Author Archives: Al Myers

National Championships

by Al Myers

MEET RESULTS –

2016 USAWA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Frank Ciavattone (left) and Jeff Ciavattone (right) had the highest One Arm Ciavattone Grip Deadlifts of the meet, a lift named after Frank. Frank finished with 115 KG with Jeff right behind him at 110 KG (photo courtesy of Cara Ciavattone Collins)

Frank Ciavattone (left) and Jeff Ciavattone (right) had the highest One Arm Ciavattone Grip Deadlifts of the meet, a lift named after Frank. Frank finished with 115 KG with Jeff right behind him at 110 KG (photo courtesy of Cara Ciavattone Collins)

One thing I can always count on is that Frank Ciavattone will promote an outstanding meet! Frank promoted the USAWA National Championships last weekend, and it was one of the smoothest ran National Meets we have ever had.  We had 19 lifters (4 women and 15 men) compete over the course of 6 lifts on one platform and one day, and was finished by 5 oclock!

There was an extremely tight race for the women’s overall.  Cassie Morrison edged out her friend Lindsey Beary on her last lift in the Trap Bar Deadlift. Only 2 adjusted points separeted them when it was done. Susan Sees was very close behind them by 10 points, and Jessica Hopps only 30 points back. On any given day any of these gals could have taken the overall!

Joe Ciavattone Jr. won the Men’s Best Overall Lifter title over James Fuller. Joe Jr. had several lifts he really excelled at – his big 105K Heels Together Clean and Press and his 4th attempt in the Continental Snatch at 93KG. James lifted very solid all day finishing with a personal record in the Trap Bar Deadlift at 277.5KG. Randy Smith finished 3rd overall despite hurting his elbow on the Cheat Curl and finishing the day not full strength.  Joe Ciavattone Sr. also got injured on the Cheat Curl, hurting his shoulder. But after a trip to the ER was able to make it back with his arm in a sling as the meet was winding down.  Jeff Ciavattone seems to get bigger and stronger each time I see him!  He lifted very well even though he told me with his work schedule he has not been able to train recently! Jeff and his dad Frank had a great showdown in the One Arm Ciavattone Grip Deadlift, with Jeff making 110KG and Frank making 115KG.  Big Frank still amazes me with his gripping strength!

Newcomer to Frank’s Barbell Club Rocky Morrison came in 5th Overall, which is quite an accomplishment in his first Nationals.  I really enjoyed meeting and visiting with Rocky.  He will be a great addition to our organization.  Dino Gym member Dean Ross made the longest drive to Boston, driving over 1000 miles from Oklahoma. Dean came into this meet as strong as I’ve seen him.  He finished with a great 162.5KG Trap Bar Deadlift.

Several lifters were not able to take all the lifts as they are recovering from injuries and/or surgeries. This included Frank, Chad Ullom, Denny Habecker, and Aidan. However, they still performed very well in the lifts they did and supported our biggest meet of the year.  For that – they need applauded!

I want to really thank Frank, his family, and his club for all the work they did in putting on this Championships.  The loaders did a great job and helped make the meet move along at the pace it did.  The food the night before and after the meet was fantastic!  Frank knows how to be a great host!

Meet Results:

2016 USAWA National Championships
Balch School
Norwood, MA
June 25th, 2016

Meet Director: Frank Ciavattone

Announcer: Al Myers

Scorekeeper: Chad Ullom

Officials (3 official system used): Joe Ciavattone Sr., Denny Habecker, Frank Ciavattone, Dennis Mitchell, Chad Ullom

Loaders: Peter Vouno, Wade Marchand, Cream McDonald, Matt Traitti

Lifts: Continental Snatch, Cheat Curl, Clean and Press-Heels Together, Pullover and Press, Deadlift-Ciavattone Grip One Arm, Trap Bar Deadlift

WOMENS DIVISION

LIFTER AGE BWT Sn Curl C&P P&P DL-1 DL TOT PTS
Cassie Morrison 20 192  35 37.5 31.5 40 47.5-R 120 311.5 284.3
Lindsey Beary 20 188 35 40 37.5 40 52.5-R 100 305 282.5
Susan Sees 53 219 25 35 35 45 42.5-R 100 282.5 273.4
Jessica Hopps 32 187 30 30 30 37.5 55-R 85 267.5 248.3

Extra Lifts for Record:
Lindsey Beary: DL-CG, Right Arm 57.5
Lindsey Beary: Continental Snatch 40
Susan Sees: DL-CG, Right Arm 45

MENS DIVISION

LIFTER AGE BWT Sn Curl C&P P&P DL-1 DL TOT PTS
Joe CiavattoneJr. 23 215 85  92.5 105 125 90-R 240 737.5 633.7
James Fuller 44 250 80 105 75 100 100-R 277.5 737.5 613.7
Randy Smith 61 198 57.5 75 50 60 90-R 150 482.5 528.4
Jeff Ciavattone 36 259 72.5 85 67.5  95 110-R 240 670 521.8
Rocky Morrison 54 295 55 67.5 65 80 85-R 215 567.5 477.4
Dean Ross 73 257 35 57.5 40 70 70-L 162.5 435 455.7
James Morrison 17 160 40 50 45 60 60-R 147.5 402.5 431.0
Art Montini 88 172 20 32.5 25 45 55-L 90 267.5 388.1
Dennis Mitchell 84 150 13.5 33 10.5 35 43-L 90 225 346.5
Bob Geib 73 268 25 30 35 0 60-R 100 250 256.4
Joe CiavattoneSr. 47 230 70 72.5 — — — — 142.5 127.2
Frank Ciavattone 61 302 — — — — 115-R — 115 101.5
Denny Habecker 73 192 — — — 80 —- — 80 98.0
Chad Ullom 44 249 — — — — 100-L — 100 83.5
Aidan Habecker 12 120 — 22.5 — — — — 22.5 37.3

Extra Lifts for Record:
Joe Ciavattone Jr: Continental Snatch 93

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

Best Lifter Awards:
Women Senior 20-39: Cassie Morrison
Woman Master 40+: Susan Sees
Mens Master 40-44: James Fuller
Mens Master 45-49: Joe Ciavattone Sr.
Mens Master 50-54: Rocky Morrison
Mens Master 60-64: Randy Smith
Mens Master 70-74: Dean Ross
Mens Master 80-84: Dennis Mitchell
Mens Master 85-89: Art Montini
Mens Junior: James Morrison
Mens Senior 20-39: Joe Ciavattone Jr.
Womens Overall Best Lifter: Cassie Morrison
Mens Overall Best Lifter: Joe Ciavattone Jr.
Best Club: Frank’s Barbell Club

Heavy Lift Champs Update

By Al Myers

Since my blog the other day on the history of the USAWA Heavy Lift Championships, I have received overwhelming support of information from several lifters.  I have these guys to thank for making this review complete: Frank Ciavattone, Denny Habecker, and Joe Garcia.  Thanks guys!

I’m now able to fill in the “open slots” in this summary. Of interest to me, 1994 was considered the first ever Heavy Lift Championships, as designated on the meet summary by Bill Clark. Before this the meet was known as the Schmidt’s Backbreaker Pentathlon, named after legendary heavy lifter Steve Schmidt.  Bill continued to promote the Backbreaker on years Clark’s Gym did not host the Heavy Lift Championships following 1994.

The summary below will be kept in our history archives and updated each year with the new best lifters. I plan over the next few weeks to do more stories highlighting the history of the Heavy Lift Championships.  The Heavy Lift Championships is our second longest running Championship event in the USAWA behind our annual National Championships. It has a deep history and deserves more recognition.

HEAVY LIFT CHAMPIONSHIPS

DATE PROMOTER LOCATION MENS CHAMPION WOMENS CHAMPION
5/7/2016 Denny Habecker Lebanon, PA James Fuller Cassie Morrison
5/2/2015 Eric Todd Cameron, MO Eric Todd Mary McConnaughey
5/3/2014 Al Myers Holland, KS Eric Todd none
5/4/2013 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Al Myers Colleen Lane
5/12/2012 Roger LaPointe Bowling Green, OH Eric Todd none
5/21/2011 Denny Habecker York, PA Joe Garcia none
11/6/2010 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
5/16/2009 Denny Habecker Lebanon, PA Al Myers none
11/15/2008 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
11/9/2007 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
11/12/2006 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
8/27/2005 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Frank Ciavattone Cara Collins
8/28/2004 Denny Habecker Lebanon, PA Frank Ciavattone Stephanie Meyer
11/9/2003 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
10/19/2002 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Frank Ciavattone Cara Collins
11/10/2001 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Abe Smith none
11/5/2000 Bill Clark Columbia, MO John Monk none
9/11/1999 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Frank Ciavattone none
12/5/1998 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Frank Ciavattone Cara Collins
11/1/1997 Bill Clark Columbia, MO John Carter Amy Burks
10/27/1996 Kerry Clark Columbia, MO John Carter none
10/29/1995 Bill Clark Columbia, MO John Carter Emily Gordon
10/30/1994 Bill Clark Columbia, MO John Carter Kerry Clark

 

Meeting Agenda

By Al Myers

Nationals is right around the corner, and with that comes our Annual National Meeting. The USAWA has only one meeting per year which always coincides with our National Championships. It’s at this meeting the big issues of the USAWA are decided upon.  The rest of the year the organization is governed by the Executive Board.

The meeting will be held at Frank Ciavattone’s home on Friday night (the day before the meet).  Frank’s address is 204 East Street, East Walpole, MA.  Frank has graciously offered to feed us as well before the meeting! Supper will be at 6:00 PM with the meeting following that.  These are Frank’s words:

“The menu for the meeting will be Lasagna and Cold Cuts etc plus drinks! I figure we can eat at 6 and you can start the meeting at 7pm. This will give everyone to spend time to rest or catch up with old friends! Looking forward to our reunion!!! “

As Secretary, I have prepared the agenda for the 2016 Annual Meeting which is as follows.

Business Agenda for the 2016 USAWA National Meeting

1. Meeting called to order by USAWA President Denny Habecker

2. Roll Call by USAWA President Denny Habecker

3. Reading of previous meeting minutes by USAWA Secretary Al Myers

4. Report of financial status by USAWA Treasurer Al Myers

5.  Report from Website Director Al Myers

6.  Report from Awards Director Al Myers

7.  Report from Records Director Al Myers

8.  Report from Drug Enforcement Director Chad Ullom

9.  Report from Officials Director Joe Garcia

10. Report from Postal Meet Director Denny Habecker

11.  Report from IAWA Technical Committee Chairman Dennis Mitchell on upcoming IAWA events and other technical issues that are being discussed by the IAWA Technical Committee

12. Discussion and Vote on the new lift,  Bench Press – 2 Barbells, proposed by Bill Clark.

13.  Discussion of New Business brought forth by the membership

14.  Accept Bids for the 2017 National Championships

15.  Meeting Adjourned

** *If a Director or an Officer is unable to attend this meeting to give their report PLEASE send it to me so I can give it on your behalf!***

Past Review of the Heavy Lift Championships

by Al Myers

A project I’ve been wanting to do for a long time is a complete review of the USAWA Heavy Lift Championships.  Well, I decided it’s time to get that project started!

The Heavy Lift Championships is the longest running Championship event in the USAWA next to the USAWA National Championships.  I’ve been delving into a literature review of this Championships, and have meet results dating back to 2000. I have bits and pieces of information prior to this.

I am missing the results from 1999, 1997, and 1995.  If anyone has those results please send them to me so I can get this summary complete.  As far as I can tell the first USAWA Heavy Lift Championships was held in 1995.  The late Dale Friesz provided me with much of this information prior to his death. Before the first official “Heavy Lift Championships” Bill Clark and Steve Schmidt hosted several years of a heavy lift meet, titled the Backbreaker.  I consider that meet the precusor to the Heavy Lift Championships.

I would like to add additional blogs highlighting some of these Championships once I get all the past results.

HEAVY LIFT CHAMPIONSHIPS

DATE PROMOTER LOCATION MENS CHAMPION WOMENS CHAMPION
5/7/2016 Denny Habecker Lebanon, PA James Fuller Cassie Morrison
5/2/2015 Eric Todd Cameron, MO Eric Todd Mary McConnaughey
5/3/2014 Al Myers Holland, KS Eric Todd none
5/4/2013 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Al Myers Colleen Lane
5/12/2012 Roger LaPointe Bowling Green, OH Eric Todd none
5/21/2011 Denny Habecker York, PA Joe Garcia none
11/6/2010 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
5/16/2009 Denny Habecker Lebanon, PA Al Myers none
11/15/2008 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
11/9/2007 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
11/12/2006 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
8/27/2005 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Frank Ciavattone Cara Collins
8/28/2004 Denny Habecker Lebanon, PA Frank Ciavattone Stephanie Meyer
11/9/2003 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Steve Schmidt none
10/19/2002 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Frank Ciavattone Care Collins
11/10/2001 Bill Clark Columbia, MO Abe Smith none
11/5/2000 Bill Clark Columbia, MO John Monk none
????
12/5/1998 Frank Ciavattone Walpole, MA Frank Ciavattone Cara Collins
????
10/27/1996 Kerry Clark Columbia, MO John Carter none
?????

 

World Postal Championships

by Steve Gardner

MEET ANNOUNCEMENT

2016 IAWA WORLD POSTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The IAWA World Postal Championships is performed yearly in memory of Andy Goddard.

The IAWA World Postal Championships is performed yearly in memory of Andy Goddard.

The Entry Forms have been sent out around the IAWA World for the 2016 Andy Goddard Memorial World Postal All Round Championships….results have to be back in for the End of August!! Just in case I have overlooked anyone and you have team or group that would love to take part, then please just download the form here and complete it…and Good Luck to all taking part.

ENTRY FORM – World Post Form (PDF)   World Post Form (Word Document)
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