USAWA

By Al Myers

At the 2018 IAWA World Championships Award Banquet, one of the highlights was the presentation of the IAWA Merit Awards. The Merit Award is the highest honor one can receive in IAWA.  The Merit Award goes “way beyond” just being an outstanding lifter.  To earn the award you must be a major contributer and leader in the organization for many years, and have given alot of yourself to our sport of All Round Weightlifting to make it a better organization.

The IAWA Merit Award is a Presidential Award, chosen and given by the IAWA President on behalf of the organization. It was my honor to have this responsibility, as I’ve always considered Denny as my role model in IAWA/USAWA.

I would like to share my speech I gave when presenting Denny the Merit Award:

I’m honored to be able to present Denny Habecker with this very prestigious IAWA Award. This is the highest award the IAWA has to present, and only a few have received it in the past. I have known Denny for many years, and throughout the year we spend lots of time with each other. I often jokingly refer to Denny as “Uncle Denny” as he seems like family to me.   We have traveled to many overseas IAWA meets together through the years, and I’ve spent many a nights at his and Judys house in Pennsylvania.  I’ve enjoyed many fine meals at their place, but I should recognize Judy for that instead of Denny! 

In looking over the many accomplishments Denny has had in the IAWA, it made me realize that I would need to narrow down the list or this speech would get too long. So I’m going to just hit a few highlights of Dennys involvement and accomplishments.  Here it goes –

• Started training in 1957 when in highschool to prepare himself for highschool football
• Competed in Olympic Lifting competitions in the early 60’s, as well as a few bodybuilding competitions (I’ve brought a few pictures along to confirm this as I’m sure some are doubting – so see me afterwards if you want to see a picture of Denny all oiled down and posing)
• Was inspired to get involved in All Round Weightlifting in 1989, by the great John Vernacchio.   Denny was part of John’s Valley Forge Lifting Team and also entered many Masters Olympic Lifting Meets, including many Pan American Championships and World Championships
• IAWA World Championship Meet Promoter 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2016
• Has placed in the Top Ten Overall at Worlds many times – 6^th in 2017, 4^th in 2016, 6^th in 2014, 4^th in 2012, 8^th in 2011, 9^th in 2010, 5^th in 2009, 8^th in 2007, 4^th in 2003, 6^th in 2002, 6^th in 2001, 10^th in 2000, 3^rd in 1999, 10^th in 1997, and 10^th in 1996,
• Won Best Lifter Awards in his Age Group in 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, and 1999,
• IAWA Gold Cup Meet Promoter: 2006, 2008 and 2013
• Holds many IAWA World Records
• Has competed in over 20 IAWA World Championships, and over 20 Gold Cups
• Founder of Habecker’s Gym, and has coached many lifters through the Years
• Has served as an IAWA Vice President since 2004
• Has served on the IAWA Technical Committee since 1996

Another thing about Denny I want to mention is I’ve always considered him my role model in All Round Lifting. When I first got started with IAWA Denny was one of the first to encourage me to compete at the IAWA level, beyond just USAWA competitions. I really doubt I would have made that first meet “overseas” without Denny’s support.  For that Denny – I owe you a lot of thanks.  

Denny is one of the most reliable people I know. He has given so much of his time and energy to IAWA, more than most realize. I don’t know how many times in the past when we have needed someone to “step up”, whether it’s a promotion or just attending an event that needs supported – Dennys always there and ready to do it. He has been a steady backbone of IAWA with his leadership, which goes away beyond what he has done on the platform. Our organization wouldn’t be as strong as it is without Denny.

Denny, I consider you one of my best friends. It gives me great honor to be able to present you with this award. Thank you for all you have done for IAWA.