“The challenge of the event is not just lifting the weight of ‘Big Bertha’ (between 250-300 pounds), the Olympic bar (45 pounds) and plates on each side (totaling 90 pounds),” said Poe. “I also have to contend with lifting a living, breathing creature that will be moving and shifting the weight on the bar as I execute this attempt. She might not want to go where I want her to go.”

 

The event is being coordinated by Ernie Lanier, aka, the Snake Hunter. Lanier, who lives in Lebanon, TN, is also providing reptile shows the entire week (August 4 – 8) at the water park. The show includes Burmese Pythons, Ball Pythons and other snakes.

 

 

His snakes have been featured on the David Letterman Show, Oprah, the Maury Povich Show, Crook and Chase, Good Morning America, and Jack Hannah’s Animal Adventures. Lanier knows quite a bit about powerlifting as a former pro wrestler (“The Executioner”), a world class powerlifter, and a former U.S. Marine Corps Powerlifting Champion. Lanier did extensive research to find the best lifter for this challenge, and found that the ideal candidate, Matt Poe, was located in Nashville.

 

About Matt Poe

Poe is one of America’s top Sports Performance Specialists, as well as a champion weightlifter. He is a graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy and University of Tennessee where he lettered in football. He is known for his outstanding overhead pressing capabilities and has earned the name, “The Master of the Pushpress.” He has recently been a top finisher in the 2005 Atlantis Strongest Man in America Contest, as well as a champion in the 2006 Texas Strongest Man Competition. He coaches, competes, and executes many weightlifting demonstrations and seminars across the world. Poe continues to develop athletes world-wide, as well as “master” overhead pressing to new levels.

 

 

About Nashville Shores

Nashville Shores is a 385-acre family recreation destination located in Nashville, TN. It is comprised of a water park, 20 group event sites and event management team, festival areas and production team, 300-slip marina, boat and jet ski rental, and other attractions.

All-day admission to the water park is $23.95 plus tax for persons 48 inches or taller and $17.95 plus tax for persons shorter than 48 inches and seniors (55 and over). Park hours for Saturday through Monday are and on Sundays from to Nashville Shores is located at

4001 Bell Road

in Hermitage, Tennessee.  For more information call (615) 889-7050 or visit www.NashvilleShores.com.

 

 

-###-