USAWA

Look up the word sportsman in the dictionary, and one of the definitions is a person who behaves sportingly, which is to say in a fair or generous manner. This describes the 2025 USAWA Sportsmanship Award winner David DeForest (pictured below). Many of us would also think of someone who is accomplished in the sport as well. Dave has more than 350 USAWA records which ranks 6^th all-time and first in Clark’s gym. When he competes, it is with a “quiet intensity” that does not let the weight get the best of him. As a 30+ year veteran, his lifting techniques are often near perfect. At a meet, Dave will do what is asked of him without complaint. And you’ll never hear him be overly vocal or dramatic during his W’s or L’s on the floor. In Columbia, Dave is always available to the newer lifters in our gym to answer questions, help us improve technique, to load and spot, or to referee even if it means coming in when he’s not necessarily competing. He is also very humble about his own accomplishments, preferring instead to highlight his teammates. Dave is more than just another person in Clark’s gym. These days he’s enjoying the title grandpa and makes a mean apple cider from his apple orchard. That is not to be said (mean) in the academic sense! Congratulations David DeForest!