Author Archives: Al Myers

Rulebook Updates

By Al Myers

I have just added an addendum page to the Rulebook section which contains the new rule and lift information that was passed and approved at the 2018 USAWA National Meeting.  Since there was only minimal changes to the current 10th Edition USAWA Rulebook I felt it was wasn’t necessary to make a new edition rulebook this year.

The rules for the 2 new lifts approved this year (the Lurich Lift and the Habecker Lift) are included in the addendum.   Also, it contains a minor rule change for the proper loading of the Thor’s Hammer.

Please just print off the addendum page and add it to your current rulebook.

Lifter of the month – Scott Schmidt

By Al Myers

Scott Schmidt was recognized as being selected as the lifter of the month for August 2018.

Scott Schmidt was recognized as being selected as the lifter of the month for August 2018.

The USAWA LIFTER OF THE MONTH for August goes to Scott Schmidt, of Cleveland Ohio.  In August Scott participated in the USAWA Presidential Cup and was awarded the OUTSTANDING LIFTER.   This competition is one of the championship events in the USAWA, making it one of the most important competitions on our yearly event calendar.

Scott is a longtime lifter in the USAWA and VERY worthy of this lifter of the month award.  A big congrats goes out to you Scott from me and the entire USAWA!

Dino Gym Challenge

by Al Myers

MEET ANNOUNCEMENT
DINO GYM CHALLENGE PRESENTS THE –

“Dale Friesz Memorial Meet”

Dale was most proud of his 605 pound Neck Lift at age 55 in teh 85 kilogram class.

Dale was most proud of his 605 pound Neck Lift at age 55 in the 85 kilogram class.

The other day as I was doing my early morning training session, I got to thinking about the late Dale Friesz. Dale is a Hall of Famer in the USAWA, and a person who I knew well.  There wasn’t a week when he was alive that he wouldn’t send me an email voicing his concerns over an USAWA matter. He was as dedicated as you could get to our organization, and never ever missed a National Championships.

Well, it’s hard to believe but its now over 5 years since he has died. As most of you know, I like the change the theme (and the lifts) of the Dino Gym Challenge every year to make it different. So this year we are going to do a tribute to Dale – with all of his favorite lifts. It made the lift selection pretty easy for me as Dale certainly had his favorite lifts.  Now, I know these finger lifts aren’t the choice for most lifters but Dale loved them!

MEET DETAILS:

Meet Director:            Al Myers and the Dino Gym 785-479-2264

Meet Date:                 Saturday, January 19th, 2019  1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location:                    Dino Gym, 1126 Eden Road, Abilene, KS 67410

Sanction:                    U.S.A.W.A Memberships cards can be purchased on meet day

Weigh-ins:                  12:00 -1:00 PM the day of the meet

Divisions:                   Juniors, Women, Masters, and Open

Awards:                      None

Entry:                         None – but please notify me in advance if you plan to attend

Lifts:

Finger Lift – Ring

Deadlift – Fulton Bar, One Arm

Deadlift – One Arm

Deadlift – Fingers, Middle

Neck Lift

The lifts will be done is this order.

Lifter of the month – Dean Ross

By Al Myers

Dean Ross "in action" at the National Championships in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Dean Ross “in action” at the National Championships in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

The LIFTER OF THE MONTH for July goes to DEAN ROSS!

Dean has been a mainstay competitor representing the Dino Gym over the past several years.  He was part of the Dino Gym team at the USAWA Club Challenge in July. One thing I admire in Dean is his up-beat attitude, and despite what may be hurting on him, he keeps such a positive mindset.  He is one of the main motivators on the Dino Gym team.

Big CONGRATS Dean – you deserve this!

NE Fall Championship

By Mark Raymond

NEW ENGLAND FALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Group picture from the 2018 New England Fall Classic.

Group picture from the 2018 New England Fall Classic.

The meet turned out to be a great success. In addition to the 7 lifters competing in this event we also had a special guest, Mr. Adrian Blindt, who has competed in IAWA events in the past. It was held at Frank’s Barbell Club in East Walpole, Massachusetts.

Christopher Lestan brought along his younger brother Erik as well as his friend and lifting partner Mike Duran. These young guns were impressive to watch!

And let’s not forget the Ciavattone family who was well represented by Jeff, Joe Sr. and Frank.

It’s always a great time when we are able to get together and lift weights, cheer each other on, tell stories, and have a few laughs!

Congratulations to Jeff Ciavattone who was overall Champion of this event!

And a special thanks to Frank, Jeff, and Joe Sr. who officiated the meet.

Results are as follows:

New England Fall Championship

Frank’s Barbell Club, East Walpole, Massachusetts

October 27th 2018

Meet Director: Mark Raymond

Host: Frank Ciavattone

Meet Announcer/Scorekeeper: Frank Ciavattone

Officials (3 official system used): Frank Ciavattone, Jeff Ciavattone, Joe Ciavattone Sr.

All lifts recorded in pounds

MENS DIVISION

Christopher Lestan           Age: 22        Weight: 262 Lbs.   120K Class   Open

Mark Raymond                 Age: 55        Weight: 248 Lbs.   115K Class    55+ Masters

Jeff Ciavattone                 Age: 39         Weight: 242 Lbs.   110K Class       Open

Frank Ciavattone Jr.         Age: 63    Weight: 293 Lbs.     125K+ Class     60+ Masters

Joe Ciavattone Sr.            Age: 50    Weight: 233 Lbs.     110K Class      50+ Masters

Erik Lestan                         Age: 13    Weight: 138 Lbs.     65K   Class        14-15 Juinors

Mike Duran                        Age: 26    Weight: 324 Lbs.     125K+ Class     Open

 

Lift 1 Zercher Lift
Lift 2 Clean and Seated Press
Lift 3 Deadlift – Ciavattone Grip
Lifter Age Weight Lift 1 Lift 2 Lift 3 Total # Total Points
Jeff Ciavattone 39 242 381 185 501 1067 861
Chris Leston 22 262 352 198 450 1000 775
Joe Ciavattone Sr. 50 233 308 132 352 792 723
Mike Duran 26 324 308 198 501 1007 705
Eric Leston 13 138 132 88 209 429 604
Mark Raymond 55 248 187 110 308 606 559
Frank Ciavattone 63 293 88 198 286 260
4th Attempt for Record:
Lifter Lift #
Chris Leston Clean and Seated Press 220
Mike Duran Zercher Lift 352
Clean and Seated Press 204
Record Day Lifts
Lifter Lift #
Jeff Ciavattone Deadlift – No Thumbs 455
Deadlift – No Thumb, One Arm, Right 220
Shoulder Drop 135
Deadlift – Reeves 331
Abdominal Raise 72
Mark Raymond Finger Lift – Right Index 100
Finger Lift – Right Middle 100
Finger Lift – Right Ring 90
Finger Lift – Right Little 70
Finger Lift – Left Index 80
Mike Duran Deadlift – Reeves 351
Deadlift – Fulton 585
Chris Leston Deadlift – Reeves 331
Frank Ciavattone Finger Lift – Left Index 100
Finger Lift – Left Middle 100
Finger Lift – Left Ring 100
Finger Lift – Left Little 100
Pinch Grip Deadlift – Left 60

 

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