Tag Archives: Lifter of the Month

Lifter of the Month, June 2026, Mike Locondro

June featured Carnival in the Cul-De-Sac, Lebanon Valley Record Day and the National Championship (results still pending).

Mike Locondro earned lifter of the month based on his outstanding performance at the Lebanon Valley Record Day which included a 121-pound Deadlift-Fulton Bar-Right Hand.  This lift tests wrist strength to maintain balance on a one-handed lift and grip strength on an axle bar.

Mike has been competing since 1993 and his earliest record is 474-pound Squat, 12” Base set at the Eastern US Championship.  He currently holds (27) records as a member of Habecker’s Gym.

Congratulations Mike!

Do you know a USAWA member who should be recognized as lifter of the month? Send nominations to the acting Secretary at usawasec@gmail.com

Lifter of the Month, May 2026, Dan Jones

May featured the USAWA Heavy Lift Championship, Stars of Tomorrow and For Women Only meets.

Dan earned lifter of the month with his incredible 3304-pound total in the Heavy Lift Championship.  This was a 294-pound improvement over his 2024 numbers. 

Dan has been competing since 2023 and currently holds 64 records.  Dan is a member of Frank’s Barbell Club and is an excellent ambassador of All-Round Weightlifting on and off the platform. 

Congratulations Dan!

Do you know a USAWA member who should be recognized as lifter of the month? Send nominations to the acting Secretary at usawasec@gmail.com

LIFTER OF THE MONTH, APRIL 2026, KIM VAN WAGNER

April featured the USAWA Grip Championship, Bench Press Heptathlon, Diamond Jubilee and Diaper Day.  While the Diamond Jubilee and Diaper Day results are pending there were some outstanding performances in the published results.

Kim Van Wagner earned lifter of the month by being the top female in the 1st Quarter Postal and the top female (and overall) winner of the USAWA Grip Championship.  Kim currently holds 139 records and is threatening to break into the top 10 women’s record holders.  Kim has results going back to the 2022 1st Quarter Postal but has only been able to set records since the Bench Press Heptathlon in 2024.

Kim joined the USAWA under the Clark’s Gym banner but has joined High Country Vigour, with Bill Clark’s blessing.  She always shows outstanding sportsmanship and personal integrity.  At the 2026 USAWA Grip Championship, the official gave a down command on the vertical bar lift and Kim simply responded that it was a no-lift as her left knee was not locked out.

Congratulations Kim!

Do you know a USAWA member who should be recognized as lifter of the month? Send nominations to the acting Secretary at usawasec@gmail.com

LIFTER OF THE MONTH, MARCH 2026, RILEY WENZEL

March featured Tony & Allison’s 60th Birthday Party.  Riley Wenzel earned lifter of the month with an incredible 1314-pound total across a broad mix of lifts.  The 1367 Lynch Points was good enough for the overall top men’s performance.  His 170-pound Anderson Press was also good for the ALL-age class 75kg record.  He also holds the ALL-age class record at 70kg.

Riley has been competing for just over a year and holds 67 records in the 60, 65, 70 and 75 kg weight classes.

Congratulations Riley!

Apologies from the editor for the late posting.

LIFTER OF THE MONTH, FEBRUARY 2026, ISAAC BANKENS

February featured the 2026 Bayou Beast Bash and the Ground to Overhead Challenge.  Results from the USAWA Club Championships are still pending.  Isaac Bankens earned lifter of the month with his amazing 397-pound total at the Bayou Beast Bash which was good enough to win the Junior Men category and was in the mix in the overall standings.

Following the competition, Isaac went on to perform a 361-pound Dinnie Lift and 300-pound Kennedy lift.

Isaac also competes in grip sport and shows a level of sportsmanship and poise that makes you forget he is only 12 years old.

Congratulations Isaac!

Do you know a USAWA member who should be recognized as lifter of the month? Send nominations to the acting Secretary at usawasec@gmail.com

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