was a high school and college athlete. He has competed in the following powerlifting federations: IronBoy, AAU, WNPE USPA, WGAPL, 100% RAW. He holds numerous state, national and world records. 2 time USAPL NC State Champion, 4 time 100% RAW world bench press champion and IronBoy Elite Lifter with a total of 1940 LBS. 200 LB class total of 150 LBS. Best raw lifts are 705 LB Squat, 585 LB Bench Press, 680LB Deadlift, Singly Ply Bench 670 LBS, 308 weight class - 590 LBS, Gym Touch and Go, 620 LBS."

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PAUL BOSSI

"Paul Bossi has so many accomplishments, it's hard to list them all. Paul is president of the 100% raw powerlifting federation, drug-free powerlifting association. Head strength and conditioning coach. Earned the name "Tank" while playing football as an awesome background in powerlifting as being competing since 1984, set a world record in 2006, with a 530 pound bench press in the 242-pound weight class. Started lifting at 12 years old in a small gym in Lowll, Massachusetts. Bench pressed 305 pounds in the 148-pound weight class. In the gym, Paul has lifted 500 pounds on the bench-four reps. Paul has lifted 585-pound squat and a 700-pound dead lift and competed in 6 or more other powerlifting organizations with outstanding results and the list goes on for Paul's accomplishments. He has earned his spot into the North Carolina State Strengths Hall of Fame." 

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LEWIS BRODIE

:"Lewis has been coached by Hall of Famer coaches Ralph Peace and Jake Roberson. He was a member of Ebony Barbell Club located in Henderson, NC. He has coached and volunteered for Project Lift, a nationally known kids powerlifting team located in Henderson, NC, that competed in the AAU Federation from 1997 to present day. He has competed in numerous federations for nearly 40 years. He has a long drug-free powerlifitng career, having competed in many meets and never placed below 3rd place. He once bench pressed 410 lbs at 188 lbs at 55 years old. Lewis has won AAU, NC State Powerlifting Bench Press championships and national and world championships.

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JOE DANIEL

"Joe began his lifting career in Olympic Style lifting in the 1950s. He set several records in the 181 class while lifting in North Carolina. He established powerlifting in the Henderson area and the state of North Carolina. He was director of the first powerlifting club and the first powerlifting team in Henderson. He organized the first powerlifting meet in Henderson and Vance County area in 1970. Joe also helped organize the All South Meet held in Durham, NC, which was held annually. He was a great motivator in the sport of powerlifting and weightlifting, was an inspiration to many lifters. Joe Daniel well deserving to be inducted into the NC State Strength Sports Hall of Fame."

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ED BROOKS

"Ed began competing in powerlifting as a hobby. He went on to set state, national and world records. He also is a multi-world and national powerlifting champion, bench press champion, AAU International Powerlifting referee. State, national, and worlds bench press records, was inducted into AAU International Strength Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, one of five North Carolina, invited to to the worlds strongest man contest at Sin City, South Africa in 1993. Member of 1992 Team USA Powerlifting Team, gold medalist in Madrid, Spain. He served as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach at the University of North Carolina in 2001. He well deserves his induction into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame.  "

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WALKER FERGUSON

RL GURLEY

WILLIAM HAWKINS

"William began lifting in the 165 pound class and won numerous trophies, mostly first place. He competed in powerlifting meets in which, all three lifts were done. He went on to compete in the 181 class, 198 class, and 220 class, accumulating first place and best lifter awards. He has set state and national records in those classes, which include North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. William is a member of the Power Lifting Hall of Fames: 2007 NC Barbell Hall of Fame. 2007 NC Powerlifting Strength Sports Hall of Fame. 2015 National and International AAU Strength Sports Powerlifting Hall of Fame. Founder and program manager of Project Lift Nationally after school weight training program for kids in Vance County NC and surrounding areas. Recognized as one of the top powerlifters in the world by Powerlifting USA Magazine"

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BOBBY JONES

"He is a charter member of Ebony Barbell Club and competed on several all-star teams. Competed in AAU, WNPE, ADPA, and other powerlifting federations for over 30 years. He never placed below 2nd place in competitions.  Bobby won three AAU world powerlifting titles during his years in competition. He was an official volunteer for over ten years with AAU World and National meets sponsored by Steve and Jill Woods, national meet directors. He served as a youth coach for Project Lift for over 28 years. Kids he coached set state, national and world records, in AAU and Ironboy Federation. He well deserves his induction into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame."

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CHIP MARTIN

CASEY ORR

"Casey has one of the longest powerlifting drug free careers in the nation. Competed in the 198, 220, 242, and the 275 classes. He competed in over 120 meets, mostly first place. He competed in the AAW All South in the 1970s in Durham, NC. He also competed in NASA, WNPF, WSPF, ADPA, and AAU Powerlifting. Casey has set state records on the bench, in North Carolina, Virginia, and world record in Maryland in the 220 class and 242 class. He's still lifting and also a coach on the Brick Power Team located at Freedom Life Church of God in Henderson, NC. Casey is a valued member of the Powerlifting Brotherhood. He was inducted into the AAU National and International Strength Hall of Fame in 2017."

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HARRY ORR

"Harry began his powerlifting career in the 1980s, trained under coach Jake Roberson and Casey Orr at DAV in Henderson, NC. He went on to set records in North Carolina and Virginia, in the 181, 198 and 220 weight classes, with state and national. Competed with Iron Boy Powerlifting Federation, 100% Raw Federation, NASA. Competed in the America Challenge twice, placed first in both events. Ranked number one, 2012 in the 181 weight class, masters 55-59 in North Carolina Division. Lifted with ADFP. Harry is also Head Coach and Team Leader of The Brick Power Team located at Freedom Life Church of God in Henderson, NC. He has trained lifters from the teens to the masters and many have gone on and set bench press records of their own. He has placed first in all the events he competed in with no more than twice in 2nd in over thirty years. He also has Best Lifter in the master's 50-54 181 weight class. He is a valued member of the Powerlifting Brotherhood and well deserving the induction into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame."

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RALPH PEACE

"Ralph founded the Ebony Barbell Club of Henderson, NC in 1978. He was recognized nationally for coaching competitive powerlifting teams that competed all across the US. He coached teams from 1979-1997 that won powerlifting team titled in the State, National and the world. Federations such as WNPF, NASA, WSPF, and AAU. He served as an international referee in the WNPE, NASA, and AAU. He coached for over 30 years to state, national, and world champions. He was named coach of the year three different times by WNFP Federations. Multiple Hall of Famers started their careers under Ralph Peace such as: William Hawkins, Lewis Brodie, Ed Brooks and James Perry. He was inducted into the WNPE Hall of Fame on November 11, 2007. He well deserves to be inducted into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame."
 

JAMES PERRY

"In 1991, he trained and gained a spot on the 1992 world strongest man competition in Iceland in honor of his late friend and training partner, O.D. Wilson. He proved his worth stepping up to any challenge bench pressing 600 pounds. Pulling a 20,000-pound truck and a 37,000-pound airplane. He was also the strength and conditioning coordinator at North Carolina Central University. Perry was also a sumo wrestler with the U.S. Sumo Federation that led his to numerous North American sumo championships. Perry's blessed ambition to teach children that others might have given up on while teaching in Durham Public Schools and later at Whitaker School as a certified special education educator.He had over 25 years of service in NC. James was educated in the Warren County Public School system. He is well deserved of the induction into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame."

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ZELMO PERRY

"Co-founder and Charter member of the powerlifting team at Ebony Barbell Club from 1979-1997. He was a team captain. He was one of the top master powerlifters in the world WGA magazine. He competed in over 75 meets, 10 full power meets. He never finished below 3rd place. He once dead lifted 620 pounds at the body weight of 207 pounds. Zelmo was coached by powerlifting coach Ralph Peace. He served as a mentor to the younger powerlifters in the Ebony Barbell and powerlifting club. He well deserves to be inducted into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame."
 

DENNIS RENN

"Dennis began lifting in competition in 1984 in the 181 class, which results were in first place finish. He then went on to compete in the 198-pound class and also in the 220-pound class, master's class, results in the first place finishes. Some other accomplishments, finishing third in the 1985 senior Mr. Triad body-building contest. 1989 plain open best lifter in the 198-pound class. 1990 North Carolina ADFPA Powerlifting Championships. 1st place in the 198-pound class. 1992 Kings, North Carolina. USPF State Championships. First place in the 198-pound class. Lightston ADFPA National Judge, 1991 USPF sanction national master's powerlifting. Men's championship 3rd place in the 198-pound class. This meet was held in North Carolina as a memorial to Chuck "Pop" Braxton, a North Carolina native, widely known in the powerlifting world. Dennis is truly a valued member of the sports of powerlifting and weightlifting."

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JAKE ROBERSON

"Jake began his lifting career in 1967, after being discharged from the US Air Force. He endured back injuries at the beginning of his career, which kept him from being a maximum lifter, but coaching was Jake's call. Many lifters matured under his leadership. Many went on to be Hall of Famers. Jake coached legendary power-lifting teams, such as the Henderson Barbell Club, Henderson DAV Powerlifting Team, and Jake's A-Team. Over the years, these teams have won many powerlifting awards, both as individuals and as a team, competing in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee, these teams were nationally recognized. He coached NC Barbell and Strength Sports Hall of Famers. Eugene Neil, Michael Neil, and Louis Brodie. He also coached AAU, national and international Hall of Famers. William Hawkins and Casey Orr. He also coached NC State Strength Hall of Famers: Harry Orr, Casey Orr, William Hawkins, Larry West, Louis Brodie, and Dennis Renn. Coach Jake Roberson was inducted into the AAU national and international strength sports Hall of Fame in 2021."

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BILL SCHMIDT

"Bill began powerlifting in 1978 in high school in Allentown, PA. He moved to NC in 1982. Best lifts total: 181 class, 1987 ADFPA Nationals 655 Squat, 392 bench, 672 dead lift, 1703 total. 198 class, 2005 USAPL Master Nationals- 623 squat, 407 bench, 650 dead lift, 1670 total. 220 class, USAPL 661 Squat, 425 Bench, 667 Dead Lift, 1753 total. 1979 Pennsylvania State Collegiate Bench Press Record. 1986 ADFPA Open National Champion 181 class. 1987 ADFPA Open National Champion 181 class. 1988 WDFPF Word Champion 181 class. 1990 ADFPA Lifetime Drug-free open national champion. 198 class, 2004 NASA Master National Champion. 198 Class, 2005 USAPL Master National 2nd place, 198 class, 2006 USAPL Master National Benchpress Champion, 220 class, 2006 USAPL Inaugural raw national 2nd in Master's. 220 class. 12 additional top 5 finishes between 1982 and 2008. USAPL open and masters national NC squat, Deadlift and total records in USAPL Open 181 class since 1983. NC Squat. Bill competed without the use of strength drugs or supplements."

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RED SWAIN

MARIO TORREZ

"Retired school teacher, wrestling coach, powerlifting background, olympic sanctioned meets 1962-2006. Won 6 state titles in Michigan and Alaska. 2nd 1986 ADFPA National Masters, Competitor at 19847 World Masters Olympic Lifting Championships in Michigan, Alaska, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina dnd Puerto Rico. International and National Powerlifting Official 1962-2006, organizations, IPF Category II, 1975-1990 USPF, USAPL, ADFPA, AAU, NASA, 100% Raw Federation IBP and WABDL. Inducted into Michigan Hall of Fame. USPF Michigan Powerlifting State Chairman 1985-1990 Former Powerlifting Meet Directors. Michigan 1977-1995. Conducted Powerlifting seminars, sanctioned competitions, certified state officials in Michigan State Prison system including Jackson, the worlds largest walled institution. 1987-1996 Published author in Iron Man Strength and Health, Muscular Development NSCA 1979-1983 and PL USA 1977. Inducted into NC State Strength Sport Hall of Fame on September 10th, 2022. 

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LARRY WEST (Deceased)

"Larry began powerlifting in 1970 in Henderson. By the mid-1970s, he was setting NC state records in the super heavyweight class. At the All South Meet in Durham, NC in 1975, he set an NC state squat record of 680 pounds. In 1996, Larry set NC state records in the American Drug Free Powerlifting Association with a 675 squat, a total record of 1600 pounds in the super-heavyweight class, men's master division. He was a member of the US Powerlifting Federation, a North Carolina AAW senior champion, and an official member of the top 20 USA powerlifting news. Larry is well deserving of his induction into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame. 

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HAROLD DAVIS

"Longtime youth powerlifting coach of Project Lift 25 years or more. Coach Project Lift, youth powerlifting championships teams that competed in AAU, Raw and IronBoy Federations. Coach over 300 project lift kids, 6-18 to many individual powerlifting titles in the Raw federation. Amateur Athletic Union. Outstanding youth powerlifting coach. Mr. Davis was considered one of the best Platform Managers in the Amateur Athletic Union Powerlifting Federation for his dedication to the sport. Mr. Davis provided his own church van to transport the kids to the meets, never charge for the gas or van. Mr. Davis has earned his spot into the NC Strength Sports Hall of Fame."

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DAN CORRIDEAN

"Had a outstanding powerlifting career. He has set numerous NC records. He has shown outstanding dedication to the sport and has proven to be an awesome competitor. Bench press, dead lift, squats, and shows great sportsmanship. Dan has earned his spot into the NC Strength Sports Hall of Fame." 

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GENE BERRY

"Has held many positions in the sport of powerlifting. OBX meet director, coach, judge and refereeing. Outstanding sportsmanship throughout his career. Also a record holder of NC in the masters class. Bench press, deadlift, squat and curl. He well deserves his induction into the NC Strength Sports Hall of Fame."

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JEREMY WRIGHT

"Has held many positions in the sport of powerlifting. Head judge at world meets, has set numerous NC records and refereed events, great competitor, with outstanding results. Showed great sportsmanship. His participation and dedication to the sport of powerlifting has earned him a spot into the NC Strength Sports Hall of Fame."

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SARA COFFEY

"Has been a sponsor and contributor to The Brick Power Team for around twenty years. She has always been dedicated to whatever service she could give, to the sport of powerlifting, always showing dedication and outstanding results for her services to the sport has earned her spot in the NC State Strength Sports Hall of Fame"

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PASTOR JEFF PREWER

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"His dedication and participation, and his contribution to the sport of powerlifting has earned him his induction into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame"

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GLORIA KNIGHT MCNEIL

 

"For outstanding achievements to the strength sport of powerlifting, coaching, meet directing, weight lifting, and all accomplishments to the sport has earned her induction into the North Carolina State Strength Sports Hall of Fame"
 

Selection Committee

WILLIAM HAWKINS

HARRY ORR

ED BROOKS

CASEY ORR

JAKE ROBERSON

PAUL BOSSI

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Executive Director: Harry Orr
Email: horr2553@yahoo.com | 252-432-4196

Assistant Director: William Hawkins

Email: hawkins.wt3@gmail.com | 252-767-0143

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