By Al Myers
Joe Ciavattone Jr. in action with the Hand and Thigh at a past USWA Heavy Lift Champinships.
Joe Ciavattone Jr. won LIFTER OF THE MONTH for May with his outstanding performance in the 2017 USAWA Heavy Lift Championships held in Walpole, MA. Joe Jr. won Overall Best Lifter. This was the first time Joe Jr. has won best lifter at the Heavy Lift Champs and he now has joined a long list of great Heavy Lift Champions.
Congrats Joe Jr.!!!
by Al Myers
The USAWA Lifter of the Month for JUNE is Joe Ciavattone Jr.. Joe lifted brilliantly at the 2016 USAWA National Championships in Boston in capturing the BEST OVERALL LIFTER in the Men’s Division. This is the first overall lifter award for Joe Jr. at the National Championships, who is only 23 years old but is very experienced as he has been competing Nationally for many years at Nationals and other big meets.
Congratulations to Joe Jr.!
by Al Myers
Art proudly displaying his homemade Teeth Bit!
Today welcomes in a New Year, and with it comes the excitement of another very promising year in the USAWA. 2013 had to be one of the best EVER in the history of the USAWA. There were many great competitions and great individual performances. Of the 22 official competitions that occurred in 2013 in the USAWA, I was a participant or attended 18 of them!
As I’m sitting here sipping a cup of coffee in the early morning hours of 2014 (my internal clock would not allow me to sleep in!), I’m reflecting on some of the fantastic lifts I was able to witness “first hand” in the USAWA in 2013. It didn’t take me long to come up with a list of over 20, but I’m gonna narrow the list today to the TOP TEN lifts that impressed me the most. I want to reiterate that this is MY LIST of the lifts that I was able to watch, and only reflects my viewpoints. Many, many others were extremely impressive that did not make the list. A few individual lifters had multiple lifts that impressed me, but I’m only including THE ONE that impressed me the most by an individual lifter. It took me three times as long to come up with my list as it did to write this blog! Here it goes – counting down from number ten:
10. Lance Foster and his 575# Dinnie Lift at the OTSM Championships
This had to be one of the most tenacious lifts of the year. Lance struggled at the Battle of the Barn with the Dinnie Lift, but came back a month or so later to up his performance by 75 pounds! If the USAWA offered a TRUE GRIT AWARD Lance would win it.
9. Jera Kressly and Logan Kressly 600# heels together deadlift at the Team Championships.
Jera and Logan did this mixed pair (man/woman) lift quite easily at the Team Champs. I should mention that Logan was only 15 at the time! That’s a big deadlift for any mixed pair with a normal stance – let alone having the heels together!
8. James Fuller and his 60 KG Bent Press at the Gold Cup.
James has been on a mission to mastering the Bent Press this year. The Bent Press is one of the MOST old and obscure lifts of all round lifting. Very few even know how to go about doing one. I first saw James bent pressing Frank’s axle at the Heavies, with was extremely cumbersome to handle. I was going to include that effort instead of this one for James, but his Gold Cup lift really deserves it more as it was done in a big competition. It won’t be long before James puts up the highest Bent Press record of All Time in the USAWA.
7. Joe Ciavattone Sr. and his 805# Neck Lift at the Heavy Lift Championships.
This HAD to make my list. Joe is one of the best neck lifters in USAWA history, and held the overall record for many years. To come back and hit a personal record now several years later shows true ability. I was glad to be able to witness his lift (as I had not seen his previous record lift).
6. Troy Goetsch and his 260# one handed Vertical Bar Lift at the Grip Championships.
I’ve seen many great VB lifts in the past, but Troy’s is one of the best. Troy won the overall lifter at the Grip Champs, and his VB was the lift that I will remember from him on that day.
5. Frank Ciavattone and his 202.5 KG Ciavattone Grip Deadlift at Nationals.
Frank still has some great lifting in him, as shown with this big lift at our National Championships which is named after him. I never get tired of watching Frank do Ciavattone Grip Deadlifts – and this is one I’ll never forget.
4. Dan Wagman and his 120# Pullup at the Dino Gym Record Day.
YES – that’s 120 pounds strapped to the waist and then performing a pullup with the chin OVER the bar with no kipping!!! And hold for a down command! Not too many around could even come close to this performance of Dan’s. I’ve seen a lot of great lifting out of Dan and often what he does does not surprise me – but this pullup did!
3. Joe Ciavattone Jr. and the 1400# Hand and Thigh Lift at the Heavy Lift Championships.
Junior doesn’t realize yet that he will be a future superstar of the USAWA, but I see it. His untapped strength is unreal, and this big H&T proves it. He just finished with a 1200 at the meet, I gave him a couple of tips between lifts, and then he adds 200 pounds and gets it easily! Impressive to say the least…
2. Eric Todd and this 1000# Neck Lift at the Battle of the Barn II.
ET has put up 1000 pound Neck Lifts before several times – but this one was done with rules beyond those of the USAWA. He cleared the floor substantially, and then HELD the lift for over 2 full seconds recorded on a stop watch. I’m still shaking my head after seeing that effort!
1. Art Montini and his 107# Teeth Lift at the Presidential Cup.
All I can say is that I still don’t know how he did this! Art is 85 years old and has FALSE TEETH. This lift won him the Presidential Cup of the USAWA for the year, and I would say deserving of the lift that impressed me the most! Art has been one of the most active lifters in the USAWA this year – attending most of the championship events, attending the “Big Three” (Nationals, Worlds, and the Gold Cup), and still involved with promoting his annual Birthday Bash. He has a deeper resume than anyone in the history of the USAWA, and I’m glad to name Art’s lift as the most impressive lift of 2013. Congrats Art!!
by Al Myers
MEET REPORT
2013 USAWA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
HABECKERS PROMOTE ANOTHER FABULOUS NATIONALS
Group picture from the 2013 USAWA National Championships in Lebanon, PA
Denny and Judy Habecker put on ANOTHER great USAWA National Championships. The weekend was filled with fun times and great lifting. Denny had planned the championships to be another “tent meet” like the last one he did in 2010 due to the low initial entry list, but this time he had a surge in late entries and ended up with 17 competitors – 4 women and 13 men. Luckily we had great weather all weekend (there was ran in the forecast) and uncharacteristic cool temperatures. Denny set up a big platform covered by a big tent in his backyard for the event which gave us lots of room to lift and move around.
The womens division had 4 entries – the most since the 2004 Nationals where 5 women were entered. This makes this the second most competitive womens class since the first USAWA Nationals was contested. It was also exciting to see two young Junior gals making their first National appearance – Molly Myers and Brianna Ullom. These two lifted outstanding, with both edging past last years Overall Champion Susan Sees. Molly was solid in all lifts, and Bree seemed to get stronger with each attempt she took. Both of these girls have “loads” of natural lifting ability, and if they keep interested in lifting both have very promising lifting careers ahead of them. Susan was great as always, and made MANY fourth attempts for new records. I was glad to see Colleen entered in this meet. Colleen made her USAWA debut at the Heavy Lift Champs in May, so this made two big meets for her in less than two months.
Frank Ciavattone performing his signature lift, the Ciavattone Grip Deadlift, with 202.5 KG.
The mens division had several of the “regulars” entered. Going to these meets is like going to a family reunion. You see old friends that you might only see once a year or so. There was plenty of great lifting over the two days. I was especially impressed with the three lifters that were over the age of 80 that competed – Art Montini, Dick Durante, and Dennis Mitchell. These guys are seasoned all rounders who are extremely experienced, and give inspiration to anyone who thinks they are too old to lift weights.
Randy Smith made the long drive from Marquette, Michigan to compete in his 9th USAWA National Championships. Randy lifted exceptional, gathering a fourth place Overall and earning another National Champ award. Randy is a very consistent lifter year to year, having placed in the TOP TEN in each of his National appearances. He’s on track to becoming an eventual hall of famer. Speaking of Hall of Famers, recent HOF award winner Bob Geib made his appearance at the meet. Bob is one of my favorite all round lifters to be around at meets. He is always upbeat, and just seems to always be having a fun time!! He’s also serves a very critical function in keeping lifters ready to lift, as he has his chiro table on sight and does many adjustments on lifters throughout the weekend. Bob mentored under THE LEGEND Howard Prechtel and when Bob is “at work” at a USAWA event it keeps Howard’s memory alive in my mind. Many lifters owe Bob a big thanks for what he does to help out their lifting. Bob also “saved me” over the weekend. I was doing the scorekeeping and announcing in addition to trying to lift, and it seemed I was a little overwhelmed at times during my lifting session. I take great pride in not making any scorekeeping or announcing errors, and I would have made one if it wasn’t for Bob. I accidentally got “out of call order” once, but after talking Bob into changing his attempt to a higher weight, which he agreed to with a smile, it kept my perfect record for the day intact! And he got the lift!!!
James Fuller made his first appearance at a USAWA National Championships. James is an eccentric individual, who is filled with enthusiasm for all round lifting and the USAWA. He kept everyone entertained with his jokes and antics over the course of the weekend, in addition to putting on several strength demos in the evening for us (after a day of lifting!!). He demonstrated unusual all rounds lifts such as the Bent Press, self loaded leg press, Kelly Snatch, and the likes. He just never seems to tire out! I consider James one of the great new additions to the USAWA, and I hope that he keeps himself really involved in the organization. He placed extremely well – fifth place overall in the standings. Several of his lifts really impressed me – his 65 KG One Arm Snatch, the 180 KG Continental to Belt Zercher style, and his 55 KG straight arm pullover.
Joe Ciavattone Jr. performing the best Clean and Press, 12" base of the meet with this 100 KG
It’s always a pleasure having the “Ciavattones” at meets. Frank is one of our sports foundation members – and his influence on the USAWA has been huge. Frank still has some BIG LIFTING in him. He did an easy 162.5 KG right arm deadlift and a 202.5 KG Ciavattone Grip Deadlift. Frank was the one who introduced the Ciavattone Grip to the USAWA (overhand grip with NO HOOK). When I explained this to Molly, she had this stunned look on her face as she realized that she had just met the person the lift she was doing was named after! Frank spent a good part of the meet sitting in the head officials chair. Frank is an excellent official – and is very fair in his officiating. I always feel comfortable with him sitting as the head official. Now onto the other two Ciavattones in attendance – Joe Jr. and Joe Sr. I knew announcing I was going to have a problem with these two keeping their names straight in my announcing so I referred to Joe Jr. as Junior most of the day to keep things in order. Junior is a lifter who has LOTS of future potential. Actually, he is stronger than he realizes right now and with just a little more meet experience he will soon capitalize on his untapped strength. I said this when I was presenting his Championship Award, but I would like to mention it here as well. I predict him to be a OVERALL NATIONAL CHAMP in a future Nationals very soon. On top of his gifted natural strength, he has a tough lifting mentality and wants to learn more about the all round lifts. Now a little on Joe Sr., who also lifted excellent. I will say Joe Sr. does not look his age. My wife initially thought both Joes were brothers instead of father-son. Joe Sr. could have had a higher total but he backed off on what he could have lifted in the Ciavattone Deadlift because he didn’t want to erase John Vernacchios National Record off the record list. That’s showing great respect to someone who was a role model and great friend.
My training bud Chad Ullom has had a busy past 6 weeks of competition. The week he left for Nationals he just got back from a very busy competition schedule in Scotland and Germany (I’ll save the details of that for another story). He lifted beyond what I expected of him, considering the travel lag he had to be feeling and the lack of contest preparation. Chad was “nip and tuck” with Denny in the overall till his last lift, which he needed to get to secure a second place overall in the meet. He pulled a Personal Record 210 KGs in the Ciavattone Deadlift to edge Denny out by only 1 point! Denny was sitting in the Head Officials chair at the time so I waited till after Chad’s successful lift to inform him that Chad just nipped him! LOL
The Dino Gym won the BEST CLUB of the National Championships. Club members (left to right) in picture: Al Myers, Molly Myers, Brianna Ullom, and Chad Ullom.
There are still several more stories of this meet that I could tell in this meet report, but I’ll cut it off here (I’ll save my “wordiness” for the writeup of the meetings minutes). But before I end, I have to mention the work and hospitality done by Judy. Judy prepared meals for EVERYONE both days – including breakfast!!! I sorta embarrassed myself when I didn’t announce the plans for Sunday night’s banquet until reminded, but I assumed the big delicious meal that Judy served us Saturday night was the banquet meal instead!! Judy goes way beyond anything expected with her hospitality. I hope everyone who attended takes the time to write her (and Denny!) a personal thank you card thanking them for the weekend.
I want to mention the outstanding efforts by the officials over the course of the weekend. The head officials (Frank, Scott, Barry, and Denny) were top notch. Also, the loaders were outstanding (Terry Barlet and John Horn). These guys DID NOT make a misload all weekend. I want to thank my wife Leslie and daughter Kate for taking lots of pictures of the lifting (625 to be precise). These pictures will be available on the USAWA facebook page for all the view (and download if wanted). But above all – thanks to the lifters who showed up and supported the USAWA!
MEET RESULTS:
2013 USAWA National Championships
Habeckers Gym
Lebanon, PA
June 29th & 30th, 2013
Meet Director: Denny Habecker
Announcer and Scorekeeper: Al Myers
Caterer & Host: Judy Habecker
Photographers: Leslie Myers & Kate Myers
Loaders: Terry Barlet and John Horn
Officials (3 official system used): Scott Schmidt, Barry Bryan, Frank Ciavattone, Chad Ullom, Joe Ciavattone Sr., Dennis Mitchell, Denny Habecker
Lifts Day 1: Deadlift – One Arm, Clean and Press – 12″ Base, Pullover – Straight Arm, Continental to Belt
Lifts Day 2: Snatch – One Arm, Pullover and Push, Deadlift – Ciavattone Grip
WOMENS DIVISION
DAY 1
| Lifter | AGE | BWT | DL-1 | C&P | Pull | Con |
| Molly Myers | 14 | 167 | 70-R | 40 | 15 | 72.5 |
| Brianna Ullom | 15 | 143 | 50-R | 35 | 15 | 40 |
| Susan Sees | 50 | 214 | 55-R | 35 | 12.5 | 70 |
| Colleen Lane | 57 | 214 | 60-R | 25 | 10 | 50 |
EXTRA ATTEMPTS FOR RECORD
Brianna Ullom: Deadlift – Right Arm 60
Susan Sees: Deadlift – Right Arm 60
Colleen Lane: Deadlift – Right Arm 65
Susan Sees: Clean and Press, 12″ Base 40
Susan Sees: Pullover-Straight Arm 15
Molly Myers: Continental to Belt 80
Susan Sees: Continental to Belt 75
DAY 2
| Lifter | BWT | SN-1 | P&P | DL-CG | TOT | LYN | PTS |
| Molly Myers | 169 | 25-R | 50 | 85 | 358 | 354.0 | 424.8 |
| Brianna Ullom | 143 | 20-R | 40 | 80 | 280 | 308.2 | 354.4 |
| Susan Sees | 214 | 17.5-R | 40 | 80 | 310 | 266.8 | 296.2 |
| Colleen Lane | 214 | 10-R | 30 | 85 | 270 | 232.4 | 274.2 |
EXTRA ATTEMPTS FOR RECORD
Susan Sees: Snatch – Right Arm 20
Susan Sees: Pullover and Push 43.5
Molly Myers: Deadlift – Ciavattone Grip 92.5
Brianna Ullom: Deadlift – Ciavattone Grip 85
Susan Sees: Deadlift – Ciavattone Grip 96
MENS DIVISION
DAY 1
| Lifter | AGE | BWT | DL-1 | C&P | Pull | Con |
| Al Myers | 46 | 231 | 173-R | 80 | 55 | 180 |
| Chad Ullom | 41 | 252 | 190-R | 90 | 45 | 200 |
| Denny Habecker | 70 | 185 | 120-R | 67.5 | 37.5 | 122.5 |
| Randy Smith | 58 | 194 | 137.5-R | 60 | 35 | 140 |
| James Fuller | 41 | 232 | 140-R | 72.5 | 55 | 180 |
| Joe Ciavattone Jr. | 20 | 229 | 137.5-R | 100 | 40 | 180 |
| Joe Ciavattone Sr. | 44 | 217 | 120-R | 77.5 | 30 | 155 |
| Scott Schmidt | 60 | 239 | 115-R | 70 | 20 | 110 |
| Art Montini | 85 | 175 | 80-R | 30 | 22.5 | 60 |
| Dick Durante | 81 | 180 | 70-R | 40 | 20 | 80 |
| Dennis Mitchell | 81 | 151 | 60.5-R | 20 | 25 | 50 |
| Bob Geib | 70 | 264 | 75-R | 45 | 15 | 80 |
| Frank Ciavattone | 58 | 292 | 162.5-R | 0 | 0 | 0 |
EXTRA ATTEMPTS FOR RECORD
Denny Habecker: Clean and Press, 12″ Base 70
Denny Habecker: Pullover-Straight Arm 40
Denny Habecker: Continental to Belt 130
James Fuller: Deadlift – Right Arm 155
Joe Ciavattone Sr.: Deadlift – Right Arm 137.5
Dennis Mitchell: Deadlift – Left Arm 60.5
Dennis Mitchell: Continental to Belt 52.5
Bob Geib: Continental to Belt 90
DAY 2
| Lifter | BWT | SN-1 | P&P | DL-CG | TOT | LYN | PTS |
| Al Myers | 231 | 65-R | 160 | 195 | 908 | 750.0 | 802.5 |
| Chad Ullom | 253 | 65-R | 150 | 210 | 950 | 750.5 | 765.5 |
| Denny Habecker | 186 | 35-R | 102.5 | 140 | 625 | 583.3 | 764.1 |
| Randy Smith | 197 | 45-R | 107.5 | 160 | 685 | 621.9 | 740.1 |
| James Fuller | 234 | 65-L | 140 | 200 | 853 | 702.0 | 716.1 |
| Joe Ciavattone Jr. | 228 | 47.5-R | 140 | 192.5 | 838 | 695.2 | 695.2 |
| Joe Ciavattone Sr. | 219 | 42.5-L | 126 | 150 | 701 | 597.7 | 627.6 |
| Scott Schmidt | 241 | 35-R | 90 | 140 | 580 | 470.7 | 569.6 |
| Art Montini | 175 | 15-R | 60 | 105 | 373 | 359.7 | 525.1 |
| Dick Durante | DNW | 25-L | 40 | 100 | 375 | 355.9 | 505.5 |
| Dennis Mitchell | 151 | 12.5-R | 35 | 90 | 293 | 310.9 | 441.5 |
| Bob Geib | 264 | 22.5-R | 42.5 | 130 | 410 | 316.5 | 414.6 |
| Frank Ciavattone | 291 | 20-R | 0 | 202.5 | 385 | 283.0 | 336.8 |
EXTRA ATTEMPTS FOR RECORD
Bob Geib: Snatch – Right Arm 25
Dennis Mitchell: Pullover and Push 38
Dennis Mitchell: Deadlift- Ciavattone Grip 95
Bob Geib: Pullover and Push 46
Bob Geib: Deadlift-Ciavattone Grip 140
NOTES: AGE is age in years. BWT is bodyweight in pounds. All lifts recorded in kilograms. TOT is total kilograms lifted. LYN is adjusted Lynch Points. PTS is adjusted points for age correction. R and L designate arm used.
BEST LIFTER AWARDS
Best Womens Junior: Molly Myers
Best Womens Master: Susan Sees
Best Women Overall: Molly Myers
Best Mens Senior 20-39: Joe Ciavattone Jr.
Best Mens Master 40-44: Chad Ullom
Best Mens Master 45-49: Al Myers
Best Mens Master 55-59: Randy Smith
Best Mens Master 60-64: Scott Schmidt
Best Mens Master 70-74: Denny Habecker
Best Mens Master 80-84: Dick Durante
Best Mens Master 85-89: Art Montini
Best Mens Master Overall: Al Myers
Best Mens Overall: Al Myers
Best Club: Dino Gym (Al Myers, Chad Ullom, Molly Myers, Brianna Ullom)
Best Club Runner Up: Joe’s Gym (Joe Ciavattone Sr., Joe Ciavattone Jr.)
by Al Myers
Joe Ciavattone Jr. (left) and Joe Ciavattone Sr. (right) proudly hold the conference championship trophy following the game!
A couple of weeks ago I had a very nice “sit down” visit with Joe Ciavattone Jr. and Joe Ciavattone Sr. following the Heavy Lift Championships in Walpole, Massachusetts. That’s one thing I really like about the USAWA, most all of us know each other and the after-meet conversations are very enjoyable where we can just relax following a day of competition and enjoy each other’s company. It’s often in these talks that I learn new information about the lives of other all-rounders. This is exactly what happened during my visit with Joe Jr. and Sr.
Joe Jr. and Sr. were the first Father-Son duo to play on the Cobras at the same time. Here they show their conference Championship rings as a result of their football success.
This past year this father-son All Round Weightlifting duo has been involved in another sport – FOOTBALL! They both have been part of the Middleboro Cobras, a semi-pro team in the Eastern Football League. Both were rookies on the team, with Joe Sr. being the oldest rookie on the team. However, the years of lifting and training has kept him much younger in “athletic years”. Most guys in their 40’s would NEVER consider making an upstart in a hard physical game like football at that age. But most guys are not Joe Ciavattone Sr.! They were the first Father-Son combo that ever played on this team at the same time. There were other son’s that followed in Dad’s footsteps and played on the team – but in later years. Not at the same time!!! The history of the Cobras goes back over 70 years to give a perspective on that accomplishment.
A "close up" picture of the Championship rings!
Their team had outstanding success. They played an eleven game season, and with the playoffs and Championship game, finished with a record of 12 and 1. This included winning the conference championship! Both Joe Jr. and Joe Sr. had their championship rings on hand to prove this to me. By the size of their rings, I would have said they won the Superbowl! The Cobras are an excellent team, winning the conference championship in “back to back” seasons, and winning 8 of the last 10 titles!
Joe Jr was the starting fullback at a strapping 220 pounds, and was the youngest player on the team. Joe Jr. had a stellar High School athletic career, earning All League honors in High School football and varsity All Star recognition in Lacrosse. His strong contributions to the team during the season resulted in him being named Offensive Rookie of the Year. Before this, it had been 27 years since Joe Sr. played his last football game (which was in High School!). However, he has always been involved in coaching and has a keen understanding of the game before he began playing on the Cobras. Joe Sr. played offensive guard and special teams.
The season begins next month for them and runs through October. So if you are wondering why you are not seeing Joe Jr & Sr in USAWA meet results, you know why. They are busy playing football!!!