Buster Godden began lifting weights while training when an athlete at Eisenhower High School. Buster resumed his power-lifting when his seventeen year-old son became interested. They began training in earnest and progress was made quickly. They both began competing in power-lifting events sponsored by the World Power-Lifting Association. Many of these events were held in Western Pennsylvania.
At one point, Buster held three International Power-Lifters Association World Records. He ownded the Amateur 45-49 year old - 308 pound class World Record for the Bench Press with a lift of Pounds. And, he held the Masters Super Heavy Weight 45-59 year old World Record with a Bench Press of pounds. Today, Buster still holds the Amateur Super Heavy Weight Record for his age group. His best bench press in the American Power-Lifting Federation is 540 pounds done as recently as of February 2005.
He is presently ranked in the top 25 in the world for the Over-All title for 308 pound Masters II Bench Press. Buster and his son Travis would train and travel together to competitions throughout the East. The two were especially supportive on one another's goals and would bring out the best in each other. Both Buster and Travis trained with Hall of Famer Carl Seeker of Warren. Buster presently lifts in the Masters II, 50-55 year old 308 pound class. In addition to his power-lifting, Buster worked as a four-year varsity football coach at Eisenhower High School.
Following the death of their son Travis, Buster and Janis started the Travis Godden Memorial Scholarship Fund which gives financial rewards to two graduating seniors each year from Eisenhower High School. With the help of their mentor and friends, Carl Seeker and Hal Knap, the Travis Godden Memorial Jr/Sr School power-lifting event is sponsored by the Key Club of Eisenhower and has held two meets so far. To date, the event has raised approximately $10,000.00.and there have been four recipients of the scholarship. Buster's immediate future goal is to perform a 600 pound bench press in honor and memory of Travis. Then, he will go on to be the number one Masters II lifter in the World."
