USAWA History – 2000 Nationals

by Al Myers

(The following meet report was written by Bill Clark in the Strength Journal, Vol. XI No. 3)

NEWCOMERS RULE THE USAWA

Lebanon, Pa., July 1-2, 2000 – Newcomer Ed Schock, a 47-year-old attorney from Lebanon, was the surprise winner of the Best Lifter trophy at the USAWA Nationals here – in his hometown – in the closest battle for MVP honors ever at a USAWA Championship weekend.

Schock finished with an age-corrected total of 1027.37 points, barely edging past Frank Ciavattone (1023.57 points), John Monk (1020.91), and John McKean (1016.79).  The battle was not decided until the final neck lift when Frank, who had won the last USAWA heavy lift title, failed with a 300-kg record effort.  Jim Loewer, a 15-year-old from Ambridge, Pa., easily won the junior top lifter award. Great future here.

The women’s title went to Su. J. Mason, a 36-year-old from nearby Selinsgrove.  She slipped past 56-year-old Noi Phumchaona, 595.68 to 505.37.  Best of the older master lifters was Art Montini.   The 72-year-old had a 982.63 point total and set eight records in the 85 kilo class of the 70-74 age group.

Hats off to Denny Habecker for an outstanding meet.  Not only did he run the meet, he also was the best lifter in the 55-59 age group.

MEET RESULTS

2000 USAWA National Championships
July 1-2, 2000
Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Meet Director: Denny Habecker
Emcee: Bill Clark
Scorekeeper: Judy Habecker
Assistant: John Long
Loaders: Terry Barlet, Tom Minnich, Neely Frye, Jason Hlavaty, John Hlavaty, Chris Loewer, Doug Campbell, Reggie Hayes, Brandon Pensyl, Mark O’Brien

Lifts: One Hand Snatch, Clean and Press Heels Together, One Hand Ciavattone Deadlift, Pullover and Push, Hack Lift, Clean and Jerk Behind Neck, Zercher Lift, Neck Lift

Men: Top Ten Placings
1. Ed Schock, Pennsylvania
2. Frank Ciavattone, Massachusetts
3. John Monk, Pennsylvania
4. John McKean, Pennsylvania
5. Art Montini, Pennsylvania
6. Bill Spayd, Pennsylvania
7. Joe Ciavattone, Massachusetts
8. Denny Habecker, Pennsylvania
9. Jeff Ciavattone, Massachusetts
10.Brian Crowe, Pennsylvania

Women: Top Three Placings
1. Su.J. Mason, Pennsylvania
2. Noi Phumchaona, Ohio
3. Cara Collins, Massachusetts

Best Lifter Awards:
Women Open – Su.J. Mason
Women Master – Noi Phumchaona
Men Junior Overall – Jim Loewer
Men Open – Ed Schock
Men Master – Ed Schock
Men 20-39 Age Group – John Monk
Men 45-49 Age Group – Ed Schock
Men 50-54 Age Group – John McKean
Men 55-59 Age Group – Denny Habecker
Men 65-69 Age Group – Dennis Mitchell
Men 70-74 Age Group – Art Montini
Men 75-79 Age Group – Howard Prechtel
Men 80-84 Age Group – Paul Eberhardinger