Stop picking the wrong kid

We finish every year at URI with our "Rammys" Award Show, including the male and female Ram of Steel Award.

I've always held firm that the award shouldn't go to the kid with the best lifts. Or to the kid who loved the weight room more than their actual sport.

The weight room exists to make you better. You should ascend in your sport in a way that wouldn't be possible without a commitment to Strength and Conditioning.

Thomas Buxton from URI Football embodied the meaning of Ram of Steel.

A transfer up from Stonehill College, Bux walked in at 350lb post knee injury. He told me his plan from day one. Drop the weight. Live up to his potential.

He left here a 315lb 2-time Champion with a 31" vert and a mini-camp invite from the Indianapolis Colts.

That's Ram of Steel.

It's easy to work with motivated athletes. When they have the fire, you just feed the flames.

So when you pick your next Ram of Steel, your team Iron Man, your Lifter of the Year, don't pick the kid with the best lifts. Don't pick the kid who lived in your weight room.

Pick the kid who used your weight room to become someone different on the field.

That's what we're here for.

Find your Bux. Feed his fire.

Keep the Fire Burning,

Leech