USAWA

by Al Myers

Denny Habecker hosted the 2009 Heavy Lift Championships on May 16th, 2009. Only six lifters participated, but the field was full of experienced lifters. The meet was decided by my last Hip Lift, which I had to make to edge out my good friend and training partner Chad Ullom. With his encouragement, I was able to make the lift!!! However, the win was offset with a loss. I have always struggled with the Neck Lift, and I would just watch in amazement as the “Miracle Man” Dale Friesz and the “Man of Steel” Art Montini Neck Lift. They lift weights in the Neck Lift that a normal person would think impossible considering their ages and bodyweights. Once finished with the Neck Lift, and with a pain in my neck, I made the statement, “If anyone could show me how to lift 500 pounds in this lift, I will buy everyone steak dinners afterwards!!!” Well, the two of them started giving me tips and “the secret” and before I knew it I Neck Lifted 500 pounds easily, and I now feel 600 is a real possibility. I try to be a man of my word, so supper afterwards was on me!! But it was a loss I didn’t mind!!!Scott Schmidt showed everyone how much determination he has. He missed his opener in the Hip Lift – everytime with balance issues. However, even when he was out of attempts, he took an extra attempt and got it to set a new age group Hip Lift Record!!!! The Heavy Lifts are fickle, and the slightest change in body position can make several hundred pounds difference. I know Scott wasn’t totally satisfied, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the next time he Hip Lifts he goes over 2000#!!! We even had a surprise guest. Toward the end of the meet, in walks “The Living Legend” John Vernacchio. John was a fierce competitor in the earlier USAWA days, and was responsible for promoting some of the biggest meets ever in the USAWA. I really enjoyed getting to visit with him. After the meet, Judy Habecker prepared the best post-meet meal I have ever had. Denny and Judy are very gracious hosts and they did everything possible to make this day a special event for everyone.

FULL MEET RESULTS:

2009 USAWA Heavy Lift Championships

May 16th, 2009
Habecker’s Garage

Meet Director:  Denny Habecker

Scorekeeper: Judy Habecker
Loader:  Alan Schmidt and all lifters

Officials:  Three Officials used on all lifts – Denny Habecker, Art Montini, Dale Friesz, Al Myers, Chad Ullom, Scott Schmidt

Lifts:  Neck Lift, Hand and Thigh, Hip Lift

Lifter	Age	BW	Neck	H&T	Hip	Total	Points
Al Myers	42	254	405	1204	1845	3454.0	2800.6
Chad Ullom	37	230	501.8	1204	1603	3308.8	2740.0
Dale Friesz	68	178	405	405	1000	1810.0	2231.0
Art Montini	81	182	309.5	405	895	1609.5	2155.4
Denny Habecker	66	189	276.5	593	895	1764.5	2067.0
Scott Schmidt	56	266	249	1004	0	1253.0	1127.6

BW (Bodyweight) in pounds.  All lifts in pounds. Points are weight and age adjusted.

Record attempts:  Scott Schmidt 1581# in Hip Lift