USAWA

By Eric M. Todd, Esq

Executive Board member, Beth Skwarecki presents the Leadership of the year award to Denny Habecker.

According to the section of our website called “Past USAWA Awards,” Each year the USAWA nominates and selects individuals for special awards.  These awards are given on behalf of the USAWA for outstanding merit in several categories.”  One of these categories is the Leadership award.  One of the great things about these awards is that they are voted on by our membership.

This year’s leadership award goes to our president Denny Habecker.  Denny is an absolute stalwart in all-round at the national and international level.  He has served as our president for about 15 years.  Denny has been at every national meet since 1995 as a competitor and/or official, having won the overall national championship twice.  He frequently competes on the international stage as well.  Denny promoted our World championship in 2021.  He hosted the presidential cup, and served as our postal chairman, running all four quarterly postals. I cannot tell you how many times he has driven from Pennsylvania to God’s country to support my meets.  Well deserved, and a huge congrats to our leadership award winner, Denny Habecker!

The runner up in the leadership goes to your humble author, and Secretary/Treasurer.

Executive Board member, Beth Skwarecki presents the leadership-runner up award to Eric Todd

By Dan Wagman, Ph.D., C.S.C.S.

IPF World Bench Press Champions and world record setters Dan Gaudreau (l) and Dan Wagman (r) would receive red lights for the new USAWA hamstring violation.

That requirement is absurd because for many lifters it’s nearly impossible to have the hamstrings remain in contact with the bench while performing a technically proficient bench press.

For lifters with long legs, or a bench with less height, loaders would have to place the bench on blocks…

of different block heights would be required to accommodate this new rule. Also, what if the bench length is such that a tall lifter can only place his/her head or hamstrings on the bench at the same time? Of course, for lifters with long legs, or a bench with less height, loaders would have to place the bench on blocks to accommodate the hamstring-bench-contact requirement. Frankly, “absurd” is an understatement. So, what started out as a very simple edit to the existing bench press rule ended up diverting from international norms and has turned one of the most basic tests of maximal strength into a nightmare for many lifters. How does something like this happen? With the exception of omitting the plates and blocks allowance the original USAWA rule was perfectly aligned with international standards. So perhaps the more important question is: how does the organization correct this atrocity and do so before the next meet that will contest a version of the bench press which could be any Record Day and specifically the Postal Series National Championship at the end of the year? If the organization does not make corrections, one of two things will happen: 1) meet refs will see that adhering to this rule is impossible for many lifters and will ignore it; 2) lifters like me will simply not perform the bench press and its variations. Neither choice enhances USAWA’s credibility as a strength sport.

Turning perfect bench presses into red lights. Different views of the same hamstring violation.

By Dan Wagman and RJ Jackson

Back in 2016 we wrote an article titled All-Round Weightlifting’s Greatest Lifters. In that article we set out to answer a simple question: Who has set the greatest number of records in the most lifts? In all-round weightlifting this is an important question to answer as in the United States this sport contests a total of 244 different lifts if you count one-armed lifts left and right and finger lifts with each finger and thumbs as separate lifts. However, a fundamental change in how competitions are run requires us to enter a new era in answering that question.

STANDARDIZATION

For the sports scientist, the concept of standardization constitutes perhaps the most fundamental concept in sport. And of course every athlete needs to consider their sport’s level of standardization as paramount to fairness. While being such an important concept for organized sport to adhere to, standardization is rather elementary. Take USAWA’s Rulebook; it outlines not only the rules of performance for each lift but also clarifies what barbell standards should be adhered to, what sort of clothing is allowed, what sort of lifting equipment is allowed, how competitions are run, etc. Obviously, you cannot have fair competition unless everybody adheres to the same standards.

USAWA came up with a fantastic concept called Record Day competitions.

As it relates to holding meets and setting records, USAWA came up with a fantastic concept called Record Day competitions. These meets would often be held after a regular competition, on a Sunday after a normal Saturday meet, or as stand-alone meets. The sole purpose of these meets was to allow lifters to go through the record list and establish new records—and there was no limit as to how many records a lifter could set. As a result, and over many years, dedicated and strong lifters could amass hundreds of records that beginning in 2009 became recognized in the Century Club. But then the standards changed. In 2016 a new rule was approved that limits the number of lifts each competitor can set records in to only five. The standards have changed and therefore lifters no longer enjoy the same record-breaking opportunities as in years past. We have, therefore, entered a new era in which we must account for the change in standards, which your authors have done.

THE NEW ERA

In our analysis we employed USAWA’s Record List of June, 2022. In order to account for the new 5-lift Record Day limit we removed all records prior to 2017. Next we counted only one record per lift for each competitor. The reason for doing so lies within the incongruence in the rules that allows Junior and Master lifters to set two records (age group and overall) while the Senior age group, those aged 20 to 39, can only set an overall record that must exceed the record set in all other age groups. So, basically we evened the playing field best as we could in establishing who the greatest all-round lifters are in this new era.

THE GREATEST

The greatest lifter in this new era of all-round lifting in the United States is an immensely dedicated and talented lifter—Dean Ross. Despite the change in Record Day standards he amassed new records in 106 different lifts.

The greatest lifter in this new era of all-round lifting…is an immensely dedicated and talented lifter—Dean Ross.

 

Dean’s record-breaking career started in 2005 at the Dino Challenge where he competed as a Masters lifter. And we must note that in this new era of all-round records, Dean is the first to break the 100-records mark.

Contrast Dean to the leader in the Women’s division, Phoebe Todd. Phoebe’s first records appear in 2019 as a 13-year old and since then she has established records in 42 different lifts. In taking a closer look at Phoebe’s records, we have concluded that she’s a true all-rounder as her records span a wide range of lifts.

Phoebe’s first records appear in 2019 as a 13-year old and since then she has established records in 42 different lifts.

Calling her a specialist who racks up records only in her favorite movements is not an accurate way to describe this up-and-comer in all-round weightlifting. We applaud Dean and Phoebe and look forward to seeing them continue with their record-breaking efforts.

TOP 5 MEN AND WOMEN

Men

1. Dean Ross — 106

2. LaVerne Myers — 96

3. Al Myers — 89

4. Denny Habecker — 87

5. Chad Ullom — 65

Women

1. Phoebe Todd — 42

2. RJ Jackson — 33

3. Janet Thompson — 30

4. Elizabeth Skwarecki — 28

5. Amorkor Ollennuking — 21

When it comes to determining overall strength, all-round weightlifting reigns supreme among strength sports. And not only that, but you have to be dedicated for many, many years and be willing to often times learn totally new movements to excel in this sport. We challenge you to step out of your comfort zone to take on the challenge of attempting to become an All-Round Great.

By Eric Todd, Secretary

2022 MINUTES FROM ANNUAL MEETING OF THE USAWA

The 2022 USAWA national meeting was called to order at 10:15 AM on June 25, 2022 by president Denny Habecker at the Habecker residence in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.  Denny conducted a roll call, and the following members were present: Barry Bryan, Beth Skwarecki, Barry Pensyl, Frank Ciavattone, Denny Habecker, and Eric Todd. The reading of the minutes from the 2021 national meeting was read by Eric Todd, secretary.  Denny Habecker made a motion to accept the minutes as read, with a second from Barry Pensyl.  The motion passed unanimously.  Next, the financial report was given by treasurer, Eric Todd.  It was reported that the USAWA currently has a balance of $9472.85 in the account, which is a increase of $423.36 from last year at this time.  Eric stated that we have done well in meet sanctions, we have sold some merchandise, and membership applications and dues are steadily trickling in.  Denny made a motion to accept the report, with a second from Frank Ciavattone.  Motion passed unanimously.  Eric Todd, website director, gave the report on the website next.  It was stated that we are in need of contributors to the website.  Anything from biographies to training cycles to competition experiences, to updates on lifters present and past.  The forum has picked up in its usage.  We have decent activity on Facebook.  We also have an Instagram presence.  Clarification was asked of Beth Skwarecki, who co-runs the Instagram account with Lance Foster.  She explained that if a member wished to post something to the USAWA Instagram page, they would either email it to her or Lance, or post on their own page and then tag u.s.a.w.a.  It was noted that our Instagram presence has attracted attention from other folks who enjoy the odd-lifts, but are not currently members. Next, the report from awards director, Al Myers was read on his behalf by Eric Todd.  Al was not able to attend.  It read as follows:

“The awards program provides awards to recognize outstanding performances and contributions within the USAWA.   The big part of this award program is the annual awards presented every year at the National Championships.   The awards given are the Athlete of the Year, the leadership award, the sportsmanship award, the courage award, the newcomer award, and the club of the year.  These annual awards are chosen by the membership.   It also includes any “special awards” given out on a selected basis.  This year there were no special awards given out.  Money used for this program is budgeted from the USAWA treasury. I apologize for missing the National Meeting this year due to my wife’s recent surgery.  It’s my first absence in 20 years!  I hope everyone’s having a great time and I’ll be thinking of you today!”

The report from records director, John Strangeway was read on his behalf by Eric Todd, as John was not able to attend.  It read as follows:  “Greetings all.  I am glad the meets occurrences are finally back to normal.  I don’t have much. Quick note for the members, try and use name consistency while filling in the meet/record sheet. If I know the person it is an easy decision but I am hesitant to alter people I am unfamiliar with incase they are family members, such as a jr etc. Anthony and Tony as an example. I want to thank the meet organizers for adding an asterisk to the records to add/update on the forum. This helps immensely. (note from Eric)-not all promoters are doing this.  Please do,  It just makes one more thing for me to do if you are not).  Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself or through Eric if you notice something not correct on the sheet. I hope to rejoin you all as a full time lifting member next year, recovery has been slow this time around. Thank you all.”

Next, the report from Drug Enforcement Director was given on his behalf by Eric Todd.  Chad was unable to attend.  It read as follows:  “2 tests were given both negative”

The report from the Officials Director, Joe Garcia, was read on his behalf by Eric Todd, as Joe was unable to attend.  It reads as follows:

“Officials testing somewhat stagnant over the past couple of years.  I believe only one person in the past year or so (Clint Poore).  I know a lot of the older members are set as officials, but competition directors should attempt to get non official members to sit for both the practical and written exam.  The process is fairly simple and easy to do.  Pretty much everyone can benefit from the knowledge gained from going through the process” (note from Eric-Both Beth Skwarecki and Abe Smith have completed their written exam and are officials in training)

Denny Habecker gave the report as Postal Meet Director.  He stated that the postal series is going stronger than ever.  In 2021 we had 26 competitors in quarter 1, 25 in quarter 2, and 23 in both of the last two quarters.  There were 35 participants in all.  This year, quarter 1 postal saw 31 competitors.  Denny said that he had already received a decent number of results for quarter 2, and there was still time remaining to get them in.

Next up was the report from IAWA Technical Committee Chairman Dennis Mitchell on upcoming IAWA events and other technical issues that are being discussed by the IAWA Technical Committee.  It read as follows:

“I have not received any requests for approval of new lifts, or questions about rules.   Therefore I have nothing to report to the Tech Committee.    I have been Tech Chairman for many years now, and feel it is time for someone else to take over this position.”

Members in attendance then engaged in discussion on the prospect of a rule change for the bench press and its variations to allow for the usage of blocks under the feet.  Eric Todd mentioned that the rules written as they are makes the bench press undoable for younger children.  Beth Skwarecki mentioned that it often puts women lifters at a disadvantage when bench press lifts are contested.  The proposed language was to add “or on blocks” to the sentence “The feet must be flat on the floor and not braced against the bench during the lift” to make it read “The feet must be flat on the floor or on blocks and not braced against the bench during the lift.” Barry Pensyl and Beth Skwarecki mentioned that it would be possible under that language for a lifter to distort the lift by using taller blocks than necessary.  Eric Todd argued that he did not see how that would give the lifter an advantage.  The consensus was that we should add language to make it clear what the lift should look like so that there was no possibility of distorting the lift.  The sentence was changed to “The feet must be flat on the floor or on blocks with hamstrings remaining in contact with the bench and feet not braced against the bench during the lift.”  Denny Habecker made a motion to accept the rule change to include the new language.  Beth Skwarecki seconded the motion.  It passed unanimously.

We then moved into discussion over the adding the Jefferson lift for each of the individual fingers.  Eric Todd stated that there was really no reason not to, as the IAWA has those lifts. Beth Skwarecki pulled up the IAWA rulebook on her phone, and confirmed that those are IAWA lifts.  The language would read as follows:

Jefferson Lift – Fingers, Index

The rules of the Jefferson Lift apply except only the index

fingers of both hands may be used. The index

fingers of both hands may grip the bar in an

alternate manner. The thumb must not be in

contact with the lifting fingers.

Jefferson Lift – Fingers, Little

The rules of the Jefferson Lift apply except only the little

fingers of both hands may be used. The little fingers

of both hands may grip the bar in an alternate

manner. The thumb must not be in contact with the

lifting fingers.

Jefferson Lift – Fingers, Middle

The rules of the Jefferson Lift apply except only the

middle fingers of both hands may be used. The middle fingers of both hands may grip

the bar in an alternate manner. The thumb must

not be in contact with the lifting fingers.

 Jefferson Lift – Fingers, Ring

The rules of the Jefferson Lift apply except only the

ring fingers of both hands may be used. The ring

fingers of both hands may grip the bar in an

alternate manner. The thumb must not be in

contact with the lifting fingers.

Denny Habecker made a motion to accept the new lifts as written.  Barry Pensyl seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

We then discussed the prospect of doing voting electronically for the national meeting to allow for increased participation.  Beth Skwarecki suggested sending out a zoom (or other virtual media platform) link prior to the national meeting to any member that wants to participate virtually.  Eric Todd asked for clarification for venues where there may not be wifi, or phone service is at a minimum.  Beth suggested adding the following language to the current rule: “Attendance may be done virtually (at the promoters discretion) where technology allows.”  Beth made a notion to accept the additional language to the rule.  Denny seconded the motion.  It passed unanimously.

Next in the line of discussion was for a change to bylaw 17A.  The suggestion was for elimination of the portion that reads “with the final postal meet being the National Postal Meet championship.  It was the feeling of the membership that the four quarterly postal meets should have similar value toward the overall championship, with no one leg being worth double value.  Denny Habecker made a motion to change the wording accordingly.  Beth Skwarecki made the second.  The motion passed unanimously.

The membership next delved into the discussion of increasing membership.  Beth Skwarecki suggested we start inviting others to our meets, perhaps reaching out to local gyms.  Eric Todd suggested that growth should happen at the club level and by expanding into new territories.  We do have an influx of lifters from Canada, and growth in Colorado.  Beth wondered about running a virtual competition to reach out to new lifters.  It was decided at this time, we will look at doing so as an exhibition during this next competition year to get a feel for how such a thing could impact our membership.  No records would be set.

New business was the next agenda item.  Frank Ciavattone asked about adding a complete history to include each lifter, their individual lifts, and totals, etc.  Eric Todd said he was not opposed to such a thing, but suggested it would be a tall order to transcribe all of the old typewritten “Strength Journal” results into digital format.  Beth Skwarecki suggested one could take a digital picture of the results and post that to ease the transition a bit.  Eric Todd said he would look into that.  There was no other new business.

Last on the agenda was a bid for Nationals 2023.  Bill Clark sent a bid to host nationals in Columbia, MO in mid to late June, 2023.  No other bids were brought forth.  Eric Todd made a motion to accept Bill’s bid.  The second was made by Denny Habecker.  The motion passed unanimously.

As, that was the completion of the items for discussion on the agenda, Frank Ciavattone made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Barry Pensyl made the second.  The motion to adjourn passed unanimously. the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon.