TAMUT Sophomore Holds World Record in Powerlifting

Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Pursuing BSN

When TAMUT student Parker Musselwhite began his freshman year he was determined to stay in good shape. Not wanting to put on the "freshman 15" he decided to continue lifting weights, which he had done as a high school student in Tyler, Texas. Musselwhite says that while he was "just ok" as a powerlifter in college, he began to enjoy the sport more and became passionate about powerlifting competitions.

Parker trains and lifts six days a week, and works with a coach in Marshall, Tx. He competes in the International Powerlifting League (IPL) and travels the country participating in events. He recently competed in the IPL World Championships in Las Vegas, where he lifted in the 15-19 year old 90K division and won first place. Parker set a new world record by lifting 578 pounds in one of his attempts. 

A graduate of Tyler Lee High School, Parker chose A&M-Texarkana because he wanted to study nursing and also wanted to be close to family. He lives with his grandmother, which allows him to help her while giving him a comfortable place to live and study while he's in college. When he's not lifting weights Parker can be found working at his job at Dillard's or studying for his classes. Parker will apply to TAMUT's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program this February