USAWA

By Eric Todd

Sanjiv completing a curl-strict, reverse grip

The member of the month of July is Sanjiv Gupta.  Though Sanjiv is a relatively new member, he is an enthusiastic one.  Having just competed in Nationals in June, Sanjiv participated in the Colorado record day in July, and set or broke five USAWA records.  This is certainly not where his contribution ends, though.  He was an active participant in the discussion at the national meeting where a few changes were made.  He is serving on the advisory committee, which was newly formed after the national meeting.  Perhaps his most daunting challenge, though, is assisting Scottish Johnny in the capacity of Records Director.  Scottish Johnny has told me that having Sanjiv on board has been a game changer.  His contributions in just his first member as a member of the USAWA have been impressive to say the least.  Congrats Sanjiv!  Well deserved!

By Eric Todd

I have grown bored.  For quite some time, we have seen the same names come up over and over for lifter of the month.  I received more of these accolades than I probably deserved.  While the top lifters are the face of our organization, they are not necessarily the backbone.  From very back in my days in strongman, I knew it was much more favorable to be a lifter than a promoter, a judge or a spotter/loader.  With that being said, I have decided to change this designation from athlete of the month to member of the month.  It may be a lifter who has shined, but it may be for any of a number of other contributions as well.  The lifters will always be recognized with trophies and medals at local meets, championships, national and worlds meets.  It is time to start recognizing the unsung heroes as well.  The member of the month of June 2023 goes to Clint Poore.  I am choosing him not only due to his win at the Hackendinnie classic, but due to his being an ambassador for the organization.  He traveled from Kentucky to Missouri and Kansas in order to complete his practical training sessions on the way to becoming a certified official.  Not only did he sanction a meet in an unsettled territory, he had a great turnout and is on way to making Kentucky a hotbed of USAWA activity.  He has been a huge contributor to our increased membership.  Clint may very well be part of the future of the USAWA, and is well deserving of the title Member of the Month of June.  Congrats!

By Eric Todd

One of my absolute favorite championship events was in May, in the Heavy Lift Championships.  Outside of our national championship meet, the Heavy Lift is the longest running championship event in the USAWA.  This year’s event was out in Massachusetts, hosted by Frank Ciavattone and ran by Mark Raymond.  This year it was Nils Larson who emerged victorious, adding his name along the great champs like Frank Ciavattone, Steve Schmidt, and John Carter.  Due to that win, Nils Larson is awarded Lifter of the Month of May.  Way to go, Nils!

By Eric Todd

We only had one meet in April this year; however, it was the Bench Press Decathlon put on by Clark’s Gym, and it was hotly contested.  While bench specialist David Beversdorf had the highest total, when the coefficient was applied, gym member Tony Hose had the most points and was declared champion.  This is Tony’s second win in the Bench Press Decathlon, and his second lifter of the month accolade.  Congrats Tony!  Job well done.

By Eric Todd

Behind again-This one was a bit tricky.  We had the first quarter postal in March, but also had the New England Grip Classic.  I typically lean toward in person meets when they are available, but there had been no official scoring done at the Grip Classic.  This meet had one of the more impressive line ups of junior lifters in a USAWA meet that I can recall seeing.  While all the junior lifters lifted magnificently, there was one that stood out to me in particular.  The title of Lifter of the Month goes out to Michael Marchand of Frank’s Barbell Club.  He had a total of 870 pounds and set some records along the way.  Congrats Michael!  Job well done.