USAWA

 The inaugural BUFFVILLE PUSH/PULL by far exceeded all my wildest expectations,!

A full meet report is forthcoming, but we must begin with the sublime performances of Chip Hultquist, Francis Hegel, Holland Millsaps & Brian Gardner. These four men pushed each other mightily in a competition that came down to who could make their final attempt. The heavens opened this glorious day and gave us a competition of resplendent glory. Let us now begin our amazing journey about the legends of strength we were blessed to witness on September 23, 2023!

      Brian Gardner is a massive man and former Tennessee Strongest man. He had the highest Hackenschmidt Floor Press of the day with a mighty 365 lb lift. It came down to his final People’s Deadlift attempt where he missed a 550 lb pull. If Brian had pulled his final deadlift he would have been the Grand Champion. Regardless, he finished in 4^th place with a total of 776.55 points. He was so close to winning the title and I expect even greater lifts from him at the OLD TIME STRONGMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP on December 9, 2023.

      Holland Millsaps is strapping fellow who competes in Highland games and is an excellent Blacksmith. Holland brought his vigorous deadlift with him to Buffville in Albany, Ky. His second deadlift was a whopping 650lbs! On his third attempt Holland went for an enormous 700 lb attempt, but the Deadlift said NO!  The 700 lbs was more than bar would allow this day. If Holland had succesfully conquered the 700 lb deadlift he would have easily won the title this day! At any rate, this meant Holland finished in 3^rd place overall with 788.67 points. He too is returning to Buffville in December and look for even more glorious deadlifting from the enigmatic Holland Millsaps!

      Francis Hegel was a man on a mission, He flew from Arizona to Kentucky just to set the Barbell Bent Press record, which he succeeded in doing so with his left hand! He had no intentions of lifting in the Push/Pull competition but the plan of the Divine cannot be denied! He performed admirably and was very consistent going 6 for 6 on the day, not missing a lift in competition. His final People’s Deadlift was a sight to behold as he set a new USAWA National Record in the All divison, 80 kilo weight class with a gargantuan deadlift of 536 lbs! What an amazing lift to witness! All this led to Francis’ mammoth third deadlift vaulting him from 6^th place into 2^nd place with 789.15 points! I hope I get the honor to see Francis lift again in the near future!

      Our Grand Champion is 73 years young, Chip Hultquist! Chip is the Tennessee Special Olympics Powerlifting State chair & meet director, Cancer Survivor & an IPF Category 2 International Referee. I have met no more deserving of a man to win the over title than Chip Hultquist! To be honest, I was completely in awe as we were tallying the results, then lo and behold…. Chip Hultquist beat everyone with 793.56 points! His lifting was phenomenal, and he put on a clinic of how to win a meet. He taught all of us younger guys the definition of meet strategy and consistency. Chip went 6 for 6 for the day with impeccable form and technique. At 73 years young, he Hackenschmidt Floor Pressed 225 lbs and People’s Deadlifted 365 lbs. I personally think he had more pounds in the tank. It was superb performance by one of the greatest human beings I have ever known……….CHIP HULTQUIST!