In addition to Alan Borden’s recognition as an Outstanding Ex at Cleburne High School’s Homecoming festivities, he was proclaimed a hero by the students at Coleman Elementary School.

Borden, who is the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation’s reigning world champion, was honored for his personal commitment against drugs by the Coleman student council on Friday afternoon at the end of five days of Red Ribbon Week celebrations.

“We were excited to name Mr. Borden a Red Ribbon Hero,” said student council President Forby Philips, who presented Borden with a plaque. “He told us some interesting things about his life as a powerlifter, and it was fun getting to lift a weight.”

Borden, who met with fifth-graders during their PE period, shared some of the highlights of his career as a competitive powerlifter, which began when he was a student at CHS.

As a junior he won the silver medal at the Texas State Powerlifting Championships and took the bronze the following year.

He continued to compete in powerlifting at Texas A&M; University-Commerce, which he attended on a track and academic scholarship, and played football.

While pursuing a degree in personnel and business management, Borden made two trips to the NCAA track and field championships, throwing discus, javelin and shot put for the Lions.

He was also a member of the TAMU-Commerce lifting teams that finished second in the 1983 and 1984 national collegiate powerlifting team championships.

As a college competitor Borden saw the use and abuse of anabolic steroids among fellow athletes.

“There was no drug testing when I was in college,” Borden said. “Steroid use was prevalent. Over the years, I continued lifting and training. But I shied away from competing due to so much drug use in powerlifting at the time.”

In 2002, his best friend, Mike Matthews, encouraged Borden to start competing again.

“At that time, Mike had been diagnosed with brain cancer,” Borden said. “After he passed away, my younger brother, Cory, started training and coaching me. I kept my word to Mike and won my first competition at the USA powerlifting national championships.”

Since then, Borden, who is also the southwest regional sales and marketing manager for Florida’s Natural Growers, one of his sponsors, has traveled widely as a powerlifting competitor. His passport includes stamps from Italy, Great Britain, Russia, Belgium and Australia, reflecting his success in 60 career meets.

Since January he has won the American Powerlifting Federation Texas state championships, Natural Athlete Strength Association national championships, N.A.S.A. world bench press championships and the N.A.S.A. world cup.

He is a five-time world champion and has held a total of six national championships and seven state titles.

Borden was selected to participate with Team USA at the AAU world championships on Nov. 28-29 and will defend his title with the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation this month.

He gives the credit for his achievements to God; his family, which includes high school sweetheart Beth (Stevens) and sons Jace and Mikah; his childhood friend, Mike Matthews; and his brother, Cory.

“The memory of Mike keeps inspiring me,” he said. “And my brother, Cory, keeps me trained and motivated. I’m proud to say that I’ve accomplished what I’ve done completely drug-free.”

His concern for future athletes and the temptation to take what seems to be the fastest route to fame by using anabolic steroids, is the heaviest weight carried by this strongman who can bench press 423 pounds and lift 850 in the squat.

“Because of my success I have the opportunity to speak to schools and church groups about the dangers of steroids,” Borden said. “It also gives me the chance to help motivate young athletes to succeed with their God-given abilities.”

Borden, who led the Jackets onto the field at the start of Friday’s Homecoming game against Waco-University, works out regularly with CHS athletes as a volunteer strength and weightlifting coach.

Borden left Coleman students with words he hopes will carry a lot of weight.

“Make sure, as beginning athletes, that you do it right,” he said. “Get lots of rest and eat healthy. Eat food rich in vitamins and protein.”

“Drugs are drugs, no matter where they are offered to you. If you think something will hurt your body, don’t take it.