A cut above: Barber at Travis' Base Exchange doubles as power lifter

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  James Houston, Army and Air Force Exchange Services Barber Shop shift supervisor, is determined to bench press 777 pounds Nov. 8 at the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters World's 2013 competition in Reno, Nev.

Houston is originally from Meridian, Miss., and has been in California for approximately seven years. He has been a licensed barber since 1997. He has been working at Travis for roughly a year.

Houston said he has four lifts on the third day of the six day event. He plans on opening with his first lift of 677 pounds, second lift of 705 pounds, third of 738 pounds and his fourth and final lift of 777 pounds. He is confident he will set two world records for his age and weight class.

At 40 years of age and 240 pounds, it is no wonder Houston has lifted for more than 26 years.

"He is a strong guy," said Bob Watts, Houston's bench press training partner. "The guys in the gym call him Mississippi because of his thick accent, but he's a super friendly guy and a really good motivator."

Houston said part of his motivation for power lifting came from his oldest son.

"My oldest son was coming up with goals and made one for me when he said, 'I want you to be the strongest man in the world,'" said Houston.

Houston said that a couple of weeks ago he benched 785 pounds during training.

"I don't have a max, the sky is the limit," Houston said. "I thank my wife and kids, and everyone who supports me."

The WABDL is slated for Nov. 5 through 10 at the Peppermill in Reno, Nev. For more information visit the website at www.wabdl.org