What Happens in Vegas by Big D It was that time again… And although the summer came to an end I knew that the Olympia was right around the corner. Not only do I get jacked up because I get to go to Vegas, but I get to go to Vegas and hang out with my boys. It sucks not being able to see my Animal bros; but when we do get together it’s like we were never apart. This was the second time that I was given the opportunity to go out to the Olympia with Animal and it just keeps getting better and better, I’m really so lucky to be involved with such a great company. My flight was Thursday afternoon. I go to the airport and who do I see waiting in line across the way from me? None other than Vinny G, aka Muscles Marinara. We caught up, grabbed some grub, creeped on some ladies and waited to board our plane. For those who don’t know, I hate flying. Not for any other reason besides the fact that those seats are so damn small. I’m not the biggest guy, but my ass is cramped. I have no idea how some of the other Animals fit in those things. After an obnoxiously long flight we were in Vegas and the world was right again. Big D and Vegas are a match made in heaven. Because I was lifting the next day I took the night off and rested up for my big day on Friday. Last year in the cage I pulled against Sgt. Rock (and I beat him, no matter what he says) and although it was suppose to be the rematch, he was unable to pull, so the spotlight was on me, and I would not let anyone down. I decided that I was going to deadlift raw and put on a show. Plate after plate I worked up to a solid 765 and smoked it. 800 lbs was too much on that day, but it will fall soon. Big Mike “Wicked” Van Wyck threw around some massive dumbbells and then Ben Seath squatted some big weight. They are both massive, weight-moving freaks. Day one in The Cage was a success and, as usual, big time weight was lifted. Onto day number two. I was able to watch the ridiculous Richard “The Ant” Hawthorne do what he does best, and deadlift crazy ass weight (more than 4x his bodyweight!). He’s a true freak and it’s going to be a great time to compete against him at the Night of The Living Deadlift contest in October. Then it was time for big Sam Byrd to steal the show. Four weeks out from a bodybuilding show he crushed the 220lb raw squat world record with an insane 825 lb squat. What a way to end a crazy weekend. Myself and Higa benched for some reps, just for the fuck of it, and I took the crown with a solid 255 lbs for 31 reps and with that the weekend was over. It seemed to fly by but I am so glad to be a part of it. Although it just passed I cannot wait until the next time I can get together with my ANIMAL bros and throw some iron around. The thing that I love about ANIMAL is that even though we have such big time pros on our roster, there are no egos. Everyone gets together and is family. There’s nothing like it in the world… You already know I am counting down the days for the Arnold 2012.