MAD: So how did you get your start in Powerlifting? I heard something about how you where not able to play other sports in school. Tell us about that.

KROG: Basically I had too many concussions and I was told by a couple of specialists and my doctor that it wouldn’t be wise to play anymore contact sports. They told me there was a possibility that I could come back and play after taking a year off. That year came and went and I decided I would rather just lift weights instead of playing hockey or football again. I started out lifting weights when I was introduced to the guys at Jackal’s by my then neighbor, John Campion, who owns Jackal’s Gym now. I started out lifting weights to get bigger and stronger because I only weighed 135 lbs.

(I weighed 269.9 lbs. on 02/25/06) and everyone else was going to have a year on me to get better. I had a lot fun lifting weights because I kept seeing myself gain weight and improve. I decided to enter my first competition in the spring of my junior year in Kasson, Minnesota (I weighed in at 196 lbs.). I’ve loved competing ever since!

 

Jon Krogman setting Jr American record of 755

 

MAD: Where does your training style come from? Tell us about it

KROG: I use the Jackal’s gym 5x5 program. I train hard 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for about 2 to 3 hours. The program is made up of blood, guts, sweat, and tears! We don’t train with any gear so it is not for the weak or faint of heart! I think you can attest to that MAD because you’ve experienced the Jackal’s 5x5 program!

MAD: At such a young age you have already have a World Championship title under your belt. Tell us about that experience.

KROG: It was an awesome experience and I will never forget it! I hope there are more to come! I won the 2004 Sub-Jr. World Championship in the 242 lbs. weight class down in Pretoria, South Africa. It was a LONG trip, I was tired the whole week, I lost 6 lbs., and I threw up after I weighed in because I was so nervous! It didn’t seem like I was going to win 3 Gold medals and a Silver medal! I buried all of my squats and made them all, but every one of them felt heavy! In the benchpress, I made my opener, was called for uneven extension on my 2nd, and repeated my 2nd on my 3rd attempt to get it. I started to feel strong and took a step out of this world on my deadlifts to pull for my goal total of 1,700 lbs. and hit a PR! It was the greatest feeling in the world and made all my training up to that point worth it because I trained hard for it.

MAD: Who influences you?

KROG: I would have to say my biggest influences would have to be my mom, dad, and the guys at Jackal’s Gym. I really look up to them.

MAD: What else do you do? When your not smashing records (mine soon included ha ha) of course.

KROG: I am a Sophmore at Southwest Minnesota State University. I am a Justice Administration major. I am a normal college student who likes to lift weights. I work security on the SMSU campus. I have one brother and no other siblings. His name is Jordan, he is a senior in high school at Marshall Senior High School. Look for him in an upcoming meet. He was a nose guard for his high school football team at 170 pounds and a goalie for his high school hockey team. He has lettered four years in hockey and was the strongest kid on any of his athletic teams in high school!

 

Jon Krogman pulling big at The Gym in Plymouth

MAD: Drug use, what is your views on this?

KROG: I am against it completely especially if you are using drugs in this organization! We are a drug free organization and drug use is not tolerated. I personally can’t see how a person could be proud of winning something if they know they cheated. It’s just not the honorable thing to do.

MAD: Anything else to add?

KROG: Thanks for the interview MAD, it was fun and good luck training to all

Photo Credits to Jackal's Gym and Steven Hack. Read more about Jon Krogman on Jackals Gyms website.