Originally from
Glennallen, Alaska, he later moved to
Sequim, Washington. He was a high-school athlete, playing several sports, including
Olympic lifting. He received an athletic scholarship to
Montana State University, to play
football. At age 18 he officially closed the No. 3
Captains of Crush Gripper, a hand gripper which requires / RGC 149 of pressure to close, and is the youngest person to achieve certified "Captain of Crush" status. ==Strongman==