Samuel Shepard wanted to live a health lifestyle, yet his dedication and motivation took him beyond that. This New Martinsville, West Virginia native, and junior Mountaineer has burst on to the seen. Samuel has become a figure for young men in body building, as well as started a booming modeling career.
Q.Tell us a little about body building and the success you have had in it
A.I competed in the NPC Collegiate Nationals and won my class and the overall in Men’s Physique. (It’s a new class geared more towards pleasing body’s rather than huge ones.) I have also been lucky enough to do a lot of fitness modeling. I signed to an agency in New York and this past summer got to travel to Chicago, L.A., Miami, and other cities for shoots. Recently, I my first spread in an international magazine in this December’s Muscle and Fitness issue.
Q.What motivated you to get into body building?
A.I really just have a drive to be the best I can be in all aspects of life. My body is a big part of that. I want to be as healthy and look the best I can. It may sound shallow, but I love it and I work hard for it. It feels great to always feel confident in my own skin.
Q.What has been the most exciting/proud moment?
A.Probably for me my trip to L.A. and Venice beach. It was amazing to get to stay at Venice Beach and get to eat, train, and just live where many of the bodybuilding greats have. Training in the original Gold’s Gym was amazing.
Q.Where do you plan on taking your career?
A.Currently, I am doing a lot of online training with clients and prepping for the coming spring and summer, but as far as the future? As far as I can! I don’t see the point in half-way doing something. My goals are to one day win Mr. Olympia in Men’s Physique class, and get as many magazine covers as I can. If it takes me any farther than that then I would
welcome it. In the end I just want to be happy and live comfortably. Getting my degree is my main priority at the moment though.
Q.What is your major in school?
A.My major is Secondary Education. Many people expect me to say Exercise Physiology or something like that, but I have always wanted to be a teacher. I’m all about leaving a positive impact on people, and I think I will be able to have a good influence on the most lives as a teacher.
Q:Other activities?
A:I live in Morgantown! Plenty of fun things to do on the weekends. I can’t be serious all of the time.
Q:Plans for the future?
A:Get my degree, continue my bodybuilding/modeling, inspire as many people as possible, start a family, and experience as much as I can in this world.