[Al Myers]

Thanks Steve and Denny for this added information about John. I have added it to the story. Also, I see that he promoted THREE Gold Cups – 1992, 1996, & 2003. He was one active meet promoter!!!!

[Al Myers]

That’s true!!

I only know one personally. Bob Burtzloff did a Bent Press of 250# weighing around 240 lbs 20 years ago.

Dennis Mitchell has told me that he has done a close to bodyweight Bent Press of 170# at a BW of 180lbs when he was younger.

Does anyone else know any Bent Pressers that have done bodyweight?? Dinoman

[Al Myers]

61 – the Bent Press is definitely a lift that most lifters today are not aware of. However, I think you will find not too many lifters today who would say that the Bent Press is the ultimate test of strength!!

[Al Myers]

ET, I remember that quite clearly!!! It happened when Bob was returning the bar to the platform and it got away from him. The bar slammed down less than 12 inches from Bill’s side and he never flinched. When he was asked afterwards, he said he knew it wasn’t going to hit him. He’s got “nerves of steel” to not even move – and he didn’t even move an inch!!!

And Tom – as I’ve said I got mixed feelings on spotters for the Steinborn. I’ve also seen older lifters lose balance and the spotters grabbed the bar to prevent it from taking the lifter to the platform, which could have caused injury to the lifter. The problem arises when lifters are doing “big weight” and there is no way the spotters can adequately spot an “out of control” bar. In these cases, it is MUCH BETTER if the lifter is left alone on the platform to dump the bar if needed. Al

[Al Myers]

Tom – There is no rule directly stating that the Steinborn Lift can not have spotters on the platform to spot it. What you are referring to is a “Bill Rule” – one in which he required but was not a written one. The rules state the rules of the squat apply to the squat portion of the Steinborn. Of course with that rule written in – the use of spotters could be taken as a definite use, as they are with any squat attempt in competition.

However, there are meet differences in when spotters are used on the Steinborn. On our hometurf (USAWA meets), spotters are NEVER used, but overseas in IAWA meets they have been used on each occassion the Steinborn was contested. I have mixed feelings on whether they are helpful, and can create a dangerous situation for the spotters. I have seen a couple of spotter injuries happen (including a broken wrist of a spotter trying to catch a bar that lost control).

And of course when spotters are used, if they assist in any way besides the foot stabilization, the lift is not good.

[Al Myers]

The deadline has now passed for entering Worlds. I received 3 more entries on Saturday to make the official list of competitors at 25.

RECEIVED ENTRIES
Art Montini USA
George Dick Scotland
Frank Allen England
Sam Trews Australia
John Mahon Australia
Chad Ullom USA
Lance Foster USA
Paula De La Mata England
Graham Saxton England
Tim Piper USA
Dawn Piper USA
Dennis Mitchell USA
Ruth Jackson USA
Al Springs USA
Denny Habecker USA
LaVerne Myers USA
Rudy Bletscher USA
Frank Ciavattone USA
Dan Wagman USA
Bob Geib USA
Susan Sees USA
Dave Glasgow USA
Doug Kressly USA
Jera Kressly USA
Randy Smith USA

[Al Myers]

Now up to 22 entries from the entries that came in today:

RECEIVED ENTRIES
Art Montini USA
George Dick Scotland
Frank Allen England
Sam Trews Australia
John Mahon Australia
Chad Ullom USA
Lance Foster USA
Paula De La Mata England
Graham Saxton England
Tim Piper USA
Dawn Piper USA
Dennis Mitchell USA
Ruth Jackson USA
Al Springs USA
Denny Habecker USA
LaVerne Myers USA
Rudy Bletscher USA
Frank Ciavattone USA
Dan Wagman USA
Bob Geib USA
Susan Sees USA
Dave Glasgow USA

[Al Myers]

The entry deadline is fast approaching for Worlds – IT IS TOMORROW!!! So far I have 18 entries in officially. If you are not on this list and want to compete you still have ONE DAY to get me your entry form WITH entry fee. Chad and I will be making the decision this weekend whether we will taking any late entries.

RECEIVED ENTRIES
Art Montini USA
George Dick Scotland
Frank Allen England
Sam Trews Australia
John Mahon Australia
Chad Ullom USA
Lance Foster USA
Paula De La Mata England
Graham Saxton England
Tim Piper USA
Dawn Piper USA
Dennis Mitchell USA
Ruth Jackson USA
Al Springs USA
Denny Habecker USA
LaVerne Myers USA
Rudy Bletscher USA
Frank Ciavattone USA

[Al Myers]

I think it is one of the best stories written by Roger so far. It DOES put things into perspective – especially after hearing Rogers story on the Gold Chains. No lifter at a big meet like this should have to worry about “peddling” gold while at a meet to fund his retirement. I’m also sure the reason he was wearing the gold around his neck in the first place was hide his intentions.

We do live in a great country! Dinoman

[Al Myers]

Express –

Thank you for that bizarre story that makes no sense. Dinoman

[Al Myers]

I first met John at the 2003 National Championships in Youngstown, Ohio. I have to admit that at first I was taken back by John’s imposing physical presence – heavily muscled physique, commanding voice, strong facial features, and slicked back dark hair. I had previously “heard about him” and his involvement in the USAWA, and I would have to say, was a little intimidated by him at first impression! We didn’t talk much during the meet.

However, the day following the meet as I was hitting the hotel’s continental breakfast, John was there already eating and invited me to join him at his table. I couldn’t believe how nice he was to me. He commended me on my lifting performance, and offered several words of encouragement to me in pursuing all round weightlifting. I was a little taken back – as I was just “newbe” to the USAWA, yet this legend of the sport was taking interest in me and thanking me for making it to the meet? It made an impression on me as I left that morning.

That’s how John was to all new lifters. He is responsible for getting more lifters involved in the USAWA than probably anyone else throughout the years. He also was a man who put “the organization” above his own personal lifting goals, and because of this, has left a legacy in the minds of many. Al

[Al Myers]

Ok ET – here’s a Missouri blonde joke for you:

A Blonde in Church

A Missouri pastor said to his congregation, “Someone in this congregation has spread a rumor that I am a member of the Ku Klux Klan! This is a horrible lie and one which a Christian community cannot tolerate. I am embarrassed and do not intend to accept this. Now, I want the pary who said this to stand and ask forgiveness from God and this Christian family.”

No one moved. The preacher continued, “Do you have the nerve to face me and admit this is a falsehood? Remember, you will be forgiven and in your heart you will feel glory. Now stand and confess your transgression.” Again, all was quiet.

Then, slowly, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with a body that would stop a runaway train rose from the third pew. Her head was bowed and her voice quivered as she spoke, “Reverend, there has been a terrible misunderstanding. I never said you were a member of the Ku Klux Klan. I simply told a couple of my friends that you were a wizard under the sheets.”

The preacher fell to his knees, his wife fainted, and the congregation roared.

[Al Myers]

I would like anyone who has any stories and/or pictures of John to please send them to me. I would like to have several stories on the website this coming week as tributes to John. Thanks. Al

[Al Myers]

I just saw that as well. That is terrible news. John was one of the original founding members of the USAWA, and had a huge influence in the formation of the organization. He will be missed.

[Al Myers]

Professor, no one is going to respond to any of your questions anymore out of fear……

[Author]

Replies