Thom Van Vleck
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My Prayers are with the Steve and his family.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderI’ve know Dean for at least 25 years. I have many great and funny stories about him. He will be missed.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderAlways feels like home when I visit the “old tin can”! Great to see every one!
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderAbe, funny story on Bill’s time to give down or press commands. Wayne Smith was a lifter with the old Jackson Weightlifting Club and they were at a meet that had to be the early 60s so this was 60 years ago! Smith was doing the bench and Clark was giving the press command which was very, very…..very long. When Smith completed the lift he stood up and turned to Clark and said “What were you using to time that press command? An hour glass?” True story!
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderI kept in touch with Tom for awhile. He wanted to give me the 200lb home made plates he made for the heavy lifts. He had several. They were junkyard finds. Wish I lived closer to get them.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderDan, thanks for the support on the first two issues. And believe it or not I agree with the second issue. But I ask you, why do we allow belts? or jocks straps, or shoes? The Greeks didn’t need them! haha but seriously, why the belts?
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderSo my connection to the USAWA goes back to 1979 and a pre-USAWA odd lift meet put on by Bill Clark. I haven’t competed in years but I do try and come judge some meets and help out.
1. I liked record days and then we went to this 5 record limit. I don’t understand why and organization that has so many lifts and so many open slots (no records have been set) would do that. I used to host record days, but when that rule was put in I saw no reason to go to the trouble. Almost felt like I was the reason for the rule!
2. I would look at meets and see two or three lifts I was willing to try and then some others I had no interest in. As I have gotten older there are certain lifts I just won’t do anymore due to injuries. Not sure how you fix that.
3. Allowing some gear. Not sure where you draw the line, but I know if some supportive gear was allowed I’d be more likely to compete.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderI’m curious where you heard this, ET. I can’t find anything on the interwebs. Not doubting, just curious.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderOkay, so the way I was taught when I started lifting in 1977 was the first plates faced in and then every plate after that faced out. I was told this was so the name of the manufacturer would be seen. Essentially free advertising. As the manufacturer often donated weights to big competitions and they wanted to get due recognition. On a personal level I don’t care as long as they are the same on each side. However, I know done guys who are particular about it to the point they will unload and reload a bar not to their liking!
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderIt was fun to judge at the Nationals. I entered my first all around event in 1979. This was called the “Odd lifts” and predated the USAWA. IF you’d told me then that 42 years later I’d still somehow be involved I’d think you were crazy! Great to see old friends and make new ones. Great to see Abe and Mike. It had been a long time! It will be interesting to see how it changes under new leadership. Al had some big shoes to fill! But I believe Eric can do it. Looking forward to the future!
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderI enjoyed the weekend greatly. It was awesome seeing some guys that I had not seen in ….maybe 20 years!
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderDenny, It seems like sometimes I get hurt and it’s okay the next day….other times they never quite go away. I have not had anything in the belly of my bicep but where it attaches into the forearm. Al Myers told me it’s my bicep tendon and it’s gonna blow! Thanks for the words of encouragement, Al! Hang in there, buddy. I hope you get well soon.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderDecember 9, 2019 at 8:11 am in reply to: Witnessed IronMind World Record Attempt by Chad Gustin #36278Great to hear from you Ben. Chad Gustin is a great guy. He was a top notch athlete as well as being strong. More than that he is a SUPER nice guy.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderHe was weighing 283 about 5 years ago….now 200! And he’s strong and throwing further than ever. Really proud of him.
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-RounderThanks!
Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder -
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