Drake began his career in strength sports at the age of 10, using strength training to improve his athletic performance for football and track and field. After graduating from Northmont High School, he went on to attend University of St. Francis where he played football. It was here he was guided into the sport of weightlifting by a professor who had a great appreciation and love for the sport.
Since Drake’s first weightlifting meet in 2015 he has earned multiple national medals and competed internationally for Team USA twice. Drake’s personal experience competing at a high level makes him a valuable resource to those looking to take their weightlifting career to the next level.
-3x Ohio Weightlifting Athlete of the Year
-2017 Summer Universiade Team USA Member
-2019 Las Vegas International Open Team USA Member
-American Open Finals and National Championship Medalist
-4x Ohio Weightlifting State Champion
-Ohio Weightlifting State Record Holder
Drake Thompson, Head Coach USAW-L1
Jill rolled of the couch in 2017 at the age of 54 and decided to try CrossFit after years of inactivity. She spent the next several months learning to move again. In 2019 she met Coach Candace after seeing her train in the weightlifting area of her CrossFit gym. After being introduced to the sport, she fell in love and never looked back.
Jill began competing in 2020 and has since lifted in over 10 competitions. She holds three state records, and earned her first national medal in 2022 at the National American Open Series 1 in Columbus, OH at The Arnold Sports Festival. Jill closed out 2022 with an 8th place ranking in the country for her age group and weight class.
Jill has a unique understanding of human movement as a practicing licensed massage therapist for over 34 years and as a certified yoga instructor. She is a proud plant-based vegan and dog mom to Stella. She is also a mother to her wonderful daughter who supports her in all of her endeavors and drives her to her competitions to cheer her on. Jill loves to make friends in the sport and support all of her fellow teammates and competitors. She always brings positive energy and light to everyone she meets.
Jill Ring, Youth Coach USAW-L2
Candace originally found her love of weightlifting through CrossFit after going to her first box in Northern Kentucky in 2013. After competing locally in CrossFit, powerlifting, and strongman, she participated in her first weightlifting meet in 2015 and has since competed over 20 times both locally and nationally. She began coaching the sport in 2018 and has assisted multiple athletes in achieving state and national medals, as well as lead two men’s teams and the Clean Slate Weightlifting Women’s team to State Champion titles.
After graduating from Wilmington College with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Candace worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer in Dayton, OH for 8 years, both in high school and clinical settings. With her background in Sports Medicine and personal experience in the sport, she has a unique perspective to share with fellow weightlifters and athletes.
-2019 Ohio Weightlifting Coach of the Year
-5x Ohio Weightlifting State Champion
-Ohio Weightlifting State Record Holder
-Current Ohio WSO President
-2020 American Open Finals Medalist
Candace Gorby, Owner/Head Coach BS Athletic Training, USAW National Coach
Bryan's passion for Weightlifting began in 2014 during a CrossFit class involving the snatch. Having no clue what he was doing, Bryan was eager to learn. He quickly joined a Weightlifting club and was hooked ever since. Bryan has competed in a plethora of Weightlifting competitions, most notably a national level competition called The Arnold. Not only did this fuel his passion for the sport and movement, it also brought a desire to coach and give back to a sport that has given him so much. Having received his USA Weightlifting certification in 2016. Bryan has been coaching ever since.
Outside of Weightlifting, Bryan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Part of what fueled him to pursue advanced education was his coaching career. Members and athletes would experience occasional aches and pains for which he had no answer. This did not sit well with him, so he decided to advance his knowledge to better live out his personal mission of empowering others to better care for themselves through movement. Three years and a Doctoral degree later, Bryan can honestly say he has gotten what he was looking for and more. Bryan's experience and education brings a unique perspective to the Clean Slate Weightlifting team.
Additional fun facts: Bryan likes to hike, travel, and spend quality time with family and friends. He enjoys craft beer with good company and a good cup of coffee every morning. He is a big fan of South Park and Rick and Morty and may or may not quote from either show a little too much.
Bryan looks forward to helping you achieve your goals!
Bryan Opaskar, Assistant Coach DPT, USAW-L2
Growing up in Colombia, Guillermo always admired both the strength, power, and precision displayed by Olympic weightlifting athletes, and in 2022, after primarily doing CrossFit for more than 11 years he decided to make the jump. Since then, he has competed and medaled in several meets, to include the 2023 National American Open Series 1 at The Arnold.
Ever since joining the military in 2005, Guillermo has been passionate about human performance and health and wellness. In addition to his involvement in fitness research with the Air Force Research Laboratories, Guillermo has served as the Unit Fitness Program Manager and Physical Training Leader in multiple military units, setting fitness programs and helping over 300 military members achieve their fitness goals.
Currently, Guillermo is a Ph.D Student at the Air Force Institute of Technology, researching materials for microelectronics. His analytical personality and attention to detail make him a great complement to the staff at Clean Slate Weightlifting.
