Author Archives: Al Myers

Schmidt BBC RD

By John McKean

SCHMIDT BARBELL CLUB RECORD DAY 2019

Beth Skwarecki performed several record Bent Presses at the Record Day.

Beth Skwarecki performed several record Bent Presses at the Record Day.

On the most beautiful, bright blue sky summer day of the year in this rain laden Eastern sector, my grandson Andraes, newcomer mother-of-three Beth Skwarecki, and I arrived at Scott and Kathy Schmidt’s beautiful Ohio home for their first annual record day meet. Scott was just leaving for a vitals run for the meet picnic later, but we were greeted by the always friendly & welcoming Rev. Peeter Pirn. Peet was all set to lift, but was summoned away with the joyous news of his grand daughter being born ,right before his opening attempt! So, our hostess Kathy Schmidt opened the meet with some great record lifts, before scurrying back to the kitchen,to prepare us a feast !!

Scott’s home gym proved to be a fantastic venue for an all-round meet, with enough equipment and sound lifting platform for all our needs. Even had a big open door to breathe the fresh morning air, and to listen to the soothing sounds and refreshing smell of neighbors mowing their lawns!Old USAWA pals  Stevan Santangelo from Kentucky and Cleveland’s stalwart Dennis Mitchell soon arrived to add to the growing excitement and spirited conversation.

Lady lifters Joanna Jones and Beth Skwarecki dazzled us with their picture perfect form on world record lifts, despite both being newcomers to the USAWA! Johanna, a long time mover& shaker of the Ohio Olympic lifting crowd, executed an extremely efficient women’s world record snatch-from-the-hang of 52.5 k ,among several other great pulls &pushes. Thirty Eight year old Beth, just over the 60K weight class, amazed everyone by electing to begin with the tricky James lift, then the bent press! Her years of competition in the rugged sport of Roller Derby has given her perfect balance, flexibility, and coordination, because her picture-perfect bent press even had ole pro bent presser Dennis Mitchell falling out of his official’s chair! I believe it was the highest IAWA bent press ever performed by a female, yet Beth will soon be closing in on a bodyweight attempt!

Can’t forget the teen lifters  -as grandson Andraes won’t let me!! At 13 ,taking a break from summer training with jr high football, Dra wanted to join the lists of his Dad,Sean, and Uncle Rob, when they lifted in the 13 and under category, and actually outdid the (now) “old men” of the family!Heck, these days the little lad (well maybe not so little at 212 pounds bwt!) can even outdo the granddad patriarch (yeah, that’d be me!) of the family!

Of course, our master age lifters put on their usual exciting shows! Newcomer 66 yr old Klaus Gondosch did some excellent overhead lifting, and meet director Scott (hard to believe this youthful looking ,always smiling guy is even master’s age!!), looking trim and fit, just bulldozed a few more records! Stephen Santagelo took the morning off from the organic farm in Kentucky to smash special grip lift records, showing the power that can be developed from daily milking the chickens, and such ! Dennis Mitchell defied age(87!) ,as usual, to  place 5 more record lifts in the books!

The Schmidt meet picnic in a spacious back yard, under tall cooling trees, only added to the great mood and fellowship that we all enjoyed!  I had to apologize to Beth and Dra on the drive home for my non stop talking (yeh, I know none of you can believe that of ME !) due to the high adrenaline level that Scott’s contest supplied! Hopefully this will be the first of many Schmidt events  -even inspired me to maybe restart USAWA record days in our Pittsburgh vicinity!

MEET RESULTS:

2019 Schmidt BBC RD
Schmidt’s Barbell Club
Weslake, Ohio
July 13th, 2019

Meet Director: Scott Schmidt

Officials (3-official system used): Scott Schmidt (meet directer and USAWA official) , Dennis Mitchell (IAWA Tech Chairman and USAWA official), John McKean ( IAWA official and past IAWA General Secretary). All lifts recorded were passed with all three white lights!

Beth Skwarecki  age 38 bwt 62.5 k div female 65 k
James Lift  71 Pounds
Bent Press (pulled up two handed) LEFT hand 55 Pounds
Bent Press (two hand pull) RIGHT hand  77 Pounds
Two hands pullup (overhand chin-up) 33 pounds hanging at waist

Dennis Mitchell age 87 bwt 62.95 k div M ,85+, 65k
Stiff leg deadlift  60K
Vertical bar Deadlift, 1 inch bar, 66.5 pounds (right hand)
Vertical bar deadlift ,1 inch bar, 66.5 pounds (left hand)
One hand Dumbbell swing (right)  25 pounds
One hand Dumbbell swing (left)  25 pounds

John McKean age 73 bwt 69.7k div 70k 70+
Lurich lift  304 pounds
Peoples deadlift  304 pounds

Stephen R. Santangelo age 67 bwt 72.05 k div 65+ 75k
One hand pinch grip strict left 52 pounds
One hand pinch grip strict right 62 pounds
Pinch Grip deadlift left 142 pounds
Pinch grip deadlift right 142 pounds
Two hands pinch grip deadlift 310 pounds

Klaus Gondosch age 66 bwt 75.0 k div 75k 65+**
Clean and press 125 pounds
Snatch from hang 99 pounds
Deadlift 12 inch base 253 pounds
Dumbbell (right) clean & jerk 65 pounds
Dumbbell (left) clean & jerk 65 pounds

Kathy Schmidt age 61 bwt 85.0 k div female 60+ 85k**
strict reverse barbell curl 50 pounds
Barbell straddle lift  114 pounds

Andraes McKean age 13 bwt 97.2 k div 13 & under, 100k
2 hands cheat curl 88 pounds
deadlift with 12″ heel spacing 210 pounds
power row  142 pounds
reverse grip bench press 110 pounds
alternate grip bench press 130 pounds

Scott Schmidt  age 66 bwt 101.0 k div 65+ 105k
2″ vertical bar (left) 70 k
2″ vertical bar(right) 70k
bent over (power) row 105k

Joanna Jones age 43 bwt 103.9k div female 40+ 105k
continental to chest 70k
bench press hands together 83.6 pounds
snatch from hang 52.5 k
2 hands anyhow  80 pounds

Rev. Peeter Pirn  “best trophy” of the meet, had to leave early on the birth of his grand daughter!!

 

Contribution Award

By Al Myers

Denny and Judy Habecker receiving the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award at the 2019 Nationals banquet.

Denny and Judy Habecker receiving the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award at the 2019 Nationals banquet.

At the banquet following the 2019 Nationals I was honored to make a special presentation to Denny and Judy Habecker.  They both received the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award.

Howard Prechtel was a very important person in the USAWA.  His contributions to our organization paved the way to what the USAWA is now.  He served 14 years as the USAWA President (1993 thru 2007), which is the longest tenure of any USAWA President.  He started the IAWA Gold Cup in Lakewood, Ohio in 1991, and the Gold Cup has become one of the feature events in the IAWA.  It has been held every year since it’s start.

Years ago Howard had given a special plaque of his to Bob Geib, which included an engraved picture of Howard on it.  This plaque meant alot to Bob, and for years Bob would bring it to competitions to remember his friend Howard.  In 2015, Bob decided it would be best if it was “shared” within the USAWA.   He presented it to Frank Ciavattone for all the effort he has given to the USAWA – and thus the beginning of the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award.  It is a traveling award (consisting of Howard’s plaque) that is passed from one member to the next, with the intention that the current recipient finds someone that is deserving of it.

I received this honor in 2017, receiving the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award from Frank.  I had intended to award it to Denny during the 2018 Nationals banquet, but due to the lack of privacy at the banquet with other restaurant patrons present (we didn’t have an official awards ceremony that year) I decided to wait till a later time.  Well, this year the timing was right!  I felt that since I had missed giving it out the previous year I would make up for it by giving the Contribution to BOTH Denny and Judy.  They are both very deserving of it, and it was a big honor for me to present the Howard Prechtel Contribution Award to them.

2019 Minutes

By Al Myers

Minutes from the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the USAWA

The annual meeting of the USAWA was called to order at 7:15 PM on Friday, June 21st by USAWA President Denny Habecker.  The meeting was held at the home of Denny and Judy Habecker. Roll call was taken and these USAWA members were in attendance: Chris Lestan, Eric Lestan, Dean Ross, Aidan Habecker, Judy Habecker, Randy Smith, Al Myers, LaVerne Myers, Denny Habecker, Dennis Mitchell, and Frank Ciavattone. The minutes of the 2018 meeting were read by Secretary Al Myers 2018 USAWA Minutes.  Dean moved to accept the minutes, with a second by Frank, and it passed unanimously. The report of the financial status of the USAWA were read by treasurer Al Myers. A breakeven year was reported for the USAWA. Dean moved to accept the report, with a second by LaVerne, and it passed unanimously. A report from website director Al Myers was given next. A full review of what the website offers the membership was given, along with a request that members contribute to the website if the could .  Dean moved to accept the report, with a second by Frank, and it passed unanimously. A report from the Awards Director Al Myers was given next. Details of the Awards Program was explained.  Dean moved to accept the report, with a second by Frank, and it passed unanimously. The report from the Records Director Al Myers was given. Details were given about the record list, and about the recent improvements of the record file.  Dean moved to accept the report, with a second by LaVerne and it passed unanimously. The report by the Drug Enforcement Director Chad Ullom was forwarded and presented by Al Myers on Chad’s behalf, since he was not in attendance.  Chad reported that 20 drug tests have been done in the last year with all negative results. Dean moved to accept the report, with a second by Frank, and it passed unanimously.  The report by the Officials Director Joe Garcia was not given since Joe was not present, and the report was not forwarded to anyone to be given. The report from the Postal Meet Director Denny Habecker was presented.  Denny reported that 26 lifters had participated in the postal meets, and he was very pleased with the participation. Frank moved to accept the report, with a second by Dean, and it passed unanimously. Dennis Mitchell, the IAWA Tech Committee Chairman, was next on the agenda and gave a report on the tech committee.  He gave details on the Shank’s Lift, which is a new lift proposal to IAWA to be voted on at the IAWA meeting at Worlds.  Dean moved to accept the report, with a second by Judy, and it passed unanimously. The first new business item was a discussion and vote on a rule change for the Strict Curl, Holdout Raised, and the Holdout Lowered.  The Executive Board had presented that the rule be changed by removing the paper requirement, making the rule the same as the IAWAUK rule.  It passed unanimously. The next new business item involved a discussion and vote on a bylaw addition allowing provisional USAWA membership to non USA citizens. The Executive Board had presented this stipulation – “Provisional memberships are allowed for non USAWA citizens.  Provisional memberships are not eligible for USAWA records, but are eligible for IAWA records.  All other benefits of USAWA memberships as outlined in the rule book and bylaws are allowed.” It passed with unanimous vote. The next new business item was making a change to the age allowance, whereas at the age of 66 years 2% per year is added to the age correction.  This will make the USAWA age correction the same as the IAWA rule.  It passed with unanimous vote. No other new business was brought forth by the membeship.   Officer and executive board election was next.   All of the current officers/EB members were asked previously if they wanted to run for another term and all had agreed to this.  When the membership was asked if there were any nominations from the floor Chris Lestan nominated Frank for President. Frank declined the nomination.  No other floor nominations were made.  LaVerne moved to cast a ballot to retain all the current officers/EB members, with a second by Dean, and it passed unanimously.  The officers/EB members for the next two years will be: Denny Habecker – President, Chad Ullom – Vice President, Al Myers – Secretary/Treasurer, Dennis Mitchell – EB member, Rocky Morrison – EB member.  Accepting bids for the 2020 National Championships was next.  Only one previous bid was put forth to the executive board, by Frank Ciavattone of Franks Barbell Club, to be held the last weekend of June, 2020 in Boston.  No other bids were put forth.  A vote was taken to accept Franks bid, and it passed unanimously. LaVerne then moved to adjourn the meeting, with a second by Dean, and it passed unanimously.  The meeting ended at 8:00 PM.

National Championships

By Al Myers

2019 USAWA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Another year and another outstanding USAWA National Championships!

Meet promoter Denny Habecker put on a great Championships for the USAWA. It was held in a large facility at Acernus Crossfit.   This year’s Championships was a one day meet with six lifts, so it made for a long day of lifting.

It was great to see two lifters make their first appearance at Nationals.  Chris and Eric Lestan of Frank’s Barbell Club made their National debut and both lifted exceptionally.  Chris is a young strong lifter who put up the top total of the meet, and had the top lift in several of the competition lifts.  Eric is a Junior lifter and won best lifter in the Junior Division.  He had stiff competition from Aidan Habecker, and in the end less than 1 adjusted point separated them!!!   I love to see competition battles like that!

It was great seeing Frank Ciavattone on the platform. Frank has just went through a serious surgery so he was not at 100%, but still he got a mark in in every lift.  His courage and passion for the USAWA really impresses me. Frank is a pioneer in the USAWA and has influenced many lifters through the years.

Denny Habecker and Dennis Mitchell have been regulars at Nationals.  Both of these guys hit a milestone that probably can only be topped by themselves.  This year’s Nationals marked 30 YEARS of competing in the USAWA National Championships for the both of them.  I plan to do a more thorough followup story on this accomplishment at a later time.

Michigan native Randy Smith lifted great AGAIN at Nationals.  We normally only see Randy once a year in the USAWA – but he does it right and shows up for the organizations biggest event.  Randy started in the USAWA at the same time I did, so we have lifted together now for 20 years!!!

The over 70 group had the most lifters of the meet.  LaVerne Myers, Dean Ross, Barry Pensyl, and Denny Habecker showed everyone that being a senior citizen doesn’t mean you can’t lift heavy weights!!!  I was very impressed with their performances.

The Club title at Nationals was a close race, with the Dino Gym, Habeckers Gym, and Frank’s Barbell Club all putting together great teams.  The overall club title went to the Dino Gym.

I want to really thank Judy Habecker for her help at the scoring table.  Judy does so much behind the scenes to make sure events run smoothly.  I also got to mention my new announcer assistant Aidan.  Aidan wanted to help, and he did outstanding while I had to step away from the mic to lift.  I can’t say enough about the veteran loading team of Terry and John. These two have loaded at Nationals for Denny more times than I can count – and deserve as much recognition as the lifters.

MEET RESULTS:

2019 USAWA National Championships
Acernus Crossfit
Lebanon, PA
June 22nd, 2019

Meet Director: Denny Habecker

Meet Announcer: Al Myers with assistant Aidan Habecker

Meet Scorekeeper: Judy Habecker

Loaders: Terry Barlet and John Horn

Officials (3-official system used): Denny Habecker, LaVerne Myers, Frank Ciavattone, Dennis Mitchell, Randy Smith

Lifts: Curl – Cheat Reverse Grip, Deadlift – No Thumbs Overhand Grip, Clean and Jerk – One Arm, Snatch – From Hang, Pullover and Push, Continental to Belt

MENS DIVISION

LIFTER AGE BWT Cur DLNT C&J Sna P&P Belt TOT PTS
Al Myers 52 229 75 170 50R 57.5 130 175 658 616.7
Randy Smith 64 195 70 140 42.5R 37.5 92.5 132.5 515 583.3
Chris Lestan 23 275 90 192.5 47.5R 90 145 182.5 748 565.6
Denny Habecker 76 184 47.5 110 25R 35 85 105 408 522.4
Barry Pensyl 71 151 45 85 12.5R 32.5 55 90 320 448.2
LaVerne Myers 75 228 55 130 20L 35 55 100 395 446.8
Eric Lestan 14 150 40 97.5 25R 35 60 60 318 405.8
Aidan Habecker 15 203 50 110 37.5R 45 65 90 398 405.1
Dean Ross 76 232 40 110 17.5L 30 65 80 343 387.2
Dennis Mitchell 87 142 20 71 0  0 27.5 45 164 267.5
Frank Ciavattone 64 306 30 90 15R 15 40 70 260 233.7

EXTRA ATTEMPTS FOR RECORDS:

Aidan Habecker  Curl-Cheat, Reverse Grip 55
Denny Habecker Curl-Cheat, Reverse Grip 50
Barry Pensyl Clean and Jerk – One Arm 15R
Denny Habecker Clean and Jerk – One Arm 28.5R
Aidan Habecker Pullover and Push 70
Barry Pensyl Pullover and Push 57.5
Dean Ross Pullover and Push 70
Barry Pensyl Continental to Belt 92.5

NOTES:  All lifts recorded in kilograms.  BWT is bodyweight in pounds. R and L designate right and left arms. TOT is total kilograms lifted.  PTS are overall adjusted points corrected for age and bodyweight.

BEST LIFTER AWARDS

Best Junior Lifter – Eric Lestan
Best Senior Lifter – Chris Lestan
Best Master 50-54 Lifter – Al Myers
Best Master 60-64 Lifter – Randy Smith
Best Master 70-74 Lifter – Barry Pensyl
Best Master 75-79 Lifter – Denny Habecker
Best Master 85-89 Lifter – Dennis Mitchell
Best Overall Total – Chris Lestan
Best Overall Lifter – Al Myers
Best Club – 1st Dino Gym 1450.7 points (Al Myers, LaVerne Myers, Dean Ross), 2nd Habeckers Gym 1375.7 points (Aidan Habecker, Barry Pensyl, Denny Habecker), 3rd Franks Barbell Club 1205.1 points (Eric Lestan, Chris Lestan, Frank Ciavattone)

My Reflections on WSM

By Darren Barnhart

DarrenFiretruckWorlds Strongest Man 2019 is over. And the armchair commentators are already coming out on social media. So I normally don’t do this but here is my rant.

I will never say that I was the best at anything. Or that I was even competitive at the sport. But guess what…I lived it and loved it for years. Yeah I made it to Nationals a couple of times but it was way past my prime. So what was my “prime” you may ask? My “prime” was the point in which my body wasn’t broken down. Spoiler alert!! This sport can break you. It can hurt you. It can make you have bad days. But only the individual can decide when that is. Not people on social media.

So let’s go back to the early days. The days when no one had even heard of the sport. Yet there were guys getting together on their buddies farm, harnessing up with rope, and pulling farm equipment. Or grabbing the worn out combine tire and seeing how many times they could flip it faster then anyone else. This is truly where the phrase “hey ya’ll get a load of this” comes from. Those my friends were the glory days. When you train all day on Saturday and then can’t walk during church on Sunday. When you get a friendly contest put together at someone’s house then BBQ and drink beer afterward. That is the root of the sport my friends. This is what makes strongman the best.

So before you start judging my friends because of how they did this year. Judge them based on what they HAVE done. How many times they cheered their opponent on. How many times they loaned their opponent gear. How many times they smiled and thanked God for their talent and skill. This is what makes strongman the greatest sport on earth.

Take some time and Thank the early guys. The old guys. The guys that built equipment in their barn. The guys that wish to this very day that they could get out on the platform and “move heavy shit”. We are still out here and we smile every time WSM comes on TV. We don’t nit pick or belittle the guys doing it. Because we have been there.

So here goes the beginning of my list:

Scott Tully
Al Myers
Nick Best
Travis Ortmeyer
Brian Shaw
Chuck Cookson
Mark Mitchell
Lon Beffort
Willie Wessels

And the list goes on and on. A lot of these guys you may never have heard of. But they prefer it that way. That’s what makes strongman great. Thank you for what you did for the sport and what some of you are still doing. I will forever be grateful.

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