Category Archives: USAWA Daily News

Sad News

By Eric Todd

John McKean executing a one dumbbell deadlift

John McKean executing a one dumbbell deadlift

It is with a sad heart that I bring you this news. I got an email today from Marilyn McKean informing me that on Monday, August 15, her husband John passed away unexpectedly. John is a hall of famer (class of 1999), a century club member coming in at number 6 with 329 records, and an overall class act.  He worked the mic for meets, wrote articles for the website (usually quite entertaining, mind you), and was just an overall wealth of knowledge in the strength world.  I recently came across a series of articles he wrote for the kettlebell company “Dragon Door.”  Just a month or two ago, I enjoyed an email chain John and I had going about all round lifting and the USAWA in general.  Our hearts go out to Marilyn and the rest of John’s family.  John, you will be missed, old buddy.  Train in peace…

2022 Presidential Cup

The 2022 Presidential Cup had a small turnout again this year, with 5 lifters setting 16 new records. Beth Skwarecki became the first repeat winner of the Presidential Cup with her 396 Lb. [180 Kg.] Kennedy Lift. All the lifters had a great time and were treated to some delicious food by Judy when the lifting was done.

The results:

Beth Skwarecki – 41 – 147 Lbs. -70 Kg. class- [40-44]

Kennedy Lift        – 190 Kg. – 419 Lbs.

Snatch – Fulton Bar – 40 Kg. – 88 Lbs.

Snatch from Hang –  53 Kg.  – 116 Lbs.

Vertical Bar Deadlift – 1 Bar – 1″- Right Hand – 67 Kg. – 147 Lbs.

Vertical Bar Deadlift – 1 Bar – 1″ – Left Hand  – 67 Kg. – 147 Lbs

Barry Pensyl  – 74 – 140 Lbs. – 65 Kg. Class – [70-74 ]

Lateral Raise – Lying –                    24.5 Kg. – 54 Lbs.

Abdominal Raise                       –  18.1 Kg.  – 40 Lbs.

Cheat Curl                                  – 42.5 Kg.  – 94 Lbs.

Ciavattone Deadlift – Right Hand –  57.5 Kg. – 127 Lbs.

Denny Habecker – 79 – 185 Lbs. – 85 Kg. Class [ 75-79 ]

Vertical Bar Deadlift – 1 Bar – 1″- Left Hand –  42 Kg.  – 93 Lbs.

Clean & Press – 12″ Base-                          – 45 Kg.  – 99 Lbs.

Continental Snatch                                 – 38.5 Kg. – 85 Lbs.

Aidan Habecker – 19 – 190 Lbs. – 90 Kg. Class [ 18-19 ]

Vertical Bar Deadlift – 1 Bar- 2″ -Right Hand – 97.5 Kg. – 215 Lbs.

Squat – 12″ Base                                       100 Kg.   – 220 Lbs.

Daphne Lansdown  – 6 – 48 Lbs. – 30 Kg. – [13 + U }

Vertical Bar Deadlift – 1 Bar -1″ -Right – 12.7 Kg. – 28 Lbs.

Officials – Denny Habecker, Barry Pensyl

Beth Skwarecki – Official in training

 

 

Courage Award

By Eric Todd

Dean Ross wins this year's Courage Award

Dean Ross wins this year’s Courage Award

The description of the Courage award reads as follows:

Courage Award – This goes to an individual who shows the courage to overcome an obstacle in order to return to competition. This may be a comeback from an injury, or just having to deal with difficult personal issues but still shows the courage to compete in the USAWA.

This description fits Dean Ross to a T, and he is this year’s winner.  Dean has gone through a number of health issues this past year, but constantly shows up for competitions, lifts his heart out, and sets records in the process.  I looked back through the history of these awards, and surprisingly, this is only the second time Dean has won this award.   This was certainly not only the second time Dean has overcome obstacles.  I would like to send Dean out a huge, heartfelt CONGRATS!  You truly deserve this award.

Prechtel Contribution award

By Eric Todd

Receiving the Prechtel Contribution Award from Denny Habecker

Receiving the Prechtel Contribution Award from Denny Habecker

In the article I wrote about receiving the Ciavattone Courage award from Big Frank, I mentioned that I had a couple surprises.  Well, the Ciavattone award was one of them.  The second was being the recipient of the Prechtel Contribution Award.  This is an award that is in memory of former USAWA president and great, Howard Prechtel, and is to recognize significant contribution to the organizer.  It is a traveling award, and is passed from member to member. The first recipient was Frank Ciavattone, and he was presented the award by Howard’s good friend and Hall of Famer, Bob Geib.  Frank then passed it on to Al Myers, who was the current Secretary/Treasurer at the time.  Al then passed it on to Denny and Judy Habecker for their significant contribution.  They then passed the award on to me.  It is another huge honor, and one I look passing on to the next recipient in the next couple years.

Ciavattone Courage Award

By Eric Todd

Here i am recieving the Ciavattone Courage Award at the 2022 nationals in Lebanon, PA from Big Frank

Here i am receiving the Ciavattone Courage Award at the 2022 nationals in Lebanon, PA from Big Frank

The 2022 USAWA nationals held by Denny Habecker led to lots of great lifting, comradery, and memories.  I had a couple surprises. The first one is that I was the 10th ever Ciavattone Courage award winner from the USAWA and the twelfth worldwide.  It is an honor that was completely unexpected, and one I will treasure always.

According to Frank Ciavattone,

The Ciavattone Courage Award was started to recognize individuals in the sport of weightlifting who exemplify strength, leadership, and courage. This I.A.W.A Award is named after the Ciavattone Family. A family that remained resilient during trying times throughout their lives and continued to put their strength to the test both mentally and physically. This award recognizes individuals who have not lost their commitment to the sport and their determination through all hardships while also supporting the strength of others. Eric Todd exemplifies the true meaning of courage and the Ciavattone family is honored to present him this award.

This allows me to join such all-round greats such as Howard Prechtel, Noi Phumachiano, Bill Clark, John Vernachio, Denny Haybecker, Dennis Mitchell, Dale Friez, Rex Monahan, and Al Myers domestically, and Steve and Karen Gardner internationally.  I am very honored, and thank the Ciavattone family for recognizing me as being worthy.

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