World record holder and former Van Vleck Leopard A.J. Mangum was honored in a short ceremony held on the grounds of Van Vleck High School Wednesday, April 6. Van Vleck ISD honored AJ with an eight-by-four sign that lists his accomplishments in powerlifting. Mangum holds the world record deadlift in the 181 pound weight class with a lift of 706.2 pounds. “I would really like to thank everyone for their support. Without that and the foundation VVHS set for me this would not have happened,” said Mangum.
Several supporters of AJ were in attendance for the event and all showed their appreciation for the quality of young man that Mangum has become.
“In these times we are in a shortage of young role models and that’s exactly what you are AJ,” said Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald.
Mangum’s parents, Velma and Ray, expressed their thanks to school administration for the sign and said they hope it serves as inspiration to students every time they see it on campus.
“The thing about AJ is none of the celebrity of the world record has went to his head he is still the same humble young man he always was,” said AJ’s high school coach Matt Stovall.
Mangum and his parents expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to the sponsors of the sign: Byron Gaskin, Judge Nathan N. McDonald, Daniel W. Pustka, First Berean Baptist Church, Wells Fargo Bank, Jackson Electric Coop., Inc., Jesse and Christella Rodriguez, Tony King, B&S Rental Tools, Inc., Angeles Enterprise, Inc. dba Ed’s Country Store, Ad Vantage Specialties, Polo’s Mexican Restaurant, Tonia King Perry, Jessie Mae Keith, and Katherine Bonner. Their generous donations helped to make the sign possible.