In Memory of Casey Bard

I want to share something personal with you. Last Friday, my great friend and mentor Casey Bard passed away at just 39 years old from Stage 4 Colon Cancer. I met Casey at my very first powerlifting meet on April 20th, 2013. I signed up on a whim, thinking I was strong and wanted to chase some arbitrary federation state record that I thought was a big deal at that time. Out of everyone there, I happened to sit next to him and that moment ended up changing the direction of my life.

 After that meet, he invited me to train at East End Barbell, a small garage gym that used to be here in Rochester. That’s where I truly learned the sport. More importantly, that’s where I was surrounded by people who pushed me to become better.

Casey took me under his wing. He believed in me early on, gave me opportunities I hadn’t earned yet, and challenged me to grow. He helped me get my first sponsorship through USPlabs, brought me into environments that forced me to level up, and always held me to a higher standard. The truth is, I never wanted to let him down.

As the years went on, our relationship went far beyond lifting. When Dave and I were building Legends, Casey was someone I leaned on. He was one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, he was clear, honest, and always grounded. Every conversation with him just made sense.

The night before I went on Dave Tate’s Table Talk last year, he called me while I was at my hotel room in Columbus, and told me I deserved to be there. He knew what that meant coming from him.

Looking back, I can say this with certainty without Casey, there is no Legends. There is no Crew. There is no path like the one I’ve built. Watching him take risks, leave comfort behind, and go all in on his own vision with his start up company, Tacticalories, showed me what was possible. He didn’t just talk about it, he lived it.

Last week, he sent me a message telling me his time was near. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever read, but I’m grateful he did, because we were able to say everything that needed to be said to each other and I am happy to have had that opportunity.

I’m sharing this with you because The Crew isn't just coaching. It’s a community, and moments like this remind you what actually matters. Tell your friends you love them. Tell your family you love them. Don’t wait. Enjoy the time you have together, because none of us are promised more of it.

My thoughts are with his wife Lindsey and their children.

We’ll continue to carry his impact forward in how we train, how we show up, and how we treat each other.

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