Coach Ray Williams sets US squat record in first-ever USAPL meet
Adam Gore/LetsGoICC.com

Itawamba Community College defensive line and strength and condition coach Ray Williams set the U.S. record in the men's raw 275-pounds-plus division with an 860-pound squat at the USA Powerlifting (USAPL)-sanctioned meet in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday.

He successfully lifted 905 pounds, but the attempt was disallowed after he took a small jab step after completing the lift before the "rack" command was given by the judges.

"I'm disappointed because it kind of taints the record, but this gives me something to work towards," Williams said via text message.

Williams, who weighs 361 pounds, also had a 700-pound deadlift and 475-pound bench press to earn the USAPL Alabama State Championship while taking home first place honors in the raw 275-plus category, best raw lifter and best overall lifter, which included both raw and equipped lifters.

Saturday was his first officially-sanctioned meet and second-ever competition, Williams now has his eyes set on a bigger goal as he has qualified to compete in Nationals with hopes to qualify for the world championships.

"This is something that I would really like to represent my country in," Williams commented. "I'm going for 1,000 at nationals. I would have tried it this weekend, but they didn't bring enough weight."

Williams will complete in Nationals July 19-21 in Orlando, FL.

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