Powerlifting: Exploding into the Workforce

Story by Miranda Cain, Yuharelly Comparan, & Theodore Frid

As he wraps up his last year here at USF, senior Derek Tolbert prepares himself for an upcoming powerlifting competition. As a former pole vaulter for the USF track team, Tolbert knows enough about competition!

In an interview with the powerlifter, Tolbert explained his upcoming event. “This will be the second meet I competed in. I did another one this summer.”

Tolbert made the transition from pole vault to powerlifting due to injury. He uses the same competitiveness and motivation that he got from pole vaulting and incorporates it in his powerlifting.

Tolbert mentioned, “The thing is that powerlifting is more consistent. It really is, if I put more work into this training then I will get stronger.”

Tolbert talked about how his major, and his previous experience with lifting has helped make the transition easier for him.

“Being an exercise science student and just passionate about exercise science and research. I did a lot of my own research on training methods, and what it involves.” Tolbert explained, and proceeded to talk about his passion for lifting and how that has been with him for while.

Tolbert talked about how powerlifting offers benefits for both physical, and mental toughness. He continued with, “Powerlifting is a really good measure for any person who wants to be any sort of trainer, because it’s simple.” Tolbert himself is currently certified as a personal trainer.

The powerlifter does a great job of displaying athleticism, good character, and what a successful USF student looks like. Powerlifting opens up a wide variety of doors for Tolbert as he fully enters the workforce community upon graduation this fall. Tolbert finally explained what his destiny is opening up to be.

“Hopefully through that experience I’ll be able to coach other people in the future.”