Tag Archives: Denny and Judy Habecker

Contribution Award

By Al Myers

Denny and Judy Habecker receiving the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award at the 2019 Nationals banquet.

Denny and Judy Habecker receiving the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award at the 2019 Nationals banquet.

At the banquet following the 2019 Nationals I was honored to make a special presentation to Denny and Judy Habecker.  They both received the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award.

Howard Prechtel was a very important person in the USAWA.  His contributions to our organization paved the way to what the USAWA is now.  He served 14 years as the USAWA President (1993 thru 2007), which is the longest tenure of any USAWA President.  He started the IAWA Gold Cup in Lakewood, Ohio in 1991, and the Gold Cup has become one of the feature events in the IAWA.  It has been held every year since it’s start.

Years ago Howard had given a special plaque of his to Bob Geib, which included an engraved picture of Howard on it.  This plaque meant alot to Bob, and for years Bob would bring it to competitions to remember his friend Howard.  In 2015, Bob decided it would be best if it was “shared” within the USAWA.   He presented it to Frank Ciavattone for all the effort he has given to the USAWA – and thus the beginning of the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award.  It is a traveling award (consisting of Howard’s plaque) that is passed from one member to the next, with the intention that the current recipient finds someone that is deserving of it.

I received this honor in 2017, receiving the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award from Frank.  I had intended to award it to Denny during the 2018 Nationals banquet, but due to the lack of privacy at the banquet with other restaurant patrons present (we didn’t have an official awards ceremony that year) I decided to wait till a later time.  Well, this year the timing was right!  I felt that since I had missed giving it out the previous year I would make up for it by giving the Contribution to BOTH Denny and Judy.  They are both very deserving of it, and it was a big honor for me to present the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award to them.

25 Year Promotion Award

by Al Myers

USAWA President Denny Habecker and the "first Lady of the USAWA" Judy Habecker receiving the 25 Year Promotion Award.

Another “special award” presented at Nationals was the 25 Year Promotion Award.  This award went to the 4 Meet Promoters who have promoted the most National Championships over the 25 year history of the USAWA.  These 4 promoters each have promoted 3 Championship events.  They are:  Denny and Judy Habecker (2010, 2007, & 2000), John Vernacchio (2004, 1989, & 1988), Bill Clark and Joe Garcia (2001, 1997, & 1995), and Art Montini and John McKean (2002, 1999, & 1991). 

So to sum it up – these 4 promoters together have promoted about HALF of the National Champinships to date!  That’s worthy of a special award in my book!  Congratulations!!!