BAKER — Tyler Oliver’s easy smile and polite demeanor belie the strong man that he is.
Oliver, a senior on Baker School's weightlifting team, is one of the state's top lifters in the 183-pound weight class. Last week, Oliver won the Class 1A sub-district meet with lifts totaling a personal-best 560 pounds.
Oliver has put in the work needed to be a champion, Gator weightlifting Coach Andy Valmus said.
“He’s a guy that, you talk about their strengths, but Tyler focused on his clean and jerk,” Valmus said. “He didn’t have the form last year, and he knew if he was going to go to state he was going to have to really work on that. His bench has always been solid, and he’s continued to work on that.
“I’ve really been impressed with how he has focused on getting better at what he is weak at. I see Tyler going to state. I really do.”
We now catch up with Tyler Oliver.
Q:How old were you when you started weightlifting?
A: About 13, seventh grade.
Q:What's the best part of weightlifting?
A: The competition.
Q:What's the worst part of weightlifting?
A: There isn’t one.
Q:What are your expectations this season?
A:To just do the best I can.
Q:If you had to pick a different sport to play, what would it be?
A: Football, just because of the competition.
Q:What is your favorite weightlifting experience?
A:(March 16) — winning the district meet.
Q:What are your hobbies outside weightlifting?
A: Going to church and spending time with family.
Q:What's your dream career?
A:Strength and conditioning coach.
Q:Do you want to compete in weightlifting in college?
A:Absolutely. I’d love to attend Northwest Florida (State College) and then transfer to UWF (University of West Florida) so I can stay close to family.
Q:What is your favorite movie?
A:“Rocky IV.”
Q:What is your favorite music group?
A:Third Day.
Q:If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?
A:Scooby Doo. I just like him as a cartoon.
Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @cnb_sports, or call 682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker strongman Oliver eyes state