American Strength Athletes Dominate the Arnold: A Weekend of Record-Breaking Lifts
At the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival, Callistus Schissel and Gavin Vatnsdal represented American Strength, showcasing their incredible strength at the USA Powerlifting meet. Both athletes were coached by Ken Graack, who has guided them through multiple meets, focusing on technique and providing in-person coaching during their successful meet prep.
Callistus Schissel: A USAPL Record Holder and Masters Bench Champion
Callistus Schissel dominated the USAPL Masters Bench Bash on Friday, winning 1st place in the 140+ kg heavyweight division with an incredible world-record bench press of 246.5kg/543lb. This lift marked a personal best for his age in the Masters 2, 140+ kg class.
Callistus returned on Sunday to compete in the Open Bench Bash, where he hit his opener at 232.5kg/512lb. Unfortunately, he missed his second and third attempts, but the amount of weight he was attempting and successfully lifted within just two days is a true testament to his strength and perseverance.
Competing at such a high level, lifting world-record weights and pushing himself to break his own records, speaks volumes about Callistus’s dedication to the sport.
Gavin Vatnsdal: PRs and Record-Breaking Lifts
In the Male Raw Challenge, Gavin Vatnsdal delivered an outstanding performance in the 140kg weight class, achieving a total of 837.5kg/1846lbs, including personal records in both his squat (661lbs) and bench (523lbs). Gavin earned 459 dots points, putting on a standout show in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Gavin shared his experience, noting the powerful atmosphere at the Arnold Sports Festival. With only five weeks of training and one week of recovery before the competition, Gavin exhibited incredible mental toughness, going 8/9 on his attempts.
Ken Graack’s Coaching and Support
Both Callistus and Gavin credit Ken Graack, American Strength’s coach and owner, for their success. With over 40 years of experience, Ken’s coaching philosophy is centered around individualized coaching, technique refinement, and long-term resilience for his athletes. His unique approach ensures that lifters like Callistus and Gavin not only excel in USAPL competitions but also build a solid foundation for continued success.
Coaching and Future Plans
Both Callistus and Gavin are already looking ahead to future competitions, eager to surpass their current records and continue growing in the sport. With Ken’s ongoing support, they are dedicated to refining their technique, building strength, and setting new goals for their next meet. Ken’s coaching philosophy emphasizes long-term progress, and these athletes are committed to honing their craft to achieve even greater success.
Geno Biancheri, "The Pirate of Powerlifting”
It was also a pleasure to have Geno Biancheri, "The Pirate of Powerlifting," announce the event. Geno is a staple in the powerlifting community, announcing meets all over the world. He is like family here at American Strength, having been an integral part of our USAPL Monster’s Bash in past years. Geno's signature energy elevates any event, making every meet special.
Callistus Schissel with David Garland, the NutraBio Regional Sales Manager
NutraBio has been a trusted supplement partner at American Strength, providing high-quality, third-party tested supplements to fuel our athletes’ performance. We're proud to have NutraBio as part of our team supporting top-tier athletes like Callistus!
NutraBio products, including their premium whey protein, creatine, and other top-tier supplements, are available at American Strength Training Center to help elevate your performance.
Join Our Community at American Strength
If you want to elevate your powerlifting or strength training with the guidance of Ken Graack and American Strength, we invite you to join our community. Whether you're aiming to compete in USAPL, improve your technique, or build a strong foundation for your athletic career, we’re here to help you succeed.
Powerlifting Meet Prep Coaching at American Strength
Prepare for powerlifting success with our Meet Prep Coaching Services at American Strength Training Center. Maximize your strength and technique under expert guidance to ensure peak performance when it counts.
Powerlifting Coaching Includes:
Individualized Programming: Tailored strength training programs designed to peak performance for competition day, focusing on exercises, sets, reps, and intensity based on individual needs and goals.
Comprehensive Assessment: Initial consultation includes a thorough assessment to analyze mobility, movement patterns, and strength imbalances for a personalized program.
Technique Refinement: Fine-tuning of your squat, bench press, and deadlift technique to maximize efficiency, minimize injury risk, and ensure technical proficiency.
Mobility & Recovery Strategies: Targeted mobility work to improve range of motion and movement efficiency, plus comprehensive recovery protocols to prevent burnout.
Load Management & Peaking for Meet Day: Structured training loads and intensity balancing to maximize strength while ensuring peak performance on meet day.
Meet Day Strategy & Coaching: Includes attempt selection, lift timing, mental preparation, on-site coaching, warm-up supervision, and strategic advice throughout the competition.
Support & Communication: Continuous support and feedback throughout the prep phase to ensure progress.
Post-Meet Evaluation: A full review and analysis of performance to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, guiding future training goals.
Ready to Maximize Your Powerlifting Performance?
Whether you're new to lifting or an experienced competitor, we’re committed to assisting you at every stage of your training. We prioritize your longevity and strength, ensuring that you continue to progress while staying injury-free. Whether you’re a local athlete or looking to work with us remotely, we’re here to help you build strength, form, and confidence on the platform.