Article Rundown

• A thank you to Adam Driggers
• How we met
• Team Samson days
• How Adam helped shape my future

The Influence of Adam Driggers

In this video, I discuss a close friend and training partner who played a crucial role in shaping the man I am today—Adam Driggers. Adam was one of my greatest influences, training and competing alongside me for nearly 15 years we trained together for over 15, he retired after 11 together. He has been not only a mentor but also a friend who left a lasting impact on my life and powerlifting career. Adam might not be thrilled about me making this video, but it’s too late now—thank you, Adam!

The Beginning: Training in a Metal Shed

I began training with Adam in September 2003, and we continued working together until November 2018. Our journey started in a metal shed with no air conditioning, enduring the brutal Florida summers – no air, no insulation just grit, dirt, chalk and humidity. For 15 years straight, that shed was his/our training ground. Adam welcomed me as if I were part of his family, and for that, I will always be grateful to both him and his wife, Jamie.

Powerlifting was my sole focus during those years—it consumed my thoughts and dictated my actions. I was myopic in my pursuit, and Adam provided the structure and support that allowed me to channel my energy into becoming the best lifter I could be.

The Brotherhood of Team Samson

Throughout my training years with Adam, I was part of Team Samson. This group of dedicated lifters pushed each other to their limits in a small 20-by-20-foot metal shed. It was one of the most intense and committed training environments I have ever experienced. Most people who joined Team Samson lasted only two or three years, but Adam and I stuck together for 15. Note: I will add more context in another blog later about Tony, Clint, Keith, and Byrd and our time training. This one focuses on my path with Adam. 

The longevity of our partnership was built on mutual respect. Adam set the tone for the gym, and we all followed his lead. This respect transcended any personal conflicts or training disputes among teammates. We knew that losing what we had was not worth letting emotions get the best of us. Respect for Adam, his house, and what he built was paramount.

The Power of Training Partners

Today, many of us train alone in our own gyms. While I’ve spoken about this before, I firmly believe that training alone limits your potential. After 21 years of competing and occasionally training alone for assistance work, I’ve seen firsthand how much easier it is to slack off when there’s no one to hold you accountable. When group members skipped assistance training sessions, leaving me to do it alone, it became clear how valuable a dedicated training environment was.

How I Met Adam

Adam and I first met in 2003, at a time when I was becoming increasingly serious about powerlifting. I had been praying for an opportunity to move beyond my local powerhouse gym to a place where I could continue pushing my limits. One weekend at the Southern States AAPF meet, I was assisting a lifter who was on “supplements” I wasn’t aware of, while Adam was doing the same for another lifter.

We recognized each other from previous meets and struck up a conversation about our upcoming competition—the APF Southern States meet. Adam mentioned that he had a squat session coming up with his team at his private gym, which included a monolift, and he invited me to join. However, I had work that day, running a Coca-Cola delivery route in Green Cove, 50 miles away. Despite the logistical challenge, I made the drive all the way to Cedar Point because the opportunity meant everything to me.

What stood out the most was discovering that Adam was just as focused and dedicated to powerlifting as I was.

A Shared Dedication to Powerlifting

Adam’s commitment was unparalleled. Before he had his own monolift, he used to drive an hour and a half to Daytona every Sunday just to squat on one. His level of dedication matched mine, and that common ground made us a formidable team.

From 2003 to 2013, Adam’s training approach was identical to mine—hostile, intense, and relentless. He led by example, teaching me the true meaning of hard work and discipline. Through him, I learned everything about Westside Barbell and the Conjugate Method. He had all the VHS tapes and Powerlifting USA articles, and I soaked up everything he taught me. Having someone like Adam to lead and push me was invaluable.

I had Skip, who introduced me to powerlifting, but Adam was the one who propelled me to the next level.

A Lifelong Friendship and Shared Values

Beyond powerlifting, Adam and I shared similar worldviews, beliefs, and training philosophies. As a Christian brother, I believe we were meant to cross paths. To this day, when I reflect on my writing, my powerlifting journey, and the foundation of my training, I can trace it all back to Adam.

Now, Adam serves as an elder and pastor at his church, where I still see him every weekend. Looking back, I realize how much my life has been shaped by our friendship and training partnership. At that time, I lived day by day, focused solely on improving my lifts and climbing the Powerlifting USA rankings—before Powerlifting Watch and other online record-tracking sites existed.

Without Adam, I don’t believe I would be where I am today. Running my own coaching and consulting business, writing books like 10/20/Life and Gift of Injury—none of this would have been possible without crossing paths with Adam Driggers. While some lifters had Dave Tate, Rick Hussey or Louie Simmons to guide them, I had Adam.

So, to Adam Driggers—thank you!

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

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