Written by Steve Blechman, Ron Harris & Dan Solomon  

Tribute to Andy Haman

By Steve Blechman

In my 35 years as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Muscular Development, I never met a guy like Andy Haman. We had one thing in common, we both wrestled in college. I went to Indiana State University on a wrestling scholarship and Andy went to the University of Iowa and became a championship wrestler. In 2007, Andy won the super heavyweight class at the NPC Masters bodybuilding championships, earning his pro card.

In 2008 I sent an MD videographer, Butch Peterson, to Andy’s home in Colorado. We did a video entitled, “A Day in the Life of IFBB Pro Andy Haman.” Andy was one of a kind! A “real life cartoon character” with superhero muscle and looks. He was a great guy, like a little kid in a man’s body that made everyone laugh. I just had to get this larger-than-life figure on video, so people could appreciate Andy the most. I had the most respect for Andy as a family man, a great and loving husband, and father of four children.

In 2013 I remember speaking to Dan Solomon about writing a print article about Andy in Muscular Development magazine. We thought it would be an up-to-date article on the “one and only” Andy Haman. We thought MD readers would enjoy it! It was called “Is Andy Haman the Greatest Show in Bodybuilding?” I needed larger-than life photographs to go with the story, so I had my ace photographer Per Bernal provide the amazing and larger-than-life photography! We are publishing the story online as a tribute to Andy.

I hope you enjoy the article that Dan wrote about Andy’s life and wonderful family, and that it brings joy to everyone’s heart! Whenever I think of Andy, I get this warm feeling about him, which makes me smile.

My condolences to Andy’s wife Michelle, and to his family and friends. Andy was an inspiration to myself as well as many others. Andy will always be remembered but never forgotten.

God bless! Rest in peace, Andy!

Is Andy Haman the Greatest Show in Bodybuilding?

By Dan Solomon

“For me, it’s about entertaining and bringing joy to people. I’ve always loved to make people laugh and feel good.” -Andy Haman

At first glance, the world of bodybuilding is defined mostly by the muscles that inhabit it. To the outsider, a peek into the muscle culture typically reveals little more than chiseled abs, biceps that tear shirtsleeves, and big dudes who make loud noises. And just like most things, a quick glance seldom tells a complete story. In fact, it was the late Joe Weider who once reminded us that the sport of bodybuilding is not about the physiques, but rather it’s about the stories behind the muscle. Those who have extended their look, beyond just a glance, are often surprised to discover the extraordinary men and women who dedicate themselves to a craft that requires sacrifices few have the courage to make.

While many of the world’s top bodybuilders are motivated by trophies and prize money, this particular story is not about any of those guys. This isn’t the story of another world-class physique who dreams of becoming Mr. Olympia, nor is it a tale of another athlete who takes himself too seriously. With apologies to those who occupy the “Olympia Dreamers Club,” those stories are a dime a dozen, as common as the little boy who dreams of playing for the Yankees.

This story, far less predictable, is about one of the zaniest, oddest and most outlandish men you will ever encounter. Andy Haman is a living, breathing, real-life cartoon character … NOT just because of his superhero looks and pro-caliber physique. His cartoon character-like persona comes from deep within, far beneath the muscle.

Just to be clear, there’s no shortage of muscle on a guy who was once crowned Mr. Iowa and Mr. Chicago (drug free) before eventually winning an NPC Masters National Championship, a title that granted him entrance into the IFBB’s pro ranks. But for Andy, it’s never been about the muscle.

“For me, it’s about entertaining and bringing joy to people,” Andy explains with a smile nearly as wide as the rest of his 270-pound frame. “I’ve always loved to make people laugh and feel good. Competing is such a small part of what we do. Yes, you can become popular and make money, but there’s a very small percentage of bodybuilders who can actually do that, so for me it was an easy decision to concentrate on becoming popular in a different way.”

Wrestling With His Future

“Basically, I’m the biggest kid on the block.”

Born in Iowa, the 47-year-old father of four was a competitive wrestler for 25 years, highlighted by four years as a member of the University of Iowa’s national champions wrestling team. “I was a freestyle wrestling national champ and a World Tournament runner-up. I also won the Olympic Sports Festival at 220 pounds and was the best 220-pounder in the nation.” During his senior year at Iowa, Andy didn’t lose a single match. Undefeated.

Eventually, Andy turned his background as a championship wrestler into a successful career as a wrestling coach for 15 years, a football coach, and a physical education teacher in the public school system. “If you help a young person excel at anything, and they somehow feel success, it’s a feeling that’s very hard to beat.” Andy’s passion for helping kids is very much a part of what drives him. He would eventually retire from teaching to focus on his pursuits in the fitness industry, but his work as an educator, mentor and coach are perhaps his most natural instincts. “Basically, I’m the biggest kid on the block. I love the fact that kids get excited about the silliest and simplest things. I miss teaching and the roller-coaster ride of emotions that I was able to share with my students.”

No Business Like Show Business

“I was very excited and I was probably a little overzealous with my posing. I was crazy! But the crowd loved it. So from that day on I continued to be a bit insane, a little outrageous, and as others might say, a bit of a lunatic.”

At his core, Andy is a master showman. While other bodybuilders are hired to “guest pose,” Andy has taken the concept to a whole new level. “My stage show evolved from the very first day I started competing again. I was very excited and I was probably a little overzealous with my posing. I was crazy!” Andy continues, “But the crowd loved it. So from that day on I continued to be a bit insane, a little outrageous, and as others might say, a bit of a lunatic.”

If you’ve never seen Andy in action, it’s not an easy thing to describe. His stage persona is so unusual that Andy himself doesn’t even have a name for it. He tries to clarify in the third person by saying, “My stage character really doesn’t have a name, however he does growl and he makes Grrrr sounds! Plus he wears shredded shirts all the time!” All in all, the routine falls into the “You have to see it to understand it” category.

The fan reactions are priceless. “I meet so many people throughout the year,” Andy says enthusiastically. “I have people that touch me more than I touch them. Strangers come up to me and hug and kiss me. They often laugh and cry because they are so excited to meet me. It’s a powerful experience. They tell me that I helped them change their lifestyle. People often talk to me about my family and how I treat them and how I treat others throughout the bodybuilder world and how that interaction has helped or inspired them to become a better person in some way.”

100 Days With Dad

Andy’s family connection begins with his father, a 6-foot-3” 320-pound gentle giant named George who had a profound impact on Andy’s view of the world. “My Dad survived bladder cancer for 10 years and then he was diagnosed with colon cancer.” Upon learning of the more recent diagnosis, Andy stopped everything he was doing to spend each of his Dad’s final days by his side, 100 to be exact. “I spent those last hundred days with him and truly was blessed to have had that time with him. He brought me up in a strong household, often working as many as three jobs to make sure we were provided for. Just before he died, he told me to have fun with my family, and be kind and gentle with everyone you meet.”

Strength in Family

Andy has taken Dad’s advice very seriously, especially the part about family. He and Michelle, his wife of 21 years, are raising four kids, ranging from 11 to 17 years old. Sammy, Daisy and Ruby, the three oldest, are each two-time Arnold Classic weightlifting champions in their individual age classes. The youngest, Lucy, is still a bit too young to begin training. As for his wife, Andy brags, “Michelle is super sexy. I love her more than anything in the world.” Michelle is a former Ms. Iowa and a Bikini champion. The couple has been together for more than 30 years.

Inspiring Perception

In addition to his commitment to bringing smiles to those he encounters, Andy is also dedicated to reshaping the way bodybuilders are viewed in the eye of the public. “Unfortunately, the public sees bodybuilding in a negative way. I work hard to educate people on all of the wonderful aspects of the bodybuilding lifestyle and how many extraordinary people are involved in it. Each year I meet thousands of bodybuilders and I am continually inspired by the quality of people that reside within the bodybuilding community.” Andy explains, “Yes there are knuckleheads in our sport, and there are negative people, but there are those types of people in all walks of life, whether you’re in the business world, or a firefighter, a police office, or anything else for that matter.”

Keepin’ It Fun

“I spend a heavy amount of time on the treadmill trying to burn fat, and the only other time I run more is when I’m running around the house naked chasing after my wife!”

Andy’s penchant for fun follows him to the gym as well. He’s been training for more than 30 years and he understands that enjoyment in the gym is a key to longevity. “I’ve been in the weight room and around athletics for longer than most bodybuilders have been alive. So you bet your booty that I have fun training! I still lift heavy on occasion – just the other day I hit a 600-pound single on the bench press. But I spend most of my days training with higher repetitions, trying to get as big a pump in each muscle group as possible.”

At 47 years old, he’s discovered the importance of cardio, and once again, he’s found a way to make THAT fun as well. “I spend a heavy amount of time on the treadmill trying to burn fat, and the only other time I run more is when I’m running around the house naked chasing after my wife!”

No Wins … No Problem!

One of the great myths in the bodybuilding world is that in order to land a major sponsor, you have to win major titles. But the truth is that there are plenty of upper-tier bodybuilders still in search of a sponsor, that critical lifeline for sustained progress. In Andy’s case, he’s only competed in four “open” events as a professional, and so far he hasn’t cracked a top 10. Despite his marketable looks and undeniable stage presence, Andy lacks the extreme conditioning, detail and dense muscle required to compete for a title at the pro level. But not to worry, that reality hasn’t stopped him from attracting a major sponsorship from Dymatize Nutrition.

“After seeing me interact with customers and fans at the first expo I did for them back in 2007, the president of Dymatize called me and hired me on the spot because they saw I did a good job making people feel comfortable and welcome.” Andy has proven that it takes far more than just a physique to properly represent a company, a lesson for all who aspire to make a living in the business of bodybuilding.

Andy’s Advice

“As bodybuilders, we all work way too hard not to celebrate our hard work. It’s an absolute crime to go to bodybuilding events and not have some fun. So if I had to give my fellow bodybuilders one piece of advice, I’d tell them to enjoy themselves, enjoy your families and your friends, and create amazing memories everywhere you go.”

REMEMBERING ANDY HAMAN:

SPECIAL VIDEO TRIBUTE 

BY RON HARRIS 

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