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!

When you visit the Boston, MA area, the Cradle of Liberty, you think of American history and some of the best seafood you can find. In sports, you think of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. In the USAWA, and beyond, we think of Frank’s Barbell Club in Walpole, MA. Nestled between Boston and Providence, RI, they are the easternmost organization of the USAWA and the 2025 USAWA Runner-up for gym of the year (see picture below). The criteria for this award are membership (Frank’s is one of the largest clubs), members competing in USAWA Nationals and IAWA Worlds (check), and sanctioning events (which they’ve done since last year – including a cross country OSTM event in May). They are certainly an active group. They have a record day coming up on Saturday 16 August which is listed on the Upcoming Events calendar! But, their members are more than a club, together they are like family. As their members will attest, the veterans help and give advice to the newer members with both lifting and life. They clearly enjoy competing together and their club is an important part of their lives. Led by Frank Ciavattone himself, part of the team was able to come to nationals in July 2025 and did very well. They are pictured below from left to right, Dan Jones, Frank Ciavattone, Jessica Hopps, Wade Marchand, and Nils Larson. Congratulations to Frank’s Barbell Club!