Robert Leipheimer was a 230-pound offensive lineman for Butte High’s football team. He said he was a “chubby” kid.

Today, Robert is a Spartan Race North American champion who weighs about 165 pounds. The 2018 Butte High graduate also earned a degree from Montana State University. Before he puts that degree to use, however, he is going to continue his career in Spartan Race.

He recently placed fourth in a race in West Virginia, and the North American Championships will be held later this month in Vermont. In November, he will compete in the Trifecta World Championship in Sparta, Greece.

Since Robert is the nephew of Olympic medalist and longtime Tour de France competitor Levi Leipheimer, it is no surprise that he is good at an endurance sport. He went for looking on his phone for something to compete in a few years ago to competing with the very best in the world.

Listen in to hear Robert talk about his football days at Butte High School, where he got to play with superstars like Dylan Cook and Tommy Mellott.

Listen to how he was influenced by Bulldog coach Arie Grey, and how the coach’s words of wisdom still affect his life. Listen as he talks about his future in Spartan Race and why he works so hard.

Today’s podcast is presented by Casagranda’s Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat.