Jeff Sandersen
Height 6’0”
Weight 264
Born 6/22/57
Occupation: Sales Manager for national trade association
As of this writing, January 2003, I’ve just competed in my first powerlifting meet in 15 years. My interest was
re-kindled in early 2002 from reading the online Q&A conducted by former US National Team coach Marty Gallagher
on the Washington Post website.
Then I discovered the Weightlifting Discussion Board and the supportive community of like-minded folks and the
desire to compete again was further stoked.
I competed fairly regularly from 1977-1988, never achieving greatness but posting a best ever total of 1440 and
bests of 390 in bench, 540 in squat and 525 in deadlift. All lifts were done in the 242 class, at bodyweights of
226-238. The deadlift was my Achilles heel and I eventually got to a point where I would pull a muscle at the low
back/glute tie-in whenever I would approach a heavy pull. This injury, coupled with increased family responsibilities
with the birth of my daughter in 1988, led me to leave powerlifting competition. I continued to train, but with
the nebulous goal of staying in shape.
I am originally from the old-time powerlifting hotbed of Sandusky, Ohio, hometown of Dave Waddington and Steve
Wilson. During my college years, Sandusky was also home to national/international caliber lifters such as Dave
Schneider, Roger Estep, Jack Wilson and David Wilson. While I never trained with these lifters, I did train with
one, Bob Myer who was mentored by the same individual, Gary Westgate, as Dave Waddington. I also lived in Cleveland
and trained for several years at Black’s Health World in the late 80’s.
I have a daughter who is a high school freshman volleyball and soccer player and a son in sixth grade who plays
anything with a ball, baseball, basketball, football and soccer. I currently live and work in Northern Virginia.