Category Archives: USAWA Daily News

IAWA Minutes

by Al Myers, IAWA President

2016 IAWA Annual Meeting Minutes

The IAWA annual meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM at New York Fitness in Lebanon, PA on Friday, October 7th.  Roll call was taken and these members were attendance: Al Myers, Graham Saxton, Denny Habecker, Karen Gardner, George Dick, LaVerne Myers, Frank Ciavattone, Rocky Morrison, Art Montini, Dennis Mitchell, Timo Lauttamus, Kim Lydon, Peter Phillips, Steve Gardner, Dean Ross, and Mark Raymond. Roll call of the IAWA Vice Presidents was taken and these VP’s were not in attendance: Chad Ullom (US), Robin Lukosis (Australia), Cliff Harvey (New Zealand), and Jose Jara (Spain).

The first agenda item was reading of the 2015 IAWA minutes. IAWA General Secretary Frank Allen was not in attendance and had not delegated anyone to give the minutes on his behalf, thus no minutes were read.

The second agenda item was a report on the World Postal Championships by promoter Steve Gardner. Steve reported over 60 lifters competed representing 5 countries and felt the Postal Championships was very successful. Denny moved to accept the report, with a second by Dean, and it passed unanimously.

The next report was given by myself, on the upcoming Gold Cup held in Abilene, Kansas. I reported that plans are coming along according to schedule and that close to 20 competitors were entered. Dean moved to accept report, with a second by LaVerne, and it passed unanimously.

Next up was the report from the IAWA Technical Committee Chairman Dennis Mitchell.  Dennis informed the membership that a new lift was being proposed, called the Reg Park Bench Press (2-barbell bench press).  The membership had many questions regarding the rules of the lift.  A prior written rule was written and approved by the USAWA, but Dennis did not have that with him. I had brought copies of the rules for the Reg Park Bench Press and passed them amongst the membership at this point which answered all of the questions. Dennis said that this lift had passed the Technical Committee review. However, at this point Technical Committee members Steve Gardner and Peter Phillips replied that they had not been informed of this new lift being proposed. Technical Committee member Denny Habecker remarked that he was not in favor of it because this lift would require 4 spotters for a proper handoff and could not be easily done in a competition.  At this point I declared to the membership that the whole purpose of the Technical Committee was to prior evaluate and vote on a new proposed lift before the meeting, and in this case this was not done properly.  I then dropped this from the agenda and no vote was taken by the membership.

Next up was a report on the 2017 IAWA World Championships, held in Perth Australia. Peter Phillips reported that plans are underway, with the tentative date set for September 30th-October 1st. Lifts proposed were: Day 1 – Cheat Curl, 1 Hand DB Snatch, 1 hand Vertical Bar Lift, and Feet in the air bench press. Day 2- 2″ bar Clean and Press, 1 hand Hack Lift, and 2″ Bar Straddle Lift. Peter said more details will follow later. Dean moved to accept report, with a second by Rocky, and it passed unanimously.

A report by the 2017 Gold Cup promoter George Dick was given next. George reported that the Gold Cup would be held in Glasgow, Scotland on November 4th in their new gym facility. Dean moved to accept with a second by Denny, and it passed unanimously.

There was no old or new business.

Elections of new officers was up next.  Elections in the IAWA happen every 4 years. A call to the membership was made if anyone wanted to run for any postion. There were no takers. A call was then made to the current officers if they wanted to run for another term.  Agreement to stand for their current positions was made by those officers present. Dean moved to retain the current officers of the IAWA for another term. A second was made by LaVerne and it passed unanimously.

Next agenda item was accepting bids for future IAWA Worlds and the Gold Cup. The IAWA schedule is booked up through 2018, so bids would have to be for 2019. I explained that I thought that 3 years in advance was a little too long as lots of things can change between the time putting in the bid and the actual competition. No official bids were made but Frank Ciavattone expressed interest in the 2019 Worlds and George Dick for the 2019 Gold Cups.

2016 World meet promoter Denny Habecker then gave some notifications as applied to the weekend’s competiton and the banquet.

At this time all agenda items had been covered, so Dean moved to adjourn. Frank made a second and it passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 8:30 PM.

World Championships

by Al Myers

2016 IAWA World Championships

Group picture from the 2016 IAWA World Championships.

Group picture from the 2016 IAWA World Championships.

I just returned from another outstanding IAWA World Championships in Lebanon, PA.  The meet was promoted by Denny and Judy Habecker.  Denny and Judy are VERY experienced meet promotors and like always, promoted a tremendous competition.  They go beyond just putting on a great meet – they provide generous hospitality and treat the lifters like family.

Worlds this year was represented by the USA, England, Scotland, Australia, and Finland.  Year after year the IAWA gets lifters from overseas regardless where the World Championships are held.  Australia was represented by Peter Phillips and Finland by Timo Lauttamus.  Both these guys represented their countries well, with both winning  world championships in their age and bodyweight classes.  Peter placed fifth overall and Timo placed 2nd overall. Timo had a couple of HUGE lifts: a 211 kg 2″ 2″bar vertical bar lift and a 227.5 kg Ciavattone Deadlift.  George Dick represented Scotland, and England was represented by Peter Tryner, Graham Saxton, Steve Gardner, and Karen Gardner.

The overall Womens Champion was Kim Lydon.  She edged out Karen Gardner from England. Karen is an extremely talented and seasoned all-rounder. I have watched Karen lift many times and she appeared to me to lift more weight than anytime I remember. This was Kim’s first time competing in the IAWA World Championships. If Kim keeps involved I expect this will be the first of many Overall Championships for her.

Peter Tryner, of England, being presented the World Championship Belt by meet director Denny Habecker and meet announcer Steve Gardner.

Peter Tryner, of England, being presented the World Championship Belt by meet director Denny Habecker and meet announcer Steve Gardner.

The overall Men’s Champion was Pete Tryner of England.  Pete came in well prepared for this World Championships and lifted superbly.  Pete is a class-act individual – and as well as being a gifted lifter he represents himself well on the platform.  I like to see “good guys” like Pete being crowned as our Overall Best Lifter at Worlds as he will represent the organization well.  For this great accomplishment Pete was awarded the Championship Belt which is a travelling belt that Pete will get to hold for the upcoming year.

A wonderful banquet was held after the World Championships!

A wonderful banquet was held after the World Championships!

There was so much great lifting at this meet that if I was going to go into detail it would be more than anyone would want to read so I will let the below meet results speak for themselves.  After the meet we had a very nice banquet and awards ceremony which gave a nice ending to a great weekend of lifting.

MEET RESULTS:

2016 IAWA World Championships
New York Fitness
October 8th and 9th, 2016

Meet Director: Denny and Judy Habecker

Meet Announcers: Steve Gardner and Al Myers

Meet Scorekeepers: Judy Habecker and Rocky Morrison

Meet Loaders: John Horn, Terry Barlet, Barry Bryan, Barry Pensyl, Dean Ross

Meet Officials: George Dick, Graham Saxton, Frank Ciavattone, Scott Schmidt, LaVerne Myers, Denny Habecker, Dennis Mitchell

Lifts: Continental Clean, Pullover and Push, 2 hands 2″ Vertical Bar Lift, Alternate Grip Clean and Press, One Hand Clean and Jerk, Ciavattone Deadlift

WOMENS DIVISION

Lifter Age BWT CC PP VB CP 1CJ DL TOT PTS
Kim Lydon USA 20 69.7 52.5 60 75 40 25L 100 362.5 491.3
Karen Gardner England 57 76.2 45 45 90 27.5 20R 95 322.5 482.2

Extra attempts for record:
Karen Gardner 2″ 2 Bar Vertical Bar Lift 95KG
Karen Gardner RH Clean and Jerk 23KG

MENS DIVISION

Lifter Age BWT CC PP VB CP 1CJ DL TOT PTS
Pete Tryner England 44 86.5 127.5 145 170 80 55R 190 767.5 749.9
Timo Lauttamus Finland 37 93.4 110 105 210 70 52.5R 227.5 775 681.4
Al          Myers USA 50 101.8 100 115 150 55 50R 185 655 610.1
Denny Habecker USA 74 87.0 60 95 105 52.5 30R 120 462.5 609.4
Peter Phillips Australia 62 101.5 70 90 120 50 40R 160 530 547.9
Graham Saxton England 54 120.6 90 122.5 120 52.5 50R 157.5 592.5 524.3
LaVerne Myers USA 72 106.5 65 60 150 20 20L 140 455 522.0
Dean Ross USA 73 113.3 60 80 110 40 25R 130 445 501.7
Scott Schmidt USA 63 105.2 70 80 120 55 25R 130 480 490.9
Art Montini USA 88 77.3 30 50 60 15 10R 90 255 430.5
Mark Raymond USA 53 106.5 65 60 145 50 15L 125 460 429.7
George Dick Scotland 67 144.2 57.5 65 115 42.5 30R 150 460 422.5
Aidan Habecker USA 13 58.0 42.5 35 90  22.5 17.5R 75 282.5 420.9
Dennis Mitchell USA 84 66.6 32.5 35 50 12.5 12.5R 80 222.5 394.9
Rocky Morrison USA 54 129.2 45 45 100 45 20L 140 395 338.0
Steve Gardner England 59 167.0 47.5 60 100 30 25R 100 362.5 304.6
Tony Patterson USA 54 79.8 0 0 125 0 0 145 270 298.9
Frank Ciavattone USA 61 135.0 0 0 115 0 0 188 302.5 268.9

Extra attempts for record:
Timo Lauttamus 2″ 2 bar Vertical Lift 211KG
George Dick RH Clean and Jerk 30.5KG
George Dick Ciavattone DL 151KG
Denny Habecker Pullover and Push 96KG
Aidan Habecker 2″ 2 Bar Vertical Bar Lift 95KG
Dennis Mitchell Alternate Grip Clean and Press 15KG

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

Title Results from the 2016 World Championships

Aiden Habecker – Junior 60 k Champion
Kim Lydon – ladies 70 k Champion
Karen Gardner – ladies 80 k Champion
Dennis Mitchell – Masters 80+ 70 k Champion
Art Montini – Masters 85+ 80 k Champion
Denny Habecker – Masters 70+ 90 k Champion
Laverne Myers – Masters 70+ 110 k Champion
Dean Ross -Masters 70+ 115 k Champion
Rocky Morrison – Masters 50+ 125+ Champion
Steve Gardner – Masters 55+ 125+ Champion
Tony Patterson – Masters 50+ 80 k Champion
Peter Tryner – Masters 40+ 85 k Champion
Timo Lauttamus – Open 95 k Champion
Al Myers – Masters 50+ 105 k Champion
Peter Phillips – Masters 60+ 105 k Champion
Scott Schmidt – Masters 60+ 110 k Champion
Mark Raymond – Masters 50+ 110 k Champion
Graham Saxton – Masters 50+ 125 k Champion
Frank Ciavattone – Masters 60+ 125+ Champion
George Dick – Masters 65+ 125+ Champion

Best Lifter Awards
Junior – Aiden Habecker
Female Open – Kim Lydon
Female Master – Karen Gardner
M 40+ – Peter Tryner
M 50+ – Al Myers
M 55+ – Steve Gardner
M 60+ – Peter Phillips
M 65+ – George Dick
M 70+ – Denny Habecker
M 80+ – Dennis Mitchell
M 85+ – Art Montini

Overall Men’s Best Lifter Rankings
1st – Peter Tryner
2nd – Timo Lauttamus
3rd – Al Myers
4th – Denny Habecker
5th – Peter Phillips

Plymouth Rock RD

by Al Myers

MEET ANNOUNCEMENT
PLYMOUTH ROCK RECORD DAY

Frank Ciavattone, owner and Club President of Frank’s Barbell Club, has sanctioned a meet at his gym on November 12th, 2016.  Most  lifts can be contested for USAWA/IAWA records, but to be sure I recommend you contact Frank beforehand.  Below is the contact information for Frank:

Frank’s Barbell Club
204 East Street
East Walpole, MA 02032
Phone: (508)-668-5200

There is no entry form for this record day. Contact Frank directly for further details.

Meeting Time

by Al Myers

The IAWA World Championships is fast approaching – hard to believe it’s only a week away. Part of the Championships weekend’s festivities includes the IAWA Annual General Meeting. The IAWA has only one meeting per year and it’s always part of the World Championships to give the best opportunity to attend.

Meet Director Denny Habecker has set the time and place for the AGM of the IAWA.   It will be held Friday night, October 7th, at 7:00 PM.  The meeting will be held at the meet venue:

New York Fitness
1139 Quentin Road
Lebanon Plaza Mall
Lebanon, PA 17042

If you are interested in being involved in the politics and policies of the IAWA you should attend this meeting. As President I have developed an agenda for the meeting.

2016 IAWA Annual General Meeting Agenda
1. Meeting called to order with Roll Call
2. Reading of the 2015 IAWA minutes by IAWA General Secretary Frank Allen
3. Report on the World Postal Championships by promoter Steve Gardner
4. Report on upcoming 2016 Gold Cup – Abilene, KS
5. Report from the IAWA Technical Committee by chairman Dennis Mitchell
6. Report on 2017 Worlds – Perth, Australia by Peter Phillips
7. Report on the 2017 Gold Cup – Glasgow by George Dick
8. New Business
9. Election of Officers
10. Submit Bids for 2019 Worlds and Gold Cup
11. Words from 2016 World Meet Promoter – Denny Habecker
12. Meeting Adjourned

More on the Century Club

by Al Myers

After updating the Century Club this week I want to reflect on it some.  The Century Club is the elite club of record holders in the USAWA – for those who hold over 100 USAWA Records. I started this several years ago to showcase the super lifting talent in our organization.

I get very excited when the Century Club gets a new member, like this time with the addition of Susan Sees.  As you look down the list you see a line up of current USAWA Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers. Some of the lifters competed many years before while some are still very active lifters today. A handful have competed during the entire reign of the USAWA  – lifters like Denny Habecker, Art Montini, Frank Ciavattone, Joe Garcia, John McKean, Bill Clark, and Dennis Mitchell.

I keep a list of their numbers from the previous count so you can tell who is currently the most active.  These lifters have increased their record count the most since the previous count:

1. Dean Ross +28
2. Frank Ciavattone +12
3. LaVerne Myers +9
4. Bill Clark +8
5.  Al Myers +7

Dean Ross has been on “feeding frenzy” these past couple of years setting and breaking new USAWA records. Every list he jumps a lifter or two. He now sits in the number 6th spot.  Dean has accomplished this by competing EVERYWHERE and OFTEN across the country at practically every USAWA event.  If you don’t know Dean Ross and you’re in the USAWA you must be hiding under a rock.

Our Prez Denny Habecker still leads the list with 542 USAWA Records. He has a commanding lead and is the only lifter over 500.  At one time I thought 500 records was unrealistic for anyone to reach. But again – Denny has always been extremely active in the USAWA, and the more competitions you attend the more record opportunities you get.  Who knows – Denny may reach 1000 before he’s done!

A few superstars of the past stay constant in their numbers.  Anyone who break’s a Bob Hirsh, John Monk, Chris Waterman, or a Ed Schock record is really accomplishing something. Those guys set their records high.

Now who’s gonna be next to make the Century Club? I have always been pretty good at predicting this. There are several lifter’s getting pretty close.  My bet is on Dave Glasgow (now at 96) and Jeff Ciavattone (at 86) to be the first to get there.  An outside bet would go to Joe Ciavattone Jr. (at 82) and Eric Todd (at 83). Two lifters who have reemerged in the USAWA this past year have chances if they keep after competitions – Abe Smith (at 91) and Barry Pensyl (82).

There’s one lifter who will make it but it will take him a year.  That is Randy Smith. Randy now stands at 99 USAWA Records!  Randy has earned his records the hardest way possible by only setting them at the USAWA National Championships which has been the only yearly USAWA competition Randy has been doing lately. This says alot about Randy as only the main core lifts are contested at Nationals so he’s not picking up easy obscure lift records at record day meets. He’s getting his records on the BIG STAGE.

But with all this excitement there is one thing that makes me a little sad about the Century Club.  That is when lifters fall out of it.  The late Mike “Murdo” Murdock is standing now at 101 (down 3) and probably will be off the list by next count.  Several others have been (or would have been if the Century Club was started sooner) but are not on it now because they have died.  I really feel there should be a honorary designation for these past great lifters.  I can think of several here – John Vernacchio, Rex Monahan,  and Joe McCoy.  This is something Dean Ross proposed to me and I agree with him on it.   I would like a little support from the organization on this idea.  If I get 5 lifters telling me it’s a good idea I’ll make it happen!

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