USAWA CLASS OF 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: BARRY PENSYL
Our fourth honoree admitted to the USAWA Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class is Barry Pensyl who joined Abe Smith, David DeForest, and Dave Glasgow. Barry had to wait until the IAWA World meet in Lebanon, PA and received his plaque after that due to the illness of Tony Lupo. Barry has been part of the USAWA’s pantheon of lifters for the better part of four decades. Barry holds more than 230 USAWA records, which is good for 17th on the list of individual records all-time. Barry has competed in a number of USAWA National and IAWA World Championship meets. He’s finished in the top 10 in eight of these meets, including four top five finishes. Barry has competed in many USAWA events and recently became a certified USAWA official.
Barry has had a long career in lifting before the modern USAWA being part of a group called the Twin Cities Weightlifting Team. He was also part of the York Lifters and is described by a colleague as an excellent Olympic lifter! Additionally, he was part of the USAWA Valley Forge Club with fellow Hall of Famer John Vernacchio. More recently, Barry has been a proud member and regular at Habecker’s Gym and is a valued member of the organization. A common trait that all our HOF members have is that they are very willing to share their experience about lifting and the USAWA with newcomers. Barry is no different as he has reached out to help new lifters feel at home as a lifter and in Habecker’s Gym. Gym members describe him as a true gentleman!
In his life outside the gym Barry lives in Easton, PA and lives with his family after working for the Water Department in Harrisburg, PA. The 2026 USAWA class welcomes Barry Pensyl on his induction to the Hall of Fame! Congratulations to Barry Pensyl.
