Roger William Ryan

Hometown:  Decatur, Illinois

High School:  Decatur High School

Post-Secondary:  Richland Community College - Decatur

Nicknames:  Roscoe (from the U.S. Navy about 30 years ago)

Hobbies and Interests:  Iron (obviously), family (pets included), bow hunting.

Lifting Background:  "After being hired by the Decatur Police Department (January 1980), I found that having upper body strength made the job easier when the 'bad guy' didn't want to go to jail.  I started lifting, concentrating on upper body strength.  In my late-mid 30's I had a 460 lb raw bench.  At the young age of 41, I tried out for the new Decatur Bears semi-pro football team.  I ruptured my right ACL on the second tryout.  Depressed, thinking that life was over with a bum leg and 41, I quit lifting for about 5-6 years.  At 47, I started lifting again and competed for the first time in June 2003, bench only."

Records Held:

Best Lifter Awards:

Something Cool/Unique About Roger:  "I spent four years on a nuclear powered fast attack submarine home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  I have a Master Skydiving license (D-15194) with the United States Parachute Association with 600+ jumps.  Retired Police officer.  Married (Very Happily) for 25 years.  I firmly believe that 'Attitude is Everything' and 'If you think you've reached your limit, you have.'  When I sit on the bench for a lift, I think, 'HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?'"