Category Archives: USAWA Daily News

2012 Minutes

by Al Myers, USAWA Secretary

Minutes from the 2012 Annual National Meeting

The 2012 USAWA Annual National Meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM June 29th by USAWA President Denny Habecker at the Cantina Restaurant within the Silverton Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Roll call was taken by USAWA secretary Al Myers, with 14 USAWA members in attendance: Denny Habecker, Al Myers, Scott Tully, Darren Barnhart, Chad Ullom, Susan Sees, Dennis Mitchell, Judy Habecker, Dave Glasgow, LaVerne Myers, Art Montini, Dale Friesz, Larry Traub, and Bob Geib.  The only USAWA Executive Board member missing from attendance was Scott Schmidt.  The minutes from the 2011 Annual National Meeting were read by Al Myers.  Judy Habecker moved to accept the minutes, with a second by Chad Ullom, and they passed unanimously. Next up was the financial status report by USAWA treasurer Al Myers. A net profit of $1120.95 was reported for 2011.  Al presented a budget that was approved by the Executive Board which showed a budget of $5200 for 2012.  Judy Habecker moved to accept the treasurer report, with a Bob Geib second. The motion passed unanimously. The report of the Officials Director Joe Garcia was next.  Since Joe was unable to be in attendance, he prepared a report that was presented by Al Myers.  In Joe’s report, he stated that 9 new officials have passed the written exam.  He also stated that the organization should look into ways to improve practical judging experience, such as sitting with other certified officials to increase experience. Bob Geib moved to accept the report with a second by Chad Ullom.  It passed unanimously. The report from the website director Al Myers was next.  Al gave several website statistics, along with website registration numbers and website activity.  He also stated that the USAWA website is now approaching 1000 blogs, and includes all meet results since 2009.  Al also commented on the online store, which he estimated has made around $300 for the USAWA to date.  After the report, Chad Ullom mentioned that we should look into setting up a Paypal Account so that members can pay online.  Al remarked that he has looked into this and it could be easily set up, but explained there are charges with it that would have to be reflected in higher prices on the part of the USAWA.  Again, Bob Geib moved to accept the report with a second by Chad Ullom.  It passed unanimously.  The report from the Records Director Joe Garcia was again given by Al Myers on Joe’s behalf. Joe stated that there are now close to 10,500 records on file and so far this year over 500 records have been set.  Joe stated in his report that anyone wanting a copy of the record list should send him an email requesting it, and it would be sent by email free of charge.  If you want a paper copy, there would be a “price” with it.  Chad Ullom moved to accept the report, with a second by Judy Habecker.  It passed unanimously. The report by the Awards Director Al Myers was next. Al stated the fuction of the awards program, such as providing the USAWA yearly awards and any special awards given on behalf of the USAWA.  He stated that $850 was spent last year on the awards program, with the budget this year being $1000.  Chad moved to accept the report, Darren Barnhart gave a second, and it passed unanimously.  The report from the Drug Enforcement Director Chad Ullom was next.  Chad reported that 8 USAWA events were tested last year at random, with around 15 lifters being tested.  No positive tests were reported. Judy moved to accept the report.  Bob Geib gave a second, and it passed unanimously. Next agenda item was the discussion and vote on 8 new proposed lifts which have all been reviewed and accepted by the USAWA Executive Board. These 8 lifts are: Peoples Deadlift, Anderson Press, Anderson Squat, Dumbbell to Shoulder, Bench Press – Fulton Bar, Curl – Reverse Grip, Deadlift – No Thumbs, Overhand Grip, and Total Poundage. The rules and descriptions of each of these lifts was read to the membership in attendance. There was discussion to name the Bench Press – Fulton Bar the “Tully Bench” since he was the one to propose it, but Scott refused that name stating that he “hates that lift”.  Darren moved to accept these new proposed lifts as official lifts, with a second made by Judy.  Al then moved to amend the motion by allowing any of these lifts done this prior year by these accepted rules to have any records set retroactively as official.  Chad Ullom gave a second on the amendment.  After no discussion, the amendment passed unanimously.  Then a vote was taken on the original motion and it passed unanimously, so these new proposed lifts are now official lifts and will be added to the rulebook. As required by the USAWA rules, Al asked if anyone had a lift, which included these new 8 lifts, that they would like to see presented to the IAWA for IAWA approval.  No motions were made so no lifts will be presented on behalf of the USAWA this year at the IAWA general meeting for IAWA lift approval. The next agenda item was the proposed rulebook changes.  This list of  proposed rulebook changes had been previously approved by the Executive Board. Several changes were proposed in individual rules that were clarifications of rules.  The big item was adding a provision to the Officials Section, which would now require all new officials undergo a practical training period of 3 events after passing the written rules test before attaining certified official status. Another proposed rule change outlined a method for keeping track of repetition records based on Lynch Points. Darren moved to accept the proposed rule changes with a second by Scott Tully.  There was no discussion and it passed unanimously.  The next agenda item was proposed bylaw changes, all of which have received previous unanimous support by the Executive Board.  The changes involved raising sanction fees and club dues to $30, and assigning a USAWA Postal Director who would be responsible for organizing the USAWA Postal Series and the USAWA National Postal Meet. Darren moved to accept the new bylaw changes, with a second by Chad Ullom.  It passed unanimously.  At this point, Al moved to assign John Wilmot as the USAWA Postal Director since he has been unofficially performing this duty for several years now.  Included in Al’s motion was for the USAWA to sponsor the sanction fees for the events in the Postal Series.  Bob Geib  gave a second, and the motion passed unanimously. At this point in the meeting it seemed like everyone was in agreement on issues and everything was going smooth with no controversy. But all this changed with the next meeting agenda item – new business. Scott Tully started new business discussion with a proposal of allowing knee sleeves in all lifts within the USAWA.  After several “gasps” amongst a few of  the members in attendance and  several glances of awkward stares, a few members started voicing their disapproval of this.  Dale Friesz made several good points about how not allowing supportive equipment in the USAWA was a founding principle in the USAWA.  Art Montini also spoke against it for the same reason.  At this point, Darren explained how knee sleeves are not really that supportive and are worn mostly for safety reasons and joint protection.  Dennis Mitchell then spoke out against the use of knee sleeves, and made a good argument that by allowing knee sleeves it will just lead the way to more supportive equipment being allowed in the future.  Scott countered that by not allowing knee sleeves it is keeping most younger lifters from competing in the USAWA because they don’t want to ruin their joints and have to have joint replacements in the future.  Larry Traub made several good points in favor of knee sleeves, and commented that open patella knee sleeves are not really that supportive.  It was at this point Bob Geib moved to allow only open patella knee sleeves, with a second by Darren.  This was followed by comments by Al Myers that this issue is really bigger than just the USAWA, and should be a matter resolved by the IAWA.  Al remarked that if we would allow knee sleeves while the rest of IAWA doesn’t, it could disqualify any of our record lifts for World Record consideration. Bob Geib then withdrew his motion.  Chad Ullom then moved that we propose allowing knee sleeves to the IAWA technical committee, and that a proposal be written by the Executive Board to be submitted to the IAWA technical committe and that this issue be placed upon the IAWA general meeting agenda at the next world meeting.  Bob seconded the motion.  A vote was taken – 10 in favor (Denny, Bob, Chad, Darren, Scott, Larry, Dave, Judy, Susan and Dennis), 3 opposed (Art, Dale, and LaVerne) and 1 abstaining (Al).  It passed by majority vote.   The next new business item brought to the meeting floor was by Darren Barnhart, who started discussion on having the USAWA record list on the website so all members could have easy access to it.  Most members were in favor of this, and when this issue was directed to Al Myers, the webmaster, why this hasn’t happened he had to explain.  Al made a point to the membership that anything he will say he has already  said to the records director Joe Garcia concerning this issue.  Al stated firmly that for him to put the record list on the website three criteria must be met: 1. only official lifts in the record list, 2. all lifts named the same in the record list as in the rulebook, and 3. overall records kept that are required by the rulebook.   Most seemed in favor of this. Chad Ullom then moved that this order be made to Joe Garcia that these changes be made, and be done within 90 days.  Darren gave a second and the motion passed unanimously.  There was no other new business. The last agenda item was accepting bids for the 2013 National Championship.  Denny gave the lone bid.  Judy moved that the bid be accepted, Al gave a second, and it passed unanimously.  The meeting ended by President Denny Habecker declaring the meeting adjourned after 2.5 hours.

Bob Geib – New Inductee into the USAWA Hall of Fame

by Al Myers

Bob Geib (center) receiving his USAWA Hall of Fame Plaque. Presenters include Al Myers (left) and Dennis Mitchell (right).

The big HIGHLIGHT of the USAWA Annual Awards Presentation was the induction of Bob Geib into the USAWA Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame is the highest honor one can receive in the USAWA, and there is not a person more deserving than Bob Geib.  Bob has been involved with the USAWA since almost the very beginning.  Bob got started in the USAWA under the guidance of USAWA legend Howard Prechtel. I’m sure Bob spent many hours training with Howard in the Prechtel Athletic Club in Cleveland developing his skills with the all-round lifts. I know this because Bob has frequently mentioned Howard to me, and gives Howard credit for getting him involved in the USAWA.  Bob also often traveled with Howard to big National and World meets.  At this years Nationals, Bob even brought a plaque honoring Howard to the meet venue, so in a small way Howard Prechtel was a part of this years big 25 year celebration.

This brings the USAWA Hall of Fame membership to 23 members over our 25 year history.  So you can see it is hard to reach Hall of Fame status – that’s less than 1 new member every year.  This award is not just HANDED OVER – you have to earn it!   Bob has quite the resume of USAWA involvement.  Dennis Mitchell (a fellow Cleveland native who has known Bob for a long time) gave Bob’s  induction speech.  In his speech, Dennis summarized Bob’s involvement which I would like to share with you.

  • Competed in the USAWA Nationals 14 times –  2012, 2011, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991
  • Competed in the IAWA Worlds 9 times – 2005, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991
  • Competed in the Gold Cup 8 times – 2005, 2004, 2003, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1991
  • Bob promoted the IAWA Gold Cup in 2005 in Hawaii.  He also competed in the very first Gold Cup which was promoted by Howard Prechtel in 1991.  He has competed oversees 5 times – England three times, Australia once, and Scotland once.
  • Currently holds 77 USAWA records.

Soon I will write a complete biography on Bob for the USAWA Hall of Fame archives.  But in the meantime – CONGRATULATIONS Bob on this big honor.  You are now part of the elite USAWA crowd. You deserve it!!

Lean Mass Building Workouts

by Roger LaPointe

Adding Medicine Balls to your training program can help build lean muscle mass.

Summer is a time when you want to just pack on some great, quick lean mass. Try out this two workout combination. Take a day of rest between these workouts. There is a lot of lower body work here and you will feel it the next day. You will really feel it the day after Workout B. Give yourself two days of rest after Workout B, or just do some easy jogging or medicine ball work.

Workout A

Bodyweight Squats 3 sets of 10
Front Squat 3 sets of 10
Back Squat 5 sets of 5 up to 60%
Stiff Leg Deadlift 5 sets of 5 – see how high you can go using perfect form. You may hit 300 #, which would be great
Iron Boot Leg Ext. 2 sets of 20
Iron Boot Hanging Leg Curl 2 sets of 20
Hanging Frog Crunches 3 sets of 10

Workout B

Body weight squats
Stretch
5 sets of 6 depth jumps
Isometrics in the power rack: Squat, Standing Press, Deadlift, Bench – in that order
Stretch

Live strong, Roger LaPointe

National Championships

by Al Myers

Group picture of the 2012 USAWA National Championships (picture courtesy of John Broz).

MEET REPORT

THE 25th USAWA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

So much happened over this past weekend in Las Vegas at the “25th Anniversary” of the USAWA National Championships that I don’t know where to begin!  I had been looking forward to this for a long time – and it’s hard to believe that it already over!   The first thing I want to do is thank the people who had a “big hand” in making this year’s National Championship a HUGE SUCCESS!  First – a BIG, BIG THANKS to John Broz of Average Broz’s Gym who hosted the meet venue.  John has an unbelievable facility in Las Vegas – complete with top notch equipment.  John was very supportive of us (the USAWA) and went out of his way to make sure that everything was in order for the meet to run successfully.  I HIGHLY recommend if anyone is ever in Vegas and needs a place to train – look up Broz’s Gym.  Without John’s support in this venture  this meet would not have been possible.  Next I want to thank two of my outstanding training partners for showing up to help – Scott Tully and Darren Barnhart.  These two made the trip to Vegas just to help – and help they did – judging, loading, and helping facilitate the meet.  Scott and Darren are the ones responsible for the meet getting over in a RECORD FOUR HOURS. Up next is the Habeckers.  Denny and Judy are “the backbone” of our organization and are always doing work behind the scenes to insure competitions run smoothly.  They hauled all the awards and tshirts to the meet, as well as Denny helping officiate and Judy doing all the scorekeeping and announcing. Finally, I want to thank Chad Ullom for organizing “all the other stuff”.  Chad took care of all the details of organizing the evening fun, organizing the National Meeting,  as well as providing transportation to and from the meet.

I will keep this meet report to the meet itself. There were several other significant things that occurred – but I will save those for another days story.  A total of 13 lifters made this celebration – 12 men and 1 woman.  Susan Sees won the overall best womans lifter and I won the overall best mens lifter. Susan was “runner up” at last years Nationals, but this year she took the title! Congrats Susan!  It was a close battle between Larry Traub and myself for the mens overall, which went down to the last event.  Larry is one strong lifter, and at age 58, lifts like someone in their 20’s!  Chad Ullom came in a solid third, and only had one missed attempt all day. Fourth place went to the Ledaig AC leader – Dave Glasgow.  Denny Habecker came in fifth, barely ahead of Tim Piper.  It was  really tight to decide 7th from 8th place (only 5 adjusted points, the closest finish of the day), but Dean Ross came out in front of LaVerne Myers. The age group these two were in was  “the hottest” contested age group of the day for best lifter awards. Denny had a “tough fight” to beat out Dean, LaVerne and Bob.  Ninth place went to Bob Geib, with the “top ten” being rounded out by Dennis Mitchell.  However, the two lifters who placed 11th and 12th were the two who “took the show” in my book.  Dale Friesz and Art Montini are two tough ole’ ironheads who REFUSE to give up.  Dale has been facing some difficult physical issues lately and STILL showed up at Nationals and competed, and gave a gallant effort that most lifters in his situation would be mentally unable to do. Art at 84 years of age is living proof that you are NEVER too old to lift and compete in a big competition. Art had some issues with dehydration with the hot dry heat of Las Vegas (why would someone in their 80’s try to cut water weight before weighins??), but made a strong recovery to finish the meet.   Both of these guys are my heros – and give me inspiration to “keep after it” and not give up despite what I may be faced with, because it is NOTHING compared to what they deal with!

I really feel this Nationals will be one that will go down “in history” as one of the best USAWA National Championships of ALL TIME.  We will be talking about the events that unfolded this weekend for many years to come.  I really feel sorry for those that didn’t make it to this one – because I will say this – YOU missed out on a GOOD TIME!  And Happy 25th Anniversary to the USAWA!!!!!

MEET RESULTS

2012 USAWA National Championships
Average Broz’s Gym
Las Vegas, Nevada
June 30th, 2012

Meet Director: Al Myers & the USAWA Executive Board

Scorekeeper: Judy Habecker

Announcer: Judy Habecker

Meet Venue: John Broz and Broz’s Gym

Officials (3 official system used):  Scott Tully, Darren Barnhart, Al Myers, Chad Ullom, Denny Habecker, Art Montini, Dennis Mitchell

Loaders: Scott Tully, Darren Barnhart, and lifters

Lifts: Clean and Jerk – One Arm, Curl – Reverse Grip, Pullover and Press, Hack Lift – One Arm, Jefferson Lift

WOMENS DIVISION

 Lifter  Age  BWT  C&J  Curl  P&P Hack   Jeff  TOT  PTS
Susan Sees  49  211  22.5R  40  40  45R  80  227.5  216.97

EXTRA LIFTS FOR RECORD

Susan Sees: Clean and Jerk – One Arm 15L
Susan Sees: Curl – Reverse Grip 42.5
Susan Sees: Hack – One Arm 47.5R

MENS DIVISION

Lifter Age BWT C&J Curl P&P Hack Jeff TOT PTS
Al Myers      45 240 65R 95 145 150R 250 705 605.39
Larry Traub 58 201 40R 75 105 102.5R 240 562.5 596.35
Chad Ullom 40 251 65R 95 140 145R 250 695 555.80
Dave Glasgow 58 246 50L 82.5 105 100L 182.5 520 495.04
Denny Habecker 69 194 35R 57.5 90 82.5R 132.5 397.5 469.78
Tim Piper      42 191 52.5R 60 102.5 100R 160 475 448.59
Dean Ross 69 265 30R 60 70 60R 155 375 375.57
LaVerne Myers 68 247 25L 65 65 85L 120 360 370.68
Bob Geib 69 270 30R 50 45 60R 135 320 317.66
Dennis Mitchell 80 152 12.5R 25 30 50R 90 207.5 308.96
Dale Friesz 71 160 7.5R 22.5 40 35R 67.5 172.5 232.62
Art Montini 84 173 0 0 0 0 60 60 84.59

EXTRA LIFTS FOR RECORDS

Dale Friesz: Deadlift – Little Fingers 35
Dale Friesz: Deadlift – Index Fingers 45
Dennis Mitchell: Clean and Jerk – One Arm 12.5L
Dennis Mitchell: Pullover and Press 35
Dennis Mitchell: Hack Lift – One Arm 50L
Bob Geib: Hack Lift – One Arm 67.5R
Dean Ross: Hack Lift – One Arm 65R

NOTES:  BWT is bodyweight in pounds.  All lifts recorded in kilograms. R & L designate right and left arms. TOT is total kilograms lifted. PTS is adjusted points for bodyweight and age.

BEST LIFTERS

Womens Overall:  Susan Sees
Mens Overall:  Al Myers
Womens Master Overall:  Susan Sees
Mens Master Overall:  Al Myers
Mens Master 40-44 Age Group: Chad Ullom
Mens Master 45-49 Age Group: Al Myers
Mens Master 55-59 Age Group: Larry Traub
Mens Master 65-69 Age Group: Denny Habecker
Mens Master 70-74 Age Group: Dale Friesz
Mens Master 80-84 Age Group: Dennis Mitchell
Team Champion: Dino Gym (Al Myers, Chad Ullom, LaVerne Myers, Dean Ross)

See everyone in Vegas!

by Al Myers

The weekend is approaching fast for the big event of the year – the USAWA Nationals in Las Vegas!!  I have everything “ready to go” and all plans have been made.  I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there and celebrating the 25 year anniversary of the United States All Round Weightlifting Association. 

See everyone in Vegas!!

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