Bob Geib – New Inductee into the USAWA Hall of Fame
by Al Myers
Bob Geib (center) receiving his USAWA Hall of Fame Plaque. Presenters include Al Myers (left) and Dennis Mitchell (right).
The big HIGHLIGHT of the USAWA Annual Awards Presentation was the induction of Bob Geib into the USAWA Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor one can receive in the USAWA, and there is not a person more deserving than Bob Geib. Bob has been involved with the USAWA since almost the very beginning. Bob got started in the USAWA under the guidance of USAWA legend Howard Prechtel. I’m sure Bob spent many hours training with Howard in the Prechtel Athletic Club in Cleveland developing his skills with the all-round lifts. I know this because Bob has frequently mentioned Howard to me, and gives Howard credit for getting him involved in the USAWA. Bob also often traveled with Howard to big National and World meets. At this years Nationals, Bob even brought a plaque honoring Howard to the meet venue, so in a small way Howard Prechtel was a part of this years big 25 year celebration.
This brings the USAWA Hall of Fame membership to 23 members over our 25 year history. So you can see it is hard to reach Hall of Fame status – that’s less than 1 new member every year. This award is not just HANDED OVER – you have to earn it! Bob has quite the resume of USAWA involvement. Dennis Mitchell (a fellow Cleveland native who has known Bob for a long time) gave Bob’s induction speech. In his speech, Dennis summarized Bob’s involvement which I would like to share with you.
- Competed in the USAWA Nationals 14 times – 2012, 2011, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991
- Competed in the IAWA Worlds 9 times – 2005, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991
- Competed in the Gold Cup 8 times – 2005, 2004, 2003, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1991
- Bob promoted the IAWA Gold Cup in 2005 in Hawaii. He also competed in the very first Gold Cup which was promoted by Howard Prechtel in 1991. He has competed oversees 5 times – England three times, Australia once, and Scotland once.
- Currently holds 77 USAWA records.
Soon I will write a complete biography on Bob for the USAWA Hall of Fame archives. But in the meantime – CONGRATULATIONS Bob on this big honor. You are now part of the elite USAWA crowd. You deserve it!!