Joshua Westbrook

Joshua Westbrook was one of the four founding fathers of ILPL (Harth, Hudson, Lepine, Westbrook), and instrumental in getting Illini Powerlifting started and established as a Registered Student Organization (RSO) at the University of Illinois. He was a remarkable lifter with tremendous raw strength and a reliable workout partner that even gave John Hudson a run for his money at times. Josh and the other founders really brought attention to the sport at IMPE and were the sparks that started the fire.

John Hudson

I fear I will not be able to do justice to possibly the most influential ILPL member ever in this short space, but I will endeavor to do my best here. The most apparent effect under John's leadership was the tremendous growth beyond the founding members that has lead to a self-sustaining club which will last long beyond their individual departures from the university. No one could recruit new members or instill enthusiasm like John. In addition to developing relationships with students, he worked to establish a healthy relationship with DCR (Dept. of Campus Recreation) for the benefit of the club. Where we were once looked at as troublemakers and agitators, we are now viewed as a resource and a friend by DCR staff. Changing people's preconceived notions about the sport and the club was by no means a small PR task. At the same time, John was thinking ahead and working to change the team from an RSO, to an official Club Sport with all the benefits that entails. This work was started by John and finished under the next administration.

As ILPL gained recognition at home, it was also gaining recognition in the sport as a formidable team earning championships and setting records. We went from nearby meets in a minor federation to competing in the WABDL World Championships. John gave us vision and helped us focus on meets that would garner the attention that our hard work as a team deserved. Particularly impressive was the achievements of John's very own "Old School" Squad. Using the Hud-stud method, John continually turned skinny little light-weights into deadlifting power-houses with incredible results. Having studied abroad himself, John felt a special connection with international students, recruiting and training remarkable lifters from all over the world. Through this outreach, ILPL has touched the lives of people all over the world.

John's dedication and hard work can be seen in the growth of ILPL into a lasting organization and the meet results of his proteges. But also, his heart can be seen in his continued work in charity efforts he led to help the Tsunami victims of 2004 and the Katrina victims of 2005. I think it is only fitting that he is remembered as much for his heart and love for the team as he is for his hard work and dedication.

Blake Richards

Blake Richards brought new meaning to the phrase, "No Pain, No Gain". He was one of the most determined and dedicated lifters on the team, and I believe nothing short of being hit by a Mac truck would have kept him from the gym. To our benefit, Blake brought that same sort of determination to his job as club president. He was constantly performing a balancing act of meeting the needs of the team and pleasing the DCR administration. Though, this work clearly paid off as ILPL became an official club sport and DCR bought its first REAL powerlifting equipment. In particular, we were blessed with a true competition Forza bench, deadlift platform and deadlift bar loader. ILPL was finally out of the basement and practicing with professional equipment. Blake's determination and hard work will most certainly have a lasting impact on the club.