Mass-Lift.com Featured Lifter- Andrew Mastone

After his best lifter performance at the 2012 Massachusetts State Championship in December, Andrew Mastone has been selected as our newest Feature Lifter. Just as many collegiate lifters, Drew found a home in powerlifting when other athletic doors began to close. In a short time he has become one of the top ranked collegiate lifters and expects to have a strong showing this year at Collegiate Nationals. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? deadlift

I am 22 years old in my senior year at Northeastern University studying History. I hail from Tewksbury, MA and plan on becoming a teacher when I graduate.

How did you get into the sport of powerlifting?

I started lifting weights in high school and absolutely fell in love with it. I also threw shotput and walked on to the Northeastern track team.  After my sophomore season, I was cut and was then approached by Northeastern Strength Coach Mike Zawilinski to join the Northeastern Powerlifting Team.  I jumped at the opportunity and haven’t looked back since. Best thing that ever happened to me.

What weight class or weight classes to you compete in?

I currently compete at the 242 weight class but have competed everywhere from 220 to 275. A wise man once told me girthless is worthless.

What are your best lifts?

My best squat is 300 kg (661 lbs), best bench is 202.5 kg (446 lbs), best deadlift is 275 kg (606 lbs), best total is 770 kg (1697 lbs).

Drew showing he is never intimidated as he is squaring off against competitor and IPF Junior World Champion Preston Turner from University of Texas, in a style WWE fans would enjoy.
Drew showing he is never intimidated as he is squaring off against competitor and IPF Junior World Champion Preston Turner from University of Texas, in a style WWE fans would enjoy.

What USAPL National meets have you lifted in and how did you place?

In my young career I have competed at two USAPL Collegiate Nationals and placed 13th in the 220 lb weight class in 2011, and unfortunately bombed out of the 2012 meet competing in the 275 lb weight class. I’ve had success at state meets winning the 242 lb weight class at the New Jersey state meet in August 2012 and the Massachusetts state meet in December 2012. I will be heading to Killeen, TX with my teammates in April 2013 for Collegiates and am looking to have a breakout performance. Stay tuned…

Drew pushing hard enough in the squat in the 2012 Massachusetts State Championships to pop a blood vessel in the nose.
Drew pushing hard enough in the squat in the 2012 Massachusetts State Championships to pop a blood vessel in the nose.

Have you lifted in any NAPF or IPF meets if so how did you place?

Not YET.

Where do you train?

I train at Northeastern’s Cabot Athletic Center with NUPL, and also train at Xaverian Brothers High School in Norwood, MA and at Baystate Athletic Club in Scituate, MA. I’d also like to thank the Ianetta’s for letting me use their basement in Tewksbury.

Do you lift with a group/team or by yourself, if so who?

I train with my Northeastern Powerlifting teammates notably my brothers on the BTR led by myself and big bad blue chipper Stephen King. We’re led by a great coaching staff comprised of Northeastern Strength Coach Mike Zawilinski, the founder of NUPL Joe Cappellino, NUPL alumni Luis Jaimes, and newcomer and former Louisiana Tech coach Zac Cooper. I am also privileged to be able to train with the great guys over at Xaverian led by Coach Al Fornaro. NUPL is like a second family for me and nothing makes me happier than training with them.

 

The 2013 Northeastern Powerlifting Team (NUPL) where Drew is the Treasurer on the Executive Board of the team.
The 2013 Northeastern Powerlifting Team (NUPL) where Drew is the Treasurer on the Executive Board of the team.

What current goals are you trying to accomplish?

My goals for the end of my collegiate career include squatting over 700 lbs, benching over 500 lbs, and deadlifting over 650 lbs. I want to stand on the podium at Collegiates and help Northeastern Men’s team win our first National Championship.

awardsWhat is your greatest moment in powerlifting?

My greatest moment in powerlifting was winning the Best Male Lifter award at the Mass State meet in December 2012 in front of my family. It was a great personal moment and validated years of pounding the grindstone.

Can you tell us a little about your training routine?

I train four days a week and have been fortunate enough to have knowledgeable coaches who put together successful training programs. In the past I would dedicate one day to either the squat, bench, or deadlift but now have been doing all three every training session with varying intensity. Over this winter break, I have been doing the Sheiko which has given me fantastic results.

Who are your mentors?

My two biggest mentors are Joe Cappellino and Juis Jaimes. I’ve been able to see both of them attain national and international success and have learned a lot from both of them. Lou has been especially instrumental in my success helping me learn how to use gear and coaching/handling me during my last two competitions. Also my high school track coach Steve Levine has always been there for me with advice and wisdom throughout my athletic endeavors in college.

Do you have any tips that could help other lifters?

Eat, Train, Sleep. Recovery and soft tissue work are extremely important. I’ve learned there is no big secret to success in powerlifting, you just have to work your ass off and take care of your body. Also, have fun with it and surround yourself with genuinely good people.

What inspires you to keep training?Teamate

There are so many things I draw upon for inspiration, but being cut from the NU track team lit a fire under me that just didn’t exist before. I joined NUPL hungry, pissed off, and with something to prove. Now I am inspired by the fact that this is the final hoorah for me and the other seniors such as Anthony Grimaldi and Billy Pepicelli and that all our hard work over the past three years comes down to Collegiates in April. I want to give back to a program that has done so much for me.

What is your favorite music to listen too when your training?

I love listening to metal such as As I Lay Dying, Lamb of God, and Parkway Drive. It puts me on a different planet mentally. The Women’s team hates when I play it, but they’ll learn to love it.

Do you compete in any other sports?

This summer I plan on beginning training to become a professional wrestler.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me since I started powerlifting and shout out to all the NUPL Alumni who I trained with over the years. Much love.

Drew at one of his first meets, Albany Strength Powerlifting Meet, 2011

2011 Collegiate Nationals, Scranton, PA

2011 Massachusetts/Rhode Island State Championships

2012 Collegiate Nationals, Baton Rouge, LA

2012 Massachusetts State Championships, where he won best over all male lifter

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