Bill Kazmaier, three-times world’s strongest man, will be the motivational speaker at this year’s Suwannee High weightlifting Bulldog Invitational. Kazmaier is currently a commentator for ESPN, but in his career, he’s been a professional powerlifter since 1978. He is coming to Live Oak to inspire and motivate.

Kazmaier set the world record for the bench press in 1979 with a lift of 622 pounds, went on to beat his own record in the benchpress several times. In 1981 he set a world record for a powerlifting total with 2,425 pounds. In 1981 he won the World’s Strongest Man title.

Kazmaier’s list of accomplishments is long and amazing. He will be at the Bulldog Invitational tonight, March 11, speaking to a room full of high school weightlifters at 4 p.m. He said his theme is “Conceive, believe, achieve.” His message to the lifters will be about achieving life’s goals through hard work and dedication.

Kazmaier is now 51, semi-retired and living in Auburn, Ala. He does motivational speaking around the country and the world through the YMCA’s program, “Activate America,” and through other programs concerning physical fitness, nutrition, health and strength training. He uses demonstrations of strength to illustrate these concepts.

According to weightlifting coach Dan Marsee, this year’s Bulldog Invitational is going to be the biggest ever. Marsee has confirmed 10 schools but expects more. Bradenton Bayshore, Umatilla, Blountstown, Columbia, Ft. White, Union County, Palatka, Hamilton County, Interlachen, Buchholz and Suwannee are all confirmed. This will be a great weightlifting meet, one of the biggest in the state of Florida.

Suwannee will have a full squad of lifters competing for medals in each weightclass with the big prize, the Invitational trophy.

Kazmaier plans to hang around for the meet, sign autographed posters and help the weightlifters raise money for the program.

Come out and watch Suwannee state champion heavyweight Butterbean Wooten, third in the state heavyweight A.J. Schuler, Nick Beck and Michael Wright lift for gold. Kazmaier will start it all off by speaking at 4 p.m. in the Suwannee High gym. Go Dogs!

Janet Schrader-Seccafico may be reached by calling 1/386/362-1734 ext. 134 or by e-mail at janet.schrader@gaflnews.com.