Marcus Huseth knows the road to success is not an easy one. He realizes to obtain his goals he must be focused and work hard.
Huseth is the state dead lift record holder. He is ranked in the top 10 in two categories in the American Powerlifting Association. He is ranked fifth in the dead lift and seventh in total overall competition. The association includes the United States and Canada.
Because of his competitive nature, Marcus likes powerlifting and body building even though the two are quite different.
"I began going to the Lion's Den just to keep in shape," Huseth said. "I'm a 30-year old full-time fire fighter with Athens and a paramedic with Athens-Limestone Hospital."
"I just don't want to get beat by the other guy," Huseth said.
"I come to the Lion's Den and work out daily," he said. "It's a great group of guys and girls to workout with. I'm not there to talk, I'm there to workout. It's a hobby. I enjoy it because it is self driven. There is really no one else pushing me. I push myself."
Fellow firefighter Torey Downs is his workout partner, while he trains with Jason Burgreen and Jamie Casteel.
"I've learned a lot from both guys," he said. "Jason has taught me a lot about technique."
Huseth has been competing seriously for the past three-and-a-half to four years.
He competes in the 148-lb. and under division.
"I want to weigh in at the top of the class," he said. "During the off season I don't want to weight more than 10 pounds more than in the class I compete."
He has also participated in the Southeastern Police and Firefighters Olympics. He set five records and won six gold medals.
"I try to stay active," he added. "I work out between an hour and an hour and a half each day," he said. "I exercise a lot by myself."
Huseth has appeared in Power Lifting Magazine, which includes the records he set at the Southeastern Police and Firefighter Games.
"I really want to compete in Mr. Alabama, that is in body building, " he said. "Body building and power lifting are two different things. I will compete in the bantam class. In body building you have to have less body fat. While in competition you pose for 90 seconds. Body building is less stressful on your body, but you have to tone and train each muscle."
Huseth is the parent of two children. Laura, a cheerleader at Athens Middle School, and Hayden, 10, who can't wait to start lifting when he can complete.
"Whatever he does, Huseth knows he must work hard and stay focused.
"Success won't come overnight but can be obtained through hard work and the encouragement of others."
