by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
“I am a member of the Comanche Nation,” said Aidan Howry. “Our clan is the Mihchobey-Parker Clan. I am the great, great grandson of Ethel Mihchobey Howry and John Henry Howry Sr. and I am the son of John and Lori Howry.”
“I compete for my town and the name on the front of the jersey,” said Aidan. “I am a one-time Powerlifting World Champion and two-time National Champion along with five State Titles. I have three world records, three national records, and four state records. Back in January, I was invited and took the opportunity to showcase my talent at the Adidas All-American Combine. I received All-Vype honors for offensive and All-District defensive line honors after my junior season.”
“Comanche’s are notorious warriors,” said Aidan. “We are known as ‘The Lords of The Plains’, so when I go to play or lift I take that into battle with me.”
“In my life I have many positive influences around me,” said Aidan. “My Dad has always been there to push me to be the best student-athlete I can be and I’m very thankful for him.”
“As parents, there is one moment that stands out among the rest,” said mom Lori Howry speaking for her and her husband John.
“During Aidan’s Junior High State Powerlifting meet, one of the competitors in his weight class wore a shirt that would disqualify him from the competition. This kid was Aidan’s biggest competition in his weight class, so it was even more significant when Aidan heard and decided to give him one of his own shirts he had in his bag. This came as a shock to the other people competing that day. Why would it make sense to show that kindness and help someone who was against him?” said Lori.
“Aidan and this individual went on to neck-and-neck battle it out on every lift,” said Lori. “In the end they both tied but the win went to Aidan because of the weight difference. We believe that day our son walked away with two wins. He didn’t just earn the medal around his neck but also the knowledge that he stepped up and was an example and leader to those around him.”
“Another great influence and mentor in my life is J.R. Conrad,” said Aidan. “When I was in the eighth grade, J.R. invited me to one of his sessions and after that he took me under his wing. He helped me become the best lineman, and man, that I could be. He’s a great man and I don’t know where I would be without him today.”
James Robert (J.R.) Conrad was the first Oklahoma Sooner football player to start at center as a true freshman in 1992. He played on the offensive line for four seasons. The Sooner’s compiled a 25-18-3 record with two bowl appearances. He didn’t redshirt and not only played in, but started 46 college games.
In 1996 J.R. was drafted by the New England Patriots and played in Super Bowl XXXI in 1997. The team lost to the Green Bay Packers 34-21. J.R. also played for the New York Jets under Coach Parcells and the Miami Dolphins. After pro football he coached Oklahoma high school football.
He now runs the Trench Mafia, a training facility that specializes in developing offensive linemen in a group training method. J.R. also worked at the Eastern Oklahoma OL/DL Camp for many years.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Aidan and his family three years ago,” said J.R. Conrad, Trench Mafia and Eastern Shawnee Tribal member. “He showed up to a session as a big kid, that was really in a hurry to improve. Since that time I have gotten to watch Aidan become a servant leader, he is our tempo guy in sessions he keeps things light, and mentors our new and young guys.”
“Aidan has a desire to play college football and sacrifices his Saturdays, to stay on that course,” said J.R. “I watched him totally change his body and he remains ultra competitive to reach a standard and goal he has set for himself.”
“I seen all these growths in Aidan and he has never forgotten where he comes from. His parents and family are the root of who he is, he has great pride in representing his family name and the Comanche Nation. One of the things I am most proud of is his faith, I get to see him on Sundays and he has a genuine relationship with the Creator. He is one of the young men I call on when we are in prayer after our sessions,” said J.R.
“Aidan represents everything we are trying to honor and celebrate at Trench Mafia, he is a great young man with high character and faith,” said J.R. “He is a student-athlete and understands how important the classroom is, and he is never satisfied. He keeps moving forward regardless of the obstacle or myth that might be in front of him. More importantly he is humble kind and helpful, he is a 2X State Powerlifting Champion and he chooses to use that power to help lift people up.”
“Great to see a young man be truly comfortable in his skin. Powerful. I am so proud of him, and expect huge things in his future, I know he will be called to battle, and help others and he will be prepared,” added J.R.
“My football coach, Coach Wardlaw has also been a big influence on me and helped shape my game into what it is today as well,” said Aidan.
“Since the pandemic started, I’ve had to modify my workout schedule and find different ways to get work in,” said Aidan. “Until recently, I could not find a gym to work at, so instead I would run 9.5 miles everyday just to stay in shape. I recently had a close family friend open up their home gym for me to work out in, and I’ve done nothing but get stronger. Last week I hit a new max rep on bench with 345 lbs. for five reps.”
“One of the biggest things I am working on right now is my flexibility and motion in my hips, so when I workout it’s more focused on getting deeper and more explosive with the weight. I have recently gone on a diet and lost around 78 pounds in the past seven months, so eating healthy is also a big part of my training,” added Aidan.
“My football IQ is improving greatly, but it is far from where I want it to be,” said Aidan. “To assist me in my efforts, I have been studying game film of myself or a college that runs a similar scheme everyday for about two hours just to gain a better understanding of the game and my job on the field.”
“I connect to my sport spiritually by my faith,” said Aidan. “I have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, and try my best to show my faith and lead by example like He did.”
“In a stressful game situation, I try to leave my shortcomings behind me so I can clear my mind,” said Aidan. “I don’t worry about what I can do to make the best outcome on the next play.”
“Through the pandemic, I have tried my best to social distance and remain healthy,” said Aidan.
Aidan is focused on his work ethic, and this is where he is today and will be tomorrow.
Photo Credit: Michelle Overton
