Former powerlifting champion inducted into St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph Sports Commission held a press conference releasing the names of individuals inducted into the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame.

Bob Boyles, a seven-time AAU powerlifting champion, was one of the 10 individuals inducted.

"It means a lot, I've spent my life here," Boyles said. "I have been to other places and competed, got acknowledgement being at those places but in your own home town it means more."

Supported by his grandchildren at the press conference Boyles shared he still lifts and trains others at Body Image Personal Training gym.

"I work with people every day, 10 hours a day still doing it, almost 68 years old and still in the gym business," Boyles said.

The message he spreads in his gym is "No matter what age you get, you can always make yourself a little bit better."

Nine other individuals and a team were recognized as well.

Director of Development and Sports Commission Brett Esely said the depth of the class is what makes this year stand out.

"We've got our first men's tennis player, we've got our first boxer, we've got a golf coach/teacher/mentor," Esely said. "We've got two national football leaguers in this class."

The enshrinement ceremony will take place Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center at 5 p.m. Tickets will go on sale in late June for $25.