Tag Archives: Hall of Fame

Noi Hall of Fame Bio

By Al Myers

Noi Phumchaona performing in the 1999 IAWA World Championships in Australia.

Noi Phumchaona performing in the 1999 IAWA World Championships in Australia.

I just recently uploaded Noi Phumchaona’s Hall of Fame bio to the Hall of Fame section, under “History”.  Getting all the biographies done for HOF members has been a project I’ve been working on for over 10 years.  Hopefully eventually I’ll get it done!

Noi was, without a doubt, the dominant women’s lifter in the USAWA thru the 90’s.  She won numerous National titles and always performed at the top in the IAWA World Championships.  She was one of the inaugural members of the USAWA.  She also competed in weightlifting and won numerous titles.

Please take a moment and check out her biography.  Special thanks to RJ for providing all this information.

Eric Todd is Now in Hall of Fame

By Al Myers

Eric Todd (right) receiving his Hall of Fame Award from Lance Foster (center)  and Al Myers (left).

Eric Todd (right) receiving his Hall of Fame Award from Lance Foster (center) and Al Myers (left).

One of the big highlights of the USAWA Nationals weekend happened during the USAWA Awards Ceremony, in which Eric Todd was inducted into the USAWA Hall of Fame.  It takes alot of time, effort, performance, and commitment to achieve this honor as the USAWA Hall of Fame is the highest award receivable in the USAWA. I was so happy to see Eric get recognized with this award as he has sure earned it!  Eric (or ET as his friends know him) is the all round man in all round weightlifting. He does it all – competes, officiates, coaches, promotes, runs a club, and now serves as an officer in the USAWA.

Other USAWA Hall of Fame members present at the meet joined Eric in the presentation. (left to right): Chad Ullom, Al Myers, Eric Todd, Denny Habecker, LaVerne Myers, and Dean Ross

Other USAWA Hall of Fame members present at the meet joined Eric in the presentation. (left to right): Chad Ullom, Al Myers, Eric Todd, Denny Habecker, LaVerne Myers, and Dean Ross

His friend and fellow KC Strongman club member Lance Foster gave an excellent Hall of Fame induction speech which I would like to share here.  Lance has known and trained with Eric for many years, and was the perfect person to be part of this special moment.

Hall of Fame induction speech by Lance Foster

To quote the mission of the USAWA, (“The USAWA was formed to
continue the long standing tradition of old-time weightlifters like Eugen
Sandow, Louis Cyr, Arthur Saxon, Hermann Goerner, Warren
Lincoln Travis, and many others. We strive to preserve the history of the
original forms of weightlifting, which in the past has been referred to as
“odd lifting.” Many of the lifts we perform are based on stage
acts or challenge lifts of old-time strongmen”), exemplifies what Eric
Todd has brought, and continues to
bring, to the USAWA.

While he more than meets the point total to be considered for induction
into the Hall Of Fame by merit, I believe that nominating him on the
basis of honor is the better option. Eric has dedicated his life to
weightlifting and athletic pursuits. Eric began these pursuits pre-
Kindergarten, running behind his father
when he went jogging, to high school football, track, and wrestling. He
attended college on a wrestling scholarship, and achieved national
ranking, in addition to competing in Highland Games, Strongman, and
later all-round lifting. He has also coached wrestling on a formal basis in
the public school system. He has
also coached many people in Strongman on an informal basis, at his
personal gym, always being a true
friend, mentor, and coach, without fees of any type. He hosted an annual
Strongman contest for 10 years,
in honor his grandfather Gus (who, too, exemplified old time strongman
type strength and skill). While many Strongman promoters around the
country operate on a for profit basis, Eric selflessly donated all the
proceeds, totaling $34,000.00, to Camp Quality, a week long summer
camp for kids dealing with cancer.

Eric is an active participant and promoter in USAWA. He opens his gym
for the Postal meets, record days, as well as hosting the Old Time
Strongman Championships, and occasionally the Heavy Lifts
Championships. He is a lifetime certified official. He is a member of the
Century Club, having amassed 160 records. He was also named the
USAWA Athlete of the Year for 2018. While a fierce competitor, he
is always willing to assist other members with training and tips on lifts.
Eric is also dedicated to his family, not only by instilling in them the
skills to be kind and respectful, but also by being encouraging of his
children and a nephew, as they participate in all-round lifting, and fitness
in general.

Eric is a humble, down to earth man, never seeking the lime light for any
of his achievements. Eric is a man of high caliber, not only of physical
strength and prowess, but also by having the personality of a
stand-up individual.

For the reasons listed above, Eric Todd is hereby inducted into the
USAWA Hall of Fame.

Dean Ross – Hall of Fame Biography

By Al Myers

(Below is the Hall of Fame Biography for Dean Ross, who was inducted into the USAWA Hall of Fame at the 2019 USAWA National Championships.  This bio is now included in the HOF Archives on the website.)

HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHY

DEAN ROSS – CLASS OF 2019

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Dean Ross is a man of many talents.  He has been involved with the USAWA since 2009.  His previous strength passion involved participating in the Scottish Highland Games, where he put up a Hall of Fame career.    Dean has always been known for his commitment to enter competitions.  When he was throwing several times he would compete on Saturday and then drive over 500 miles overnight to another competition on Sunday.   That same enthusiasm he has brought to the USAWA.   During the last 10 years Dean has competed in over 100 USAWA events. That is a mark that no one else has ever done!  He is a member of the Dino Gym and supports all of the gym’s events, as well as making long driving trips to big events like Nationals. Everyone in the USAWA knows Dean, as he has participated in events in every club.

Dean has put up a very impressive resume during these previous years:

  • 9th place overall at the 2018 Nationals in Cocoa Beach, Florida
  • 6th place overall at the 2016 Nationals in Norwood, Massachusetts
  • Best Lifter in the 70-74 age group at 2016 Nationals
  • 9th place overall at the 2015 Nationals in York, Pennsylvania
  • 7th place overall at the 2014 Nationals in Macomb, Illinois
  • 7th place overall at the 2012 Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Lifter of the Month 2 times – July 2018 & August 2015
  • Presidential Cup Award Winner in 2015
  • Overall Team Champion with LaVerne Myers at the 2017 Team Championships
  • Grand Slam Postal Series Winner – 2016 & 2015
  • 9th Place overall in the 2016 Postal Series
  • 6th Place overall in the 2015 Postal Series
  • 8th place overall in the 2016 IAWA World Championships in Lebanon, PA
  • USAWA Sportsmanship Award winner in 2016 & 2017
  • USAWA Athlete of the Year Runner Up Award winner in 2015
  • USAWA Courage Award winner in 2013
  • USAWA Newcomer Award winner in 2011

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Dean strength as an All Rounder is his ability to set records in a wide array of different lifts.  He currently has the fourth most USAWA records of any lifter in the history of the USAWA, with 383.  But even more impressive, is these records have been accomplished in over 150 different lifts! Dean is one of the few lifters to have competed in every one of the Championship events that the USAWA offers, which includes the Heavy Lift Championships, Grip Championships, Presidential Cup, Postal Championships, Club Championships, Old Time Strongman Championships, Team Championships, and the National Championships.  He has also competed at the International level – having competed in the 2016 IAWA Worlds, 2016 Gold Cup, and the 2013 Gold Cup.  Dean loves to lift heavy and has the goal of doing at least one lift over 1000 pounds every year in competition.  He has accomplished this goal consistently over the past 10 years.  Dean is one of the most well liked guys in the USAWA, and always has a new story to tell.   He is a great competitor, and always encourages other lifters.  It is a fitting honor for him to join the USAWA Hall of Fame.

LaVerne Myers – Hall of Fame Biography

By Al Myers

(Below is the Hall of Fame Biography for LaVerne Myers, who was inducted into the USAWA Hall of Fame at the 2019 USAWA National Championships.  This bio is now included in the HOF Archives on the website.)

HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHY

LAVERNE MYERS – CLASS OF 2019

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LaVerne was born on May 1st, 1944.   He has spent his entire life in the Abilene, Kansas area.   During his working years he was a dairy and crop farmer and at one time milked over 100 cows.  He is married to Jeanette and has 3 sons – Alan, David, and Brian.

LaVerne became involved with the USAWA in 2002, after he attended the National Championships in Youngstown, Ohio.  This inspired him to become much more involved in the All Rounds and began training the lifts.  He has attended many big meets, including IAWA Championships overseas.   He has competed in England 3 times (2018 Worlds in Eastbourne, 2014 Gold Cup in Burton on Trent, 2018 Gold Cup in Eastbourne)  and in Scotland 1 times  (2017 Gold Cup in Glasgow).  He trains at the Dino Gym in Holland, KS.

Among his many accomplishments:

  • Best lifter in the 70+ at the World Championships in Eastbourne, England
  • 7th Place overall finish at the 2016 World Championships in Lebanon, PA
  • Best Lifter in the 65-69 at the 2012 World Championships in Salina, KS
  • 7th Place overall finish at the 2018 USAWA Nationals
  • Best Lifter in the 70+ at the 2018 Nationals in Cocoa Beach, Florida
  • 9th Place overall finish at the 2017 Nationals in Cleveland, Ohio
  • 8th Place overall finish at the 2012 Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Sportsmanship Award Runner Up 2016 & 2017
  • Lifter of the Month 4 times
  • USAWA Certified Level 2 Official for over 10 years
  • Overall Best Lifter at the USAWA Grip Championships 3 times (2019, 2016, 2015)
  • 3rd place overall in the 2016 Postal Series
  • Overall Best Lifter at the 2017 Team Championships with Dean Ross
  • Runner Up for the Howard Prechtel Award at the 2016 IAWA Gold Cup
  • IAWA Commitment Award winner in 2018
  • Meet promoter for the 2016 IAWA Gold Cup in Abilene, KS
  • Meet promoter for the 2019 IAWA World Championships in Abilene, KS

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LaVerne’s favorite lifts are any lifts involving grip strength.  He has earned the nicknames “La Grip” and “Mr. Vice Grip” among his all-round friends.  He is one of the top record holders in the USAWA, with over 200 records. This record mark currently puts him in 11th place overall in total records held in the history of the USAWA.  Some of his top records are: 182# in the one arm Fulton Bar Deadlift,  242# Inch Dumbbells Deadlift, 123# in the Dumbbell Walk,  335# in the Pinch Grip Deadlift, 255# in the Reeves Deadlift,  182# in the 2” One Handed Vertical Bar Lift,  330# in the 2 bar 2” Vertical Bar Deadlift, 300# Ciavattone Grip Deadlift with the Fulton Bar,  and 6# in the Weaver Sticks.  All of these records were set over the age of 65 and many are overall records within his weight class.  In his 70’s he can still do pullups with a thumbless grip!

One of his lifting highlights included doing a 2 man lift with his son Al at the 2017 IAWA Gold Cup in Glasgow, Scotland.  Together they did 441# in the Team One Hand Thumbless Deadlift in front of an international lifting crowd.  LaVerne is an IAWA official, and has officiated at many IAWA World Championships and Gold Cups.  LaVerne biggest enjoyment in the USAWA has been making many great friends all over the World.

New Hall of Famers

By Al Myers

Dean Ross (left) and LaVerne Myers (right) were inducted into the USAWA Hall of Fame at the 2019 National Championships.

Dean Ross (left) and LaVerne Myers (right) were inducted into the USAWA Hall of Fame at the 2019 National Championships.

I am very excited to announce two new USAWA Hall of Fame members.   At the recent National Championships, LaVerne Myers and Dean Ross joined the elite fraternity of the USAWA Hall of Fame.   The HOF is the highest honor one can receive in the USAWA, and both of these two are more than well deserving. LaVerne and Dean have been part of the Dino Gym Club for over 15 years now, and have been mainstay competitors in many USAWA events throughout the years.  I plan to do a full bio for each of them at a future date which I will share on the website.

Congrats to both LaVerne and Dean!!!

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