USAWA

by Al Myers

(The following meet report covering the 1994 USAWA National Championships was written by Bill Clark in the June 1994 issue of the Strength Journal, Vol. V No.3)

Noi and Malloy: Robbie, Jackie, and Hirsh — the Best!!!

CLEVELAND, OH JUNE 4-5th: The record book took a beating as 37 lifters from eight states enjoyed a two-day, fun-filled session of lifting and meetings under the direction of USAWA president Howard Prechtel at the seventh annual National All-Round Weightlifting Association Championship.

The women’s field was led by Jacqueline Simonsen, the open best lifter, and Noi Phumchaona, the top master.  The best junior was Robbie McKean. Jim Malloy edged out Art Montini in a tight race for the masters’ best lifter and 39-year-old Bob Hirsh was untouchable in the open division.  The actual number of records set won’t be known till Joe Garcia’s computer gets to work on a list which is fast approaching 2000 entries.  No less than 13 marks fell on fourth attempts alone and another three were added when lifters did one-hand lifts with both hands for record without leaving the bar. Another of other marks were near-misses such as Frank Ciavattone’s 1600 lb. hand and thigh.

A 24-year-old in his first-ever USAWA championship almost stole the show, Goeff Gazda, a 131-pounder who trains with Chris Waterman, was built more like a distance runner than a strength athlete, but set half a dozen records, including four on fourth attempts.   He is surely a lifter with a future, considering his slight build.

The meet was held at the Clarion Hotel in suburban Eastlake with excellent accommodations.  The hotel will be the site of the Gold Cup in November, once again to be under its founder, Howard Prechtel.  There’s a good chance the 1995 IAWA Championships will be at the same site.  Our hat’s off to Howard, who directed, fielded questions and solved problems, ran the USAWA board meeting, and still did a number of record lifts – at the young age of 69.

MEET RESULTS

1994 USAWA National Championships
June 4-5, 1994
East Lake, Ohio

Meet Director: Howard Prechtel
Emcee: Bill Clark
Scorekeeper: Marilyn McKean

Lifts: Clean and Push Press, Jefferson Lift, One-Hand Hack Lift, Cheat Curl, One-Hand Snatch, Zercher Lift, Hand and Thigh

Men: Top Ten Placings
1. Bob Hirsh, Ohio
2. Bill DiCioccio Jr, Pennsylvania
3. Jim Malloy, Ohio
4. Bill DiCioccio Sr, Pennsylvania
5. Goeff Gazda, Ohio
6. Art Montini, Pennsylvania
7. Chris Waterman, Ohio
8. Howard Prechtel, Ohio
9. Mike Locondro, Pennsylvania
10. John McKean, Pennsylvania

Women: Top Three Placings
1. Jacqueline Simonsen, Vermont
2. Noi Phumchaona, Ohio
3. Deanna Springs, Missouri

Best Lifter Awards:
Women Open – Jacqueline Simonsen
Women Master – Noi Phumchaona
Men Open – Bob Hirsh
Men Master – Jim Malloy
Men Junior – Robbie McKean