For Women Only

Results taken from Clark’s Gym Newsletter – Vol. XXXIV, No. 10
(I will be catching up a few results that were missing from this past summer based on available resources)

June 23, 2025
FOR WOMEN ONLY – AND RECORD DAY.

Lisa Gore has mostly recovered from a knee problem and defeated two fellow members of Clark’s Gym as other USAWA women – both remote and hybrid – chose not to rise and shine in a meet designed – like the Olympics and every other sport of value in the world – to showcase the ability of girls’ and women’s sports.

The meet, the first offered for women only, was an effort to build the strong foundation for a national women’s championship and encourage women and girls to succeed on a stage designed for them only.

Gore led a trio of veterans who have long served the non-lifting Columbia community. Lisa, 59, is an operating room nurse; Janet Thompson (67) is in her fourth term as one of three Boone County commissioners; Allison Lupo, also 59, is a longtime employee of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia.

Interestingly, Lisa is the current chair of the county Republican party and Janet is a longtime leader of the Democratic Party. Lisa has long been a leader in women’s fitness; Thompson has long been a rider and driver of show horses at the national level.

Allison Lupo was dragged to the gym by her husband and now is the family leader in the number of USAWA national records. She is the only one of three who is a registered USAWA official.

They would love to be joined by the other women of like interest in strength and competition.

Clark’s Gym plans to sanction “For Women Only” again in 2026.

Now – the results from a busy weekend.

FOR WOMEN ONLY

Weekend of June 21-22, 2025
Sponsored by Clarks’ Gym

First – Lisa Gore. Age – 59. Bwt – 222.5
Bench press – feet up – 75.
Swing -right hand – 40.
Deadlift – right hand – 155.
Push press behind neck – 80.
Hack lift – 185.
Total – 575.
Adjusted total – 584.22.

Second – Janet Thompson. Age – 67. Bwt. – 164,
Bench press – feet up – 75.
Swing – right hand – 30.
Deadlift – right hand – 110.
Push press behind neck – 35.
Hack lift – 120.
Total – 370.
Adjusted total – 475.59.

Third Place – Allison Lupo.
Bench press – feet up – 72.
Swing – right hand – 30.
Deadlift – right hand – 130.
Push press behnd neck – 50.
Hack lift – 105.
Total – 377.
Adjusted total – 406.86.

OFFICIALS: Bill Clark, Tony Lupo, Dave DeForest, Jeff Wenzel.

RECORD DAYS

From Ontario:
Joe Somfay. Age – 79. Bwt. – 192.2.
Rectangular fix – 59.
Clean and seated press – two dumbbells – 60.
Hack lift – Right hand – 85.
Vertical bar – two bars – two inch – 130.
Dinnie Deadlift – 272.

Chris Frappier. Age – 60. Bwt – 215.2.
Rectangular fix – 70.
Clean and seated press – two dumbbells – 80.
Hack lift – right hand – 95.
Vertical bar – two bars – two-inch – 200
Saxon deadlift – 110.

Officials: The two lifters.

From Clark’s Gym:

Janet Thompson. Age -67. Bwt. – 164.
Swing – left hand – 30.
Deadlift – left hand – 110.
Dinnie Lift – 200.

Tim Market. Age – 18. Bwt. – 156.
Bent over row – 120.
Continental to belt – 120.
Continental to chest – 100.
Anderson press – 75.
Roman chair bench press – 45.

Dave DeForest. Age – 65. Bwt. – 181.
Holdout – lowered – 45.
Holdout – raised – 45.
Clean and press behind neck – 90.
Clean and press – alternate grip – 95.
Clean and seated press – two dumbbells – 2×30 – 60.

Jeff Wenzel. Age – 50. Bwt. – 235.
Clean and press – Fulton bar – 175.
Bent over row – 285.
Continental to chest – 201.
Anderson press – 225.
Clean and press on knees – 130.

Allison Lupo. Age – 59. Bwt. -196.5.
Deadlift – left hand – 105.
Deadlift – right hand – 105.
Dinnie lift – 245.
Two hands anyhow – 35.
Deadlift – stiff-legged – 165.

OFFICIALS: Bill Clark, Tony Lupo, Allison Lupo, Dave Deforest, Jeff Wenzel.

LIFTER OF THE MONTH, OCTOBER 2025, DENNY HABECKER

October featured the IAWA World Championship, Q3 Postal Results and the Herman Goerner Deadlift Dozen.  Denny Habecker earned lifter of the month with his massive 105kg Straddle Deadlift in the IAWA World Championship.  Combined with impressive lifts across the board, Denny was the top USA finisher and 15th overall.

Denny is a 1997 Hall of Fame inductee and this is his 6th time being recognized as lifter of the month.  He had been the long running president of the USAWA and is on the IAWA Technical Committee and serves as USA Vice President to the IAWA.  He stands alone with over 600 records set in the 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80 age groups including 17 ALL age class records and 23 NAT records.  He is a regular on the United States and International circuit and a gentleman on and off the platform.

He has been promoting the Postal league, Memorial Record Day and President’s Cup.  In 2026 he will be promoting the IAWA World Championship.

Congratulations Denny!

Do you know a USAWA member who should be recognized as a future Lifter of the Month? Send nominations to the acting Secretary at sanjiv_gupta@hotmail.com

Gold Cup recap

Gold Cup 2025

By Chad Ullom

The 2025 Gold Cup in Derby, UK was one for the history books! Held at the outstanding University of Derby Sports Centre, the venue proved to be the perfect setting for a day filled with strength, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

Flawless Execution and Teamwork

Under the expert leadership of Steve Gardner and his dedicated crew, the meet ran like clockwork. With over 30 lifters competing across three groups on two platforms, the first attempts kicked off promptly at 10 AM and wrapped up by 1 PM—a remarkable feat made possible by the collective effort of lifters, loaders, and judges. Everyone pitched in, and the teamwork on display was nothing short of inspiring.

Personal Highlights and Record-Breaking Lifts

For some reason I chose the Middle Finger Straddle Deadlift and was happy to set a new 105KG record with a 141KG lift. Happily, my fingers came away unscathed 🙂

The day was packed with outstanding performances:

  • Josh Davidson delivered the heaviest Strict Bent Press in IAWA history for his 2nd lift—a flawless and powerful lift that extremely fun to watch! His first lift was a full Gardner that also performed to perfection!
  • Chloe Brennan with a massive 306KG Shanks Lift! So impressive to see how she handles the shanks lift and the Dinnie Stones!
  • Matt Jones and Paul Halum both tackled the Domaal Squat, but Matt stole the show with a standout 70KG lift.
  • John Moss impressed with a Two One-Inch Vertical Bar Lift of 250KG—a phenomenal display of grip strength.
  • Michael Perry, at 60 years old, executed a 70KG Straight Arm Pullover that was simply unbelievable.
  • Two lifters completed 60 reps of Bodyweight Deadlifts, pushing their limits in a truly grueling challenge.
  • In a friendly family rivalry, Al Myers edged out his dad, Laverne, in a 2-Inch Bar Deadlift grudge match, 67.5KG to 65KG. Laverne narrowly missed 70KG on his fourth attempt!

Celebrating Community and Legacy

As always, the highlight for me was reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. These international meets are more than competitions—they’re reunions of a passionate and supportive community. I encourage all USAWA lifters to make the effort to attend an international event. You won’t be disappointed!

Evening Banquet and Special Awards

The day concluded with a wonderful banquet at Poms Restaurant, where every lifter received their Gold Cup. Several special awards were presented:

  • The Karen Gardner Award, created by Frank Ciavattone, honors a female lifter who embodies Karen’s spirit. With an unenviable decision to make, this year, Chloe Brennan was the deserving recipient.
  • The IAWA Commitment Award, presented by Paul Berette, recognized lifters who participated in the IAWA Worlds, Gold Cup, and World Postal. (Steve Gardner will provide a full recap of recipients.)
  • Matt Jones received the Howard Prechtel Award for his outstanding Domaal Squat performance.
  • The evening’s most emotional moment came with the presentations to Al Myers. I had the honor of presenting Al with a Lifetime Membership on behalf of USAWA. Al’s contributions are immeasurable—he updated the USAWA website, rewrote the rulebook, updated the record list, launched the Old Time Strongman division, revamped the officials program, and initiated the awards program. He’s also been a tireless promoter, competitor, and blogger.
  • Immediately following, Al was awarded the IAWA Award of Merit. Al served as IAWA President for 12 years, attending nearly every World Championship and Gold Cup during his tenure. His commitment and humility are truly inspiring.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Gold Cup was a shining example of what makes our sport so special—dedication, sportsmanship, and a deep sense of community. Congratulations to all the lifters, organizers, and supporters who made this event unforgettable.

Thank you, Steve Gardner, and thank you, Al Myers, for your unwavering commitment to the strength community

Stars of Tomorrow

Results taken from Clark’s Gym Newsletter – Vol. XXXIV, No. 9
(I will be catching up a few results that were missing this past summer based on available resources)

June 19, 2025
CONGRATULATIONS TO NISHA AND SPENCER —
The winners of the Second Annual Stars of Tomorrow contest.
Both were defending their 2024 titles – successfully.

For Spencer – it was a busy spring. He was a double graduate in May., receiving diplomas from both Battle High School in Columbia and an associate degree from Moberly Area Community College, allowing him enroll as a junior in the fall at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. – the home of the Churchill Museum and the home of a section of the Berlin Wall. He will major in psychology.

Spencer’s closest competition came from his 10-year-old soccer-playing brother, Logan, one of five Wenzels rising through the USAWA ranks.

Dad Jeff has taken his place among the USAWA’s elite lifters as a 50-year-old, and Riley, a high school pole vaulter, has now turned his attention toward the USAWA and, at age 20, saw action this weekend in the record day session.

The fifth member of the Wenzel crew made her debut – unofficially – during this weekend. Her name is Dylan and you’ll find her unofficial results listed below. She is six years old.

Nisha Gupta is not only a rising lifter, she is the youngest certified meet official in the USAWA. She recently passed her written exam and, at 16, takes her place in a referee’s chair. Congratulations.

On to the meet results:

STARS OF TOMORROW CHAMPIONSHIPS
June 14-15, 2025
Clark’s Gym – Columbia,. Mo. – and remote.

GIRLS’ DIVISION

1st – Nisha Gupta. Age – 16. Bwt – 88.
Bench press – feet in air – 48.
Jerk from rack – 45.
Anderson squat – 90.
Deadlift – heels together – 105.
Clean and press – heels together – 35.
Total – 323.
Adjusted total – 568.48.

2nd – Diya Gupta. Age – 18. Bwt. – 100.
Bench press – feet in air – 51.
Jerk from rack – 50.
Anderson squat – 100.
Deadlift – heels together – 105.
Clean and press – heels together – 40.
Total – 346.
Adjusted total – 509.62

BOYS DIVISION

1st – Spencer Wenzel. Age – 18. Bwt – 125.
Bench press – feet in air – 140.
Jerk from rack – 95.
Anderson squat – 315.
Deadlift – heels together – 235.
Clean and press – heels together – 80.
Total – 865.
Adjusted total – 1075.01

2nd – Logan Wenzel. Age 10. Bwt – 74
Bench press – feet in air – 29.
Jerk from rack – 22.
Anderson squat – 150.
Deadlift – heels together – 95.
Clean and press – heels together – 21.
Total – 316.
Adjusted total – 798.55.

3rd – Tim Market. Age – 18. Bwt – 156.
Bench press – Feet in air – 100.
Jerk from rack – 85.
Anderson squat – 205.
Deadlift – heels together – 160.
Clean and press – heels together – 85.
Total – 635.
Adjusted total – 677.8

Officials:
Colorado – Sanjiv Gupta, Jarrod Fobes, Kim Van Wagner.
Clarks’ Gym – Jeff Wenzel, Tony Lupo, Allison Lupo, Dave DeForest, Bill Clark.

RECORD DAY – WEEKEND OF JUNE 13-15, 2025

From Colorado:

Sanjiv Gupta. AGE – 54. BWT. – 213.5 LBS.
Deadlift – three-inch bar – 255.

Jarrod Fobes. AGE – 48. BWT. 217.8 LBS.
Pinch – strict – left – 60.
Pinch – strict – right – 60.
Clean and jerk, one arm – left – 82.
Dumbbell press, one arm – left – 72.
Deadlift, one leg – left – 115.

Officials – Fobes, Gupta and Kim Van Wagner.

From Ontario, Canada.

Joe Somfay. Age – 79. Bwt – 192.6.
Hackenschmidt floor press – 155.
Bavarian deadlift – 235.
Trap bar deadlift – 255.

Jeremy Law. Age – 44. Bwt – 268.
Hackenschmidt floor press – 245.
Bavarian deadlift – 400.
Trap bar deadlift – 435.

Chris Frappier. Age – 60. Bwt. – 214.8.
Hackenschmidt floor press – 185.
Bavarian deadlift – 501.
Trap bar deadlift – 456.

Kyle Frappier. Age – 22. Bwt – 215.8.
Hackenschmidt floor press – 175.
Bavarian deadlift – 280.
Trap bar deadlift – 255.

Officials were all four lifters.

Clark’s Gym, Columbia, Mo.

Dave DeForest. Age – 65. Bwt – 180.
Curl – strict – 80.
Snatch – dumbbell – left – 60.
Swing – dumbbell – left – 60.
Snatch – dumbbell – right – 60.
Kenndy lift – 460.

Riley Wenzel. Age – 20. Bwt – 150.
Anderson squat – 405.
Clean and press – Fulton bar – 125.
Bent over row – 185.
Back extension – 100.
Lunge – 200.

Logan Wenzel. Age – 10. Bwt – 74.
Lunge – 28.
Trap bar deadlift – 105.
Clean and jerk – two dumbbells – 2×10 – 20.
Clean and press – two dumbbells – 2×10 – 20.
Thor’s hammer – 7 lb.

Jeff Wenzel. Age – 50. Bwt – 234.
Press from rack – 180.
Lunge – 241.
Phumchaona lift – 1115.
Carter lift – 1175.
Apollon lift – 175.

Dave Beversdorf. Age – 60. Bwt – 300.
Trap bar deadlift – 415.
Peoples deadlift – 455.

Tony Lupo. Age – 59. Bwt. -245.
Pinch grip deadlift – 303.
Deadlift – thumbless – 325.
Deadlift – stiff-legged – 325.
Clean and press – middle fingers – 80.
Press behind neck – from rack – 130.

Allison Lupo. Age – 59. Bwt – 196.
Jerk from rack – 45.
Phumchaona lift – 355. First female to set a record in this lift since Noi performed it two decades ago.
Carter lift – 363.
Deadlift – stiff-legged – 145.
Deadlift – thumbless – 160.

Plus – we had a special lifter who was not registered, but no doubt, will be soon. She follows a family path.

Dylan Wenzel. Age 6. Bwt – 47 lb.
Deadlift – dumbbell right – 20.
Deadlift – dumbbell right – 20.
Rectangular fix – 10.
Deadlift – two hands – 28.
Curl – two dumbbells – 2 x 3 – 6 lbs.

Officials at Clark’s gym – Jeff Wenzel, Tony Lupo, Allison Lupo, Dave DeForest, Bill Clark.

Results from the 2025 Hermann Goerner Deadlift Dozen +1

A mere one month after putting their fingers through the Two Fisted Challenge, 14 lifters from four clubs decided to put their hands through the wringer again! This includes four women and 10 men from Clark’s Gym (7), Frank’s Gym (5), Habecker’s Gym (1), and Dino Gym (1) that competed in this years event.

On the women’s side, the competition was strong and every female tied or broke records in 9 events or more. Lisa Gore edged RJ Jackson by 22 points. Lisa Gore lifted more than one ton, setting 10 new standards at age and weight. RJ Jackson set 12 new records with a second place finish. Jessica Hopps finished third with 8 new records, including a sweep of all four fingers, and Allison Lupo was not far behind setting 8 new records as well. Allison was the only returning lifter and improved over last year by hoisting nearly 25% more weight. The women certainly excelled.

The men’s side was equally tough, and featured three returning lifters (Jeff Wenzel, Toby Ortega, and Tony Lupo). Jeff Wenzel (Clark’s), Dan Jones (Frank’s), and Toby Ortega (Clark’s) took the top three spots. Jeff not only took the title this year, but improved in weight lifted by close to 15%! Toby was up by about 2% in total weight over last year as well, but he set 8 records. Dan Jones set 6 new records and along with Toby set all four records in the finger deadlifts. After the top three, there was a lot of great lifting as Wade Marchand took fourth (including big numbers in the index and middle fingers), and Frank Ciavattone took fifth at the young age of 70. Among the men, Frank showed the field how to get it done by setting the most records at 10 and was in a virtual tie with Tony Lupo for third in raw weight. Riley Wenzel finished sixth, but showed some real moxie by getting a field-best 360 lb Hack Lift and a top three Heels Together DL. Tony Lupo finished seventh lifting 3% more weight than one year ago. Nils Larson set 8 new records, and along with Dan Jones was over 300 lb in the Reeves Lift! Nils L and Tony L swept through the finger lifts with new records as well. Jerome Licini entered the field as the newest lifter and made a respectable showing in a long event filled with grizzled veterans. He put up some good numbers in the Jefferson and Heels together DLs. Check out the record day lifts as well. There was a lot of additional strong lifts! Note: Jeff Wenzel’s Reeves Deadlift was 287 not 237. It was an age / weight record.

2025 Hermann Goerner Deadlift Dozen +1 ResultsDownload
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