Tim's Pro Shots from Mr. Keller of Final Shot Photography...

Mr. Keller got some amazing shots of Tim on Senior picture day on March 22nd.  

Training Philosophy...

The Coach of Vero Beach Weightlifting’s Training Philosophy:

My programming philosophy is built around maximizing performance on the platform through structured, sustainable training.

I prioritize quality over quantity, using a 4-day training model that allows athletes to train hard, recover properly, and consistently progress without relying on excessive volume or frequency.

All programming is driven by measurable variables such as total lifts and average intensity, with volume gradually decreasing as intensity increases toward competition.

I take a phased approach to training - building strength, developing power, and tapering into competition-specific performance.

Rather than relying strictly on percentages, athletes work up to heavy efforts within movements to establish daily limits.

The goal is simple: consistent progress, healthy athletes, and results that show up on the platform - not just in training.

SQUAT DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

Squats are programmed multiple times per week, with each exposure serving a specific purpose.

Early in the week is the primary strength day, using varied rep ranges and variations to build force output.

Later in the week focuses on speed, posture, and barbell efficiency to improve movement quality.

A third exposure may be used to offset volume or increase intensity depending on the phase.

THE SQUAT DICTATES THE TOTAL

The lifts rise and fall with it, based on the ratios we've identified.

Build the squat, and you raise the ceiling.

Neglect it, and everything stalls.

PROGRAMMING STRUCTURE

• 4 training days per week
• Strength → Power → Peak progression
• Movement-based progression (hang → block → full lifts)
• Auto-regulated top sets
• Wave loading across week, block, and year

3-BLOCK TRAINING CYCLE

Early Block (Strength/Power Base)

• Mon/Tue: ~60~70% variations, positional work, controlled volume.
• Thurs/Sat: Work to heavy triples (power/variations), ~90% intent to puh PRs

Mid Block (Power Development)

• Mon/Tue: ~75~80%, emphasis on power variations, speed, and consistency
• Thurs/Sat: Work up to heavy power efforts followed by full lifts to transfer power into complete movement execution

Competition Phase (Peaking)

• Mon/Tue: ~80~85%, low volume, high precision
• Thurs/Sat: Heavy singles and doubles in full lifts, focus on execution and readiness.
  Key Principle: If it doesn't transfer to the platform, it doesn't belong in the program.

RESULTS

• 54 Team USA Selections
• 300+ National Medals
• 33 International Medals
• Multiple American Records
  

          

Built. Not recruited.

Baby-Tween-Senior Class of 2026...

                Baby                                 Tween                             Senior                   

Tim has grown up entirely too fast💨!

There truly aren’t enough words to capture just how quickly time has flown with this kid. Watching him grow into the young man he is today has been nothing short of incredible. As a mom, I deeply miss the days when he was little—when he’d curl up in my arms, use me as his jungle gym...LOL, and when our days were filled with museum visits and park trips alongside our homeschooling friends. Time doesn’t slow down for anyone, but I’m so thankful we made the most of those moments while we had them.

We’ve cherished every season—and we still are. There’s never been a dull moment. Watching him grow, learn, and step into who he’s becoming has been both a joy and a privilege. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

With graduation just around the corner and his 18th birthday just days before, we’re stepping into a new chapter. But one thing will never change: our support. We’ll always be right here, cheering him on as he continues to chase his dream of making the USA Weightlifting Team and one day representing our country on the Olympic stage.

Tim Through The Years!

I’ve been going through all of Tim’s pictures—from the day he was born until now—and it’s been quite a journey. Sorting through years of memories to choose photos for his yearbook pages, his graduation bio, and the senior slideshow has been both meaningful and overwhelming. On top of that, I’m putting together a graduation video for our family and friends. There’s so much to do, and with only 50 days until graduation, I know the time is going to fly. And just five days before he walks the stage, he’ll turn 18—another milestone to celebrate.

We are beyond proud of the young man Tim has become and all he has accomplished so far. There have been moments when the enemy tried to take him out, but God’s hand has always been on his life—protecting him, guiding him, and shaping him for a purpose. Tim has a calling on his life, and it’s our deepest prayer that he continues to honor God in all he does as he steps into this next chapter and becomes his own man. We pray he seeks God in every decision and stands firm against anything that would pull him away from that path.

We are so thankful that God blessed us with Tim later in life. There was a time I wasn’t sure marriage or children were part of my story, but God had a greater plan. And now, as graduation approaches, we place this incredible gift—our son—back into God’s hands, trusting Him to lead, guide, and direct Tim’s steps in the years ahead.

We know we haven’t been perfect parents, but we have loved Tim deeply—with a love that Father God has for us. He is an amazing young man, and we believe with all our hearts that God has an incredible future waiting for him.

Enjoy these picture collages: 

Dave Ramsey Repost...

I hope everyone will read this Dave Ramsey post about going cashless. It’s a two minute read and NO one has explained it better. Please take 2 minute's and read!

Dave Ramsey repost:

HERE'S WHAT NO CASH ACTUALLY MEANS:

A cashless society means no cash. Zero. It doesn’t mean mostly cashless and you can still use a ‘wee bit of cash here & there’. Cashless means fully digital, fully traceable, fully controlled. I think those who support a cashless society aren’t fully aware of what they are asking for. A cashless society means:

* If you are struggling with your mortgage on a particular month, you can’t do an odd job to get you through.

* Your child can’t go & help the local farmer to earn a bit of summer cash.

* No more cash slipped into the hands of a child as a good luck charm or from their grandparent when going on holidays.

* No more money in birthday cards.

* No more piggy banks for your child to collect pocket money & to learn about the value of earning.

* No more cash for a rainy day fund or for that something special you have been putting $20 a week away for.

* No more little jobs on the side because your wages barely cover the bills or put food on the table.

* No more charity collections.

* No more selling bits & pieces from your home that you no longer want/need for a bit of cash in return.

* No more cash gifts from relatives or loved ones.

What a cashless society does guarantee:

* Banks have full control of every single penny you own.

* Every transaction you make is recorded.

* All your movements & actions are traceable.

* Access to your money can be blocked at the click of a button when/if banks need ‘clarification’ from you which will take about 3 weeks, a thousand questions answered & five thousand passwords.

* You will have no choice but to declare & be taxed on every dollar in your possession.

* The government WILL decide what you can & cannot purchase.

* If your transactions are deemed in any way questionable, by those who create the questions, your money will be frozen, ‘for your own good’.

Forget about cash being dirty. Stop being so easily led. Cash has been around for a very, very, very long time & it gives you control over how you trade with the world. It gives you independence.

If you are a customer, pay with cash. If you are a shop owner, remove those ridiculous signs that ask people to pay by card. Cash is a legal tender, it is our right to pay with cash. Banks are making it increasingly difficult to lodge cash.

Please open your eyes. Please stop believing everything you are being told. Almost every single topic in today’s world is tainted with corruption & hidden agendas.

Pay with cash & please say no to a cashless society while you still have the choice.

More Senior Pics...

I was able to grab some shots during the pro senior photo shoot today.  Tim cleans up sooooo gooood.  Here are some of my faves from what I was able to get.

Was able to get him with the Magnolia trees 

in the background to honor his 

grandmother who passed last summer.

Tim's Graduation Bio...

 

Higher Call Academy 2026 Graduate

through Lighthouse Homeschool Association 

Timothy Scot Neal is the son of Scot and Lisa Neal. Tim has thrived in the flexibility that homeschooling has provided, allowing him to pursue life as an elite athlete with focus and discipline. He trained in TaeKwonDo for 11 years, earning his 3rd-degree black belt along with 53 medals and 10 trophies at competitions.

In 2023, Tim transitioned to Olympic-style weightlifting and quickly found success. He is a multi-time State Champion and, in 2025, earned his first medals at the national level. Highly driven and goal-oriented, Tim also values serving others and has completed 178 hours of community service.

After graduation, Tim plans to work alongside his father while continuing to compete in weightlifting, with the goal of making the USA Weightlifting Team. We are incredibly proud of Tim and look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow as a man (Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 40:31).

ALWC March Madness Meet Results!!!

Tim had an amazing day of lifting. He went 4/6 on his lifts. He missed one of his Snatches and one of his Clean & Jerks. He PR'd across the board - Snatch, C&J & Total.  

Results:

Everyone kept coming by Scot & myself all afternoon and evening saying, "He's Unstoppable!" And boy don't we know it. We see it everyday in his attitude & how he is talking more like a man to us about his goals.  

Last night at dinner he says to us,

• I want to be the first person in our family to do something great and do it on a big stage.
• I want to influence those coming up behind me to do great things.
• I want to have put my mark on this world & be remembered for having done something great.

Everything about how Tim talks, his attitude & how he carries himself exudes greatness. Tim is about being a difference maker. We see it daily where others only get to see it every now and then. Getting to have a front row seat to all the God has in store for this amazing young man has been such a blessing for Scot & myself.

Because Scot & I have been intentional with how we have raised Tim he is able to really go after what he wants out of life with gusto. Tim is living out what I could only dream about when I was growing up. My folks just weren't in a place to be for us kids what Scot & I have been able to be for Tim. I'm so thankful to God for that. Tim is living his best life now. He's not waiting for someday. We are so excited for all that is ahead for him. People say, "The skies the limit for Tim." Tim thinks even larger than that. He has a no limit mentality. There really is no limit to what he's going to do. We have watched God's plan unfold in his life all his life & we are still watching it unfold. This Meet was no different. He set goals, reached for them & made them happen. Such exciting times.

Here are some shots that I was able to get:

Tim's 103kg Snatch PR. My favorite shot of the Meet.

His 120kg C&J.

His 125kg C&J that he missed behind.

His 126kg C&J PR.

Here's to reaching for goals 

& hitting them every single time!!!

Verse of the Day...

This was said to encourage believers to "stay the course" in their fight against the influence of the world.

ALWC March Madness Meet 2026...

Tim will be competing in the ALWC March Madness Meet this Saturday. He is looking forward to participating again this year.  It's taking place at the gym that he trains in.  It's always so much fun for us to watch him. If they livestream the event we will post the link on our social media pages.

This is the full schedule of all the athletes that are competing. I will do a separate blog with Tim's results after the Meet.  

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope everyone has a wonderful St. Patty's Day celebrating with all your friends, family & colleagues.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you🍀!

Is Your Child Turning 18 soon? If so this is VERY IMPORTANT!!!

I saw this on social media and wanted to share it here:

When your child turns 18, something important changes that many families don't realize.

Legally, they become an adult, that's already mind-blowing! But this also means schools, hospitals, and financial institutions may not be able to give information to parents without permission.

This includes if they are still living under your roof and on your health insurance. Trust me, my son turned 18 the summer before his senior year in high school, and this was absolutely the case.

Many families choose to put legal documents in place when their child turns 18 so the parents can help if needed.

Here are the 4 most important legal protections to consider as soon as your student turns 18:

1. Medical Power of Attorney & Advanced Directive - Installs you (or another trusted adult as directed) as the decision-maker for the young adult if they're medically unable to make those decisions for themselves.
2. Durable Power of Attorney - Allows authority over financial or legal obligations if your student is unable to make those payments or other contractual obligations.
3. HIPAA Authorization - Makes it possible to receive important information on their health and speak with doctors on their behalf.
4. FERPA Release (optional and academic only) - Gives you access to essential academic records, like grades or transcripts.

This is not about you being in control.  It's about being able to help them if they are unable to speak or act for themselves.

We will be talking to our families attorney about all this in the days ahead.  It's better to be in the know than not.  I'd encourage all parents to do the same if you have a child approaching 18 like we do.