Dale Friesz: Courage Award Winner
by Al Myers
Dale Friesz receiving the USAWA Courage Award last year. Now Dale will have another Courage Award to add to his collection! (left to right): Al Myers, Dale Friesz
For the second time in two years, Dale Friesz won the Courage Award on behalf of the USAWA. Dale was the unanimous selection among the membership votes, so it goes to show the respect Dale has amongst the membership of the USAWA. In fact, if Dale wins this award again next year, it should be renamed the Friesz Courage Award! Dale really wanted to compete this year at Nationals but due to a training injury a couple weeks prior to the meet was not able to make it. I know this was a big disappointment for him. I know how tenacious Dale is about competing when he’s not 100%, as I have watched him compete when he probably shouldn’t have been! This has been a tough year for Dale physically, but he has corresponded with me about his training and how he is still trying to do what he can. Dale’s attitude epitomizes the courage it takes to overcome obstactles and continue to lift despite whatever challenges he is faced with. Without a doubt, most other lifters would have called it quits – but NOT DALE! I was really glad to see Dale receive this award again because he DESERVES IT. I just hope that I would have HALF the courage Dale has if I was faced with the same physical training barriers he has been faced with. Congratulations Dale on behalf of the USAWA, and we all hope to see you again soon on the platform!