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Training manager flexes muscles, nears professional bodybuilding

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
Start with a huge adrenaline rush. Then mix in some nervousness. Finally, after everything is done and the competition is over, there is the feeling of accomplishment.

Another bodybuilding competition is done and Staff Sgt. Jason D. Williams, 382nd Training Squadron training manager, made it through another cycle of tough training and a strict diet regime.

After bodybuilding non-competitively for six years, Sergeant Williams decided to work with a trainer to help sculpt his body. His goal - a professional competition card.

"I started competitive bodybuilding to see if I had what it takes to become a pro. I always had an interest, and thought it was time to put all my training and hard work to the test," he said.

With the support of his wife, Moraya, and the guidance of his trainer, Jeremy Minihan, Sergeant Williams made the leap to competitive bodybuilding and entered his first contest, the Luke Air Force Base 2008 Annual Bodybuilding Competition in Arizona Aug. 16.

The result of his hard work was a first place finish in the 154-pounds-and-under weight class. The "First in Class" win qualified him to compete for the overall title. All of the winners in all weight classes competed against each other and Sergeant Williams came away with an impressive second place.

Sergeant Williams found success his first time out, but it didn't take him long to top his already outstanding achievement.

He entered his first National Physique Committee competition Sept. 13 in Oklahoma City, Okla. He won "First in Class" again and went on to add first place overall to his resume.

Two competitions, two successes. But Sergeant Williams said he stays motivated and pushes himself to achieve more.

"I think what motivates me to succeed is the challenge of it all," he said. "I want to prove to myself that I can do what I put my mind to. Bodybuilding has been, by far, the toughest mental and physical challenge I have faced to date. And, I think that drives me."

Sergeant Williams said he is well supported by his chain of command. They worked to give him a permissive temporary duty to compete at Luke and allow him to use his lunch period to enhance his physical fitness.

Sergeant Williams also said his wife is just as much a part of his routine as he is. She sticks by him through the rigorous training regime, helps him deal with pressure, roots him on all the way and is the primary preparer of the six meals a day he has to eat as a part of his diet.

Even his coworker, Staff Sgt. Arthur J. Calloway, 381st Training Squadron training manager, helps out as Sergeant Williams' workout partner. Sergeant Williams said Sergeant Calloway helps make sure he stays motivated. 

Click here to listen to Staff Sergeant Calloway talk about Sergeant Williams' Oklahoma win and the dedication it took.

Sergeant Williams splits his workouts between Sheppard's Levitow Fitness Center and an off-base gym. He sees a healthy diet and exercise as being an important part of any lifestyle, even if a person does not compete.

"One of the things that I learned was that diet and drinking water play a huge part in the way you feel and your body feels. The better you feel, the better your body performs," Sergeant Williams said. 

Click here to listen to Staff Sergeant Williams talk about the importance of exercise.

Due to his dedication to success, Sergeant Williams is on his way to realizing his goal of being granted a professional card.

"Getting my pro card is my long term goal and it would open a lot of doors for me to (have) possible magazine shoots as well as endorsement contracts. (It) could aid me in one day opening my own gym or supplement store," said Sergeant Williams.

Sergeant Williams is scheduled to compete in the Mr. Oklahoma competition June 2009.