Dr. Randall Moss has a powerful passion for powerlifting
Ryan Bailey, Staff Graphic Artist
Dr. Randall Moss loves to teach students about the wonders of biology at NGU. He is also a huge fan of the sport of powerlifting.
Moss was introduced to powerlifting by his father, who began lifting in Minot, North Dakota. He went into the air force right out of high school in 1983 before Moss was born.
Moss got into powerlifting in 2014 during grad school at Mercer University. His father revealed he would be getting back into powerlifting after 30 years, inspiring Moss to try it out for himself.
“I’ve always kind of aspired to be like dad. You know, he was big and strong and invincible,” said Moss.
Moss enjoyed his debut in powerlifting and bought equipment for his own garage gym. He began training with a friend from church, soon entering his first competition in April 2015.
“When I first started, it was all about me. I was doing it because I felt I had something to prove,” said Moss.
In a powerlifting competition, contestants have a maximum of three attempts.
A head judge and two side judges reside over the competition. The head judge calls commands and at least two judges must decide that the competitor’s technique is a “good lift” with a white light. Two red lights or more is a “no lift.”
Moss’ best competition record is 605 pounds deadlift, 385 pounds bench press, and 645 pounds deadlift.
However, Moss went on hiatus from lifting and competing from 2018 to 2021.
“During that three-year period, I realized I had made it an idol in my life. I was spending time on social media and just cared too much about what people thought about me trying to be strong,” said Moss.
During the hiatus, Moss’ third child was born, and he finished his dissertation for his doctoral degree. COVID-19 further extended the hiatus.
“Over that time God really helped me to focus my identity back on Him and remind me that Jesus is my source of identity, not anything I do or accomplish,” said Moss.
As the pandemic improved, Moss’ small group at church expressed interest in lifting weights to get back into shape. Moss felt encouraged to return to powerlifting.
“It really turned into a discipleship opportunity. So now when I lift, it’s more about being disciplined and being a better father and being a better friend and having an avenue to disciple and share the gospel,” said Moss.
Since resuming training, one of Moss’ training buddies came to know Christ, got baptized and joined the church. Another became a much stronger, more involved Christian.
“Just be encouraged that taking care of your body and pushing yourself to try new things is a good thing. God really reminds us how much we need Him and enables us to be more disciplined and spiritual.”
Moss plans to be involved in powerlifting for the rest of his life, whether lifting, coaching, or being a judge in the sport.
“It’s not so much about competition day. It’s about all the months of training that’s led to that point. And being disciplined and getting up early, sacrificing time for the sake of getting stronger,” said Moss.
Moss has solid advice for those looking to try powerlifting out for themselves.
“Anyone who’s interested in taking of the sport of powerlifting, even if you’re kind of naturally strong, pace yourself. Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to other people like I did at first. Stay grounded and just enjoy the process of growing and becoming a better person.”
For more information on Dr. Randall Moss, visit ngu.edu/faculty/randall-moss/.
*Featured Image: Dr. Moss performs a deadlift in the 2018 USA Powerlifting competition.
