Inducted into the Weightlifting Hall of Fame: January 25, 2023
Joseph “Poss” Major was a manager and breeder of Arabian horses and collector of antique tractors and sportsman. He was a member of the 1963, 1964 and 1966 National Collegiate Weightlifting Teams. He was the winner of several lifting meets throughout the South. Poss was one of the most consistent lifters for the team who always scored points. Poss was gifted with legendary leg strength. His lifelong friend Alvin Chustz sent this email relating an incident where Poss demonstrated not only his superb leg strength but his agility to complete a snatch:
Here is a story about Poss. For those of you who knew him you probably remember how large and powerful his legs were. Well, once we were at a meet in Texas and Poss was lifting in the 165-pound class. He was attempting a snatch of 225 pounds. He executed a great pull and dropped under the bar in a full squat. Everything looked good until the bar began to slowly move forward. We all know what happens when the bar does this—you lose the lift. Well, Poss was having none of that. In order to save the lift, he began to “duck walk” from the middle of the platform with the weight above his head. He waddled while in a deep squat all the way to the very front edge of the platform, regained his balance and stood up to complete a good lift. I might point out that he is now 78 years old and at a bodyweight of less than 160 pounds he bench presses 225 pounds for eight reps.
Interestingly, he is one of three inductees from New Rhoades, Louisiana.
He graduated from USL in 1969 and then taught school in Iberia Parish for eight years. In 1977, he began a very rewarding career as a professional trainer of Arabian show horses. For 35 years he traveled all over the country showing beautiful horses and winning numerous awards. In 2002, he began buying antique and used tractors and refurbishing them for resale. Today, this is how he spends most of my time. When not working, he likes to go to the gym where at age 78 still enjoys working out with heavy weights. He has two daughters that have made him very proud. Share obtained a Ph.D. in toxicology from Tulane University and Shaun has a master’s degree in art from Rutgers. He has four grandchildren.
