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Two members of Team Sheppard help Air Force team win USAPL Championship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katie McKee
  • 82nd TRW Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Master Sgt. Daniel Turner, 982nd Training Group evaluations superintendent, and Chris Maynard, 82nd Security Forces Squadron police officer, participated on the Air Force team at the USA Powerlifting Military, Police, & Firefighter’s Nationals Powerlifting Championship winning the overall Championship trophy recently.

Turner and Maynard represented the Air Force at the national level, showcasing their strength in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Each competitor had three attempts to lift the most weight possible, which were evaluated by three nationally accredited USAPL judges. 

Master Sgt. Daniel Turner, 982nd Training Group evaluations superintendent, squats.

Master Sgt. Daniel Turner, 982nd Training Group evaluations superintendent, participates in the USA Powerlifting Military, Police, & Firefighter’s Nationals Powerlifting Championship to help the Air Force team win the USAPL Championship. Turner organizes the intense Scary Strong Powerlifting competition held here and secured Top 3 sponsorship for the winner to compete in the Military Nationals. (Courtesy photo)
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Turner organizes the intense Scary Strong Powerlifting competition held here and secured Top 3 sponsorship for the winner to compete in the Military Nationals.

 “It means a lot to be a part of Team Sheppard,” said Turner. “Additionally, this event holds great significance for me. Since I arrived, I’ve dedicated myself to raising awareness about the sport by ensuring Sheppard’s participation every year. Witnessing athletes from Sheppard compete and return home with medals is truly remarkable!”

In preparation for the event, physical training involved implementing a strength-peaking phase. This phase consisted of a four-day conjugate-style program, complemented by cardio sessions on alternate days every week. 

“Balancing a full-time job, working nights and training for this event wasn’t easy,” said Maynard. “I had to push myself to go train even though I just worked a 13-hour shift, or I had to force myself to get out of bed early so that I could train before shift. Being a part of Team Sheppard is a privilege, I am so lucky I got to share the victory with my teammates!” 

Chris Maynard, 82nd Security Force Squadron police officer, deadlifts.

Chris Maynard, 82nd Security Force Squadron police officer, participates in the USA Powerlifting Military, Police, & Firefighter’s Nationals Powerlifting Championship helping the Air Force team win the USAPL Championship. Maynard achieved a total of 1421 lbs. from his three best lift attempts in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, all while weighing in at 218 lbs.(Courtesy photo)
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No qualifying total was required for this event, but participants were required to have competed at a local meet beforehand. Turner competed at the “2023 Brawl in the Falls” powerlifting competition here in Wichita Falls, Texas, while Maynard competed at the “2023 Big Horn Bash” in San Angelo, Texas, to qualify for Nationals.

In March 2023, Senior Airman Mignon Van Niekerk, 82nd Security Forces Squadron, took home first place in her respective weight class meaning Sheppard’s participants have won in back-to-back years.  

Senior Airman Mignon Van Niekerk won first place in her respective weight class in March 2023.

Senior Airman Mignon Van Niekerk, 82nd Security Force Squadron, won first place in her respective weight class in March 2023, meaning Sheppard’s participants have won in back-to-back years. This year the Air Force team won the USAPL Championship trophy. (Courtesy photo)
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The 2024 Scary Strong Powerlifting competition is currently scheduled for October 26. If you or someone you know is interested in the event, please contact Master Sgt. Daniel Turner.