Articles Bios & Interviews Cory Mathews tells Christian Duque how Them Texas Boys get things done!
Christian Duque: I'd like to welcome you to RxMuscle.com, Cory. It's both an honor and a privilege to speak with you. Please tell our readers a little about yourself.
Cory Mathews: Thank you, Rx Muscle. I'd like to first say that I am very privileged and honored as well to do this interview. My name is Cory Mathews. I am 37 years of age and a professional bodybuilder in the IFBB Professional League in the 212 division. I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, but for the last several years I've called Arlington, Texas my home. My close friends make comments often that I am a man of many hats, because when I'm not competing or in the gym I'm working ministry and I have a family that I adore spending time with.
Christian Duque: If you could share with us, when and why did you first get started weight training? And at what point did you decide you wanted to start competing?
Cory Mathews: I started weight training when I was 14 years old. I quickly discovered it was something I was very good at and it helped me stay out of trouble. However, I avoided bodybuilding for the majority of my life until I met Ronnie Coleman. He told me that I could have a very good future in the sport and I have very good genetics. I went to his show as a spectator and I caught the bug.
Christian Duque: In terms of social acceptance, what was the general reaction from friends, family, and co-workers to your love of and participation in the sport of bodybuilding?
Cory Mathews: Well, for the greatest part, I had a huge support system in my wife (Lori Mathews) and in my church family. It was almost as though I was tailored for bodybuilding. So friends, family, associates, in fact anyone who knew me embraced the vision.
Christian Duque: It seems there's a wide range of different styles and methodologies (High Intensity, High Volume, or new programs like FST-7). What approach has worked best for you?
Cory Mathews: For me, I stick to the basics. The basics are my bread and butter… old school compound movements, heavy weight and intensity. However, I do also high volume.
Christian Duque: Talk to us about "Them Texas Boys." As I understand it, the term stands for a partnership, a team if you will, between yourself and IFBB Pro Kevin Ofurum. What's it all about?
Cory Mathews: Them Texas Boys was a concept that actually originated from Ronnie always yelling out, "Show them California boys how we do it in Texas!" during our workouts. The words "Them Texas Boys" was something that was lodged in the back of my mind.
Eventually, Kevin Ofurum and myself earned our pro cards and we were both embraced by Ronnie's athletes team. During a conversation with Kevin we realized that our connection had more meaning than what we thought. We discussed how Branch and Johnnie were two Texas titans highly honored in Texas. So we talked about being that next generation dynamic duo and, of course, the words "Them Texas Boys" became a reality.
Christian Duque: Piggy-backing off the last question, talk to us about the bodybuilding scene in Texas? Is there a lot of camaraderie and networking that goes on?
Cory Mathews: The Texas bodybuilding scene is very competitive. There are more pro bodybuilders in Texas I think than anywhere else that I'm aware of. As far as camaraderie and networking, from my personal experience I consider it to be very good. While Kevin Ofurum, for one, I consider to be my brother, among others such as IFBB Pro Gus Carter and, of course, the person I must say is most responsible for me being where I am at today, for embracing me, teaching me and mentoring me from the very beginning – Mr. Ronnie Coleman.
I also have a relationship with Branch Warren and Johnnie Jackson who I have admired over the years. At some point we all cross paths and encourage one another.
Christian Duque: The 212 Division is really picking up, and in some contests it's a bigger draw than the open. How did you find yourself in this Division and how impressed are you with the depth in the lineups?
Cory Mathews: Yes, the 212 division is quickly gaining lots of momentum and becoming extremely competitive. I am very impressed with the depth in the line-ups. There are some stellar competitors in the 212 division.
Christian Duque: Speaking about depth, I'd like to congratulate you on a very good showing at last weekend's Dallas Europa. I thought you looked on point on Friday, but you impressed a great many people (including Chris "The Technician" Aceto) on Saturday. Talk to us about your decision to compete there and how you feel about the contest?
Cory Mathews: Thank you very much for the compliment and, of course, I consider it to be a big deal to have even caught the eye of Chris Aceto. I chose to compete at that show because it was right in my own backyard, where all of my friends and family could be there. I feel that the competition itself was a very good one. Again, stellar competitors were on that stage.
Christian Duque: Also, how did you improve your physique so dramatically in just 24 hours (from Friday prejudging to Saturday)?
Cory Mathews: Honestly, the only difference between Friday and Saturday was that I got some rest. LOL I came into Friday's show very tired, so after pre-judging, when I got home, I ate and went to bed and didn't wake up until the afternoon of the next day.
Christian Duque: Please share with us some of your future plans. Are there any shows you're preparing for in the future, any appearances, guest posings?
Cory Mathews: Currently, I am prepping for the Tampa Pro in August.
Christian Duque: I'd like to thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Please take this opportunity to thank all those that have helped you along the way. Also, please let your fans know where they can go to keep up to date with you.
Cory Mathews: I'd like to say thank you as well for this interview. It is an honor and a pleasure. I'd like to also thank my wife. I'd like to thank Rock Church and my workout partner, Pastor Jonathan Stringfellow. I'd like to thank Brian Dobson and everyone at Metroflex that cheered me on… all my friends and fans. I'd like to thank Dennis James, Gus Carter, Lee Haney, everybody over at RCSS and once again, most definitely, the man who made all of this possible, Ronnie Coleman. He is absolutely a Godsend to me. God bless.
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