Last modified Wed., March 26, 2008 - 04:55 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 27, 2008

Local Sailors compete in Military Nationals Powerlifting Championships

By Kaylee LaRocque, Editor

ET2 Donovan Davis of Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Jax participates in the dead-lift competition during the Military Nationals Powerlifting Championships at NAS Pensacola, Fla. March 7-8. Photos courtesy of MA1 Torey Taylor

NAS Jax Kennel Supervisor MA1 Torey Taylor and ET2(SW) Donovan Davis of Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Jax competed in the Military Nationals Powerlifting Championships March 7-8 at NAS Pensacola, Fla. Although the Navy doesn't have an official powerlifting team like the other branches of service, Navy members can compete as individuals in the different categories.

Taylor, who earned two gold medals (overall and bench press) in this year's competition, also participated in the 2003 and 2004 nationals. "I missed the past couple years because I was on deployment but I plan to be there again next year. I really enjoy lifting weights and like to compete. It's a great feeling to earn a gold medal for something you love doing," said Taylor, who has earned six gold medals since he started competing. "I compete in the bench press, squat and deadlift categories. This year was my best year ever, I lifted 530 pounds in the dead lift category."

According to Taylor, he trains about four days each week with his "team" at NAS Jax. "I train with Donovan and my co-workers at the Fitness Source. We also compete in most of the base competitions," he said.

MA1 Torey Taylor of the NAS Jax Security Department bench presses 429 pounds during the Military Nationals Powerlifting Championships. Taylor earned a gold medal for his efforts.

In the future, Taylor plans to attend the pro-circuit meet in June in Lakeland. "I can't go any higher in the military so I need more of a challenge. Hopefully, I'll be picked up by a sponsor so some of my expenses will be covered when I attend the different meets," stated Taylor, who plans to retire from the Navy in about six years.

"After I retire, maybe I'll lift weights as my next career."

Davis has been competing for the past 10 years. "I've won numerous titles in Georgia, Florida and Virginia. God has blessed me with natural strength, so I find it easy to push weight around the gym. I was inspired to enter this competition through the young men that I train and coach at Ed White High School where I am the strength and conditioning and offensive line coach," said Davis.