Heavy Lift Championships

by Al Myers

Group Picture - front row left to right Al Myers, Denny Habecker, Chad Ullom back row left to right Scott Schmidt, Dale Friesz, Art Montini

Denny Habecker hosted the 2009 Heavy Lift Championships on May 16th, 2009. Only six lifters participated, but the field was full of experienced lifters. The meet was decided by my last Hip Lift, which I had to make to edge out my good friend and training partner Chad Ullom. With his encouragement, I was able to make the lift!!! However, the win was offset with a loss. I have always struggled with the Neck Lift, and I would just watch in amazement as the “Miracle Man” Dale Friesz and the “Man of Steel” Art Montini Neck Lift. They lift weights in the Neck Lift that a normal person would think impossible considering their ages and bodyweights. Once finished with the Neck Lift, and with a pain in my neck, I made the statement, “If anyone could show me how to lift 500 pounds in this lift, I will buy everyone steak dinners afterwards!!!” Well, the two of them started giving me tips and “the secret” and before I knew it I Neck Lifted 500 pounds easily, and I now feel 600 is a real possibility. I try to be a man of my word, so supper afterwards was on me!! But it was a loss I didn’t mind!!!Scott Schmidt showed everyone how much determination he has. He missed his opener in the Hip Lift – everytime with balance issues. However, even when he was out of attempts, he took an extra attempt and got it to set a new age group Hip Lift Record!!!! The Heavy Lifts are fickle, and the slightest change in body position can make several hundred pounds difference. I know Scott wasn’t totally satisfied, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the next time he Hip Lifts he goes over 2000#!!! We even had a surprise guest. Toward the end of the meet, in walks “The Living Legend” John Vernacchio. John was a fierce competitor in the earlier USAWA days, and was responsible for promoting some of the biggest meets ever in the USAWA. I really enjoyed getting to visit with him. After the meet, Judy Habecker prepared the best post-meet meal I have ever had. Denny and Judy are very gracious hosts and they did everything possible to make this day a special event for everyone.

FULL MEET RESULTS:

2009 USAWA Heavy Lift Championships

May 16th, 2009
Habecker’s Garage

Meet Director:  Denny Habecker

Scorekeeper: Judy Habecker
Loader:  Alan Schmidt and all lifters

Officials:  Three Officials used on all lifts – Denny Habecker, Art Montini, Dale Friesz, Al Myers, Chad Ullom, Scott Schmidt

Lifts:  Neck Lift, Hand and Thigh, Hip Lift

Lifter
Age
BW
Neck
H&T
Hip
Total
Points
Al Myers
42
254
405
1204
1845
3454.0
2800.6
Chad Ullom
37
230
501.8
1204
1603
3308.8
2740.0
Dale Friesz
68
178
405
405
1000
1810.0
2231.0
Art Montini
81
182
309.5
405
895
1609.5
2155.4
Denny Habecker
66
189
276.5
593
895
1764.5
2067.0
Scott Schmidt
56
266
249
1004
0
1253.0
1127.6


BW (Bodyweight) in pounds.  All lifts in pounds. Points are weight and age adjusted.

Record attempts:  Scott Schmidt 1581# in Hip Lift