Here is the next installment of past nationals in an effort to preserve a more complete history. This one is from 2006. They are all transcribed from the “Strength Journal” by Bill Clark. This was an idea of Frank Ciavattone’s and was presented at the national meeting. Enjoy a little piece of history:
Thought the turnout was three lifters, the lifting at Frank’s New Years Eve Record Breaker meet was outstanding. I love this idea. What a marvelous way to bring in the New Year! Frank and Jeff Ciavattone, along with Peter Vuono got after some big lifts and set 5 new records apiece. Way to go guys! Here are the results:
By Eric Todd
With the most recent update to the record list by our new records director, John Strangeway, I thought it would be a good opportunity to update our century club. There was no movement whatsoever in the women’s list. Though the number of records changed somewhat in the men’s list, the top 12 stayed in the exact same order as they were in the last update in January of 2020. I was able to jump from number 15 to number 13 by adding 20 records. The biggest leap was John Strangeway going from 22nd to 16th by adding 36 records to the list. Aiden Habecker jumped a few spots from 28th to a three way tie at 24. Aiden added 13 to his total. Jeff Ciavattone made the jump from 27th to the three way tie at 24th by adding 12 records to his total. (Aiden and Jeff share 24th place on our list with Bob Geib). One thing of note is that big Frank made it to three centuries for this update. The biggest news is that we have a new member of the century club with this update. Abe Smith, of Clark’s Gym in Missouri, has achieved century club status after a couple of decades of record setting. Abe comes in with 108 record. If you think you should be listed as a member of the Century Club, or if you think you are getting close and would like for me to keep an eye on when you might be joining us, please reach out to me. My email address is SalGuimino@yahoo.com.
By Christopher Lestan
As I began my career in the USAWA in 2018 I only knew of the lifts such as the Ciavattone deadlift, or the Jefferson deadlift. Lifts that I could relatively understand and see mentally through my experience with Powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. These times were simple and I loved it. I would head to Franks Barbell and do 1-4 lifts that would fit in the “push” or “pull” exercise categories. I seemed to gain a grasp on the whole idea of the USAWA and the lifts until Frank Introduced me to the Heavy Lifts.
Now for a time, I had heard of the “Neck lift”, for I would see awards in Franks basement that would say “700lb NECK LIFT” or something along those lines. Frank would also tell stories bout these “heavy lifts” and often was interesting to listen to because it seemed like a mythical lift. Something that was done in the past and only stories from the men and women who were present could tell about the tales.
Then one day I came into the gym. Set my bag down. Put on my converse and started to warm up for that day’s workout. Frank came into the gym but with a different look in his eyes. He had some excitement in his eyes. Some flare. I was curious so I had to ask him what was on his mind.
“What are we doing today Frank?”, I said gently.
He starred into my eyes and said calmly “Time to train the neck lift.”
Now before I could fully understand what was just said I said “Okay”. But then the whole sentence processed through my brain and then I quietly gasped “…. the neck lift….”. My whole day was turned upside down. Today was the day I tried this legendary lift. The day I decide to be calm and collective or look at Frank and tell him my C2-C3 in my spinal cord was hurting.
He pointed towards the corner of the gym and said “can you grab the harness and the heavy-lift bar”. I quickly stumbled over there and saw what looked like a medieval torture device. Then I turned my head to the barbell for the Heavy Lift. Now if you have never seen one of them well they are simply massive. I believe Franks is over 100 pounds. After starring at the medieval torture device and the pipeline for about 2 minutes I dragged them out to the platform. Then I just looked at them. I was lost. What was I supposed to do with them?
“Put 45s on the bar, and put the harness on your head,” said Frank. He then went on to explain which side the head harness should be, and the proper technique for the neck lift. After all the explaining I attempted my first ever neck lift….. and did it not feel good. For those who haven’t experienced the feeling of a neck lift imagine a massive amount of force being pulled from the back of the head. Now this sensation lasts about 1-2 seconds before you get the “down signal”.
The whole workout was centered on active and singles. The heaviest we went to that night was 300 pounds for a top single. The next week only consisted of me being super tight in my trap area and feeling like I got hit by a truck.
A classic example of what a neck lift looks like! This is 700 during training last year!
The next lif introduced to me was the Hang and Thigh lift. Now, this lift requires more of a leg drive in the extension part of the lift. However, if your hands are not strong then it will be challenging to get the lift off the ground in general. My introduction to this lift was when I was doing a typical deadlift workout. I was months away from my next competition and was doing the standard light reps but the emphasis on form. After I was done I was going to do rows however, Frank had other plans. He had me take out the Heavy Lifts barbell again along with something that looks like it came from a metal factory. It was a handle with chains on it. Again it looked like a device used in England in 1250.
After about 5-8 sets of Hang and Thigh singles, I woke up the next morning feeling super tired and sore. My whole back was weak feeling, and my glutes weirdly enough were extremely achy.
The last lift that I learned from Frank from the Heavy Lifts was the Hip Lift. This lift is less intimidating and more about power through the legs. There is a belt worn around the hip that attaches to the Heavy Lift bar itself. After attaching the chains together all you do is push with the legs and try to lift the weight about 1 inch from the ground. Now when I first tried this lift I loved it. I have strong legs so this type of lift suited me. However, the next morning my legs were screaming for help. The 1 inch off the ground doesn’t seem like much, yet the amount of stress on the legs is what really kicks in the soreness.
Now I know what you are thinking… WHY WOULD YOU TRY THESE LIFTS. Well, personally I love the idea of a challenge and something new. Additionally, like a lot of these, lifts the is history. These lifts were a staple in the 80s and 90s of the USAWA and IAWA and would be even part of National and Worlds. The amount of fatigue that would set after these lifts after Day 1 of a Worlds weekend would definitely affect the performance of some lifters. Another reason why I love these lifts is they really teach you how to control fatigue. You can’t just one rep max every week with these lifts. There is an art form to the quality and quantity of the workouts with these workouts. Lastly, they are just cool. How many you know personally that can lift hundreds of pounds with a lift named the Neck lift? Or even hip lifted a 1,000 pounds? I can answer that and it’s 0.
When the opportunity arises try these lifts. It’s very difficult to find the bar and harnesses to perform them. But I am telling you they are a blast to try and even perfect!
By Christopher Lestan
ANDERSON WINTER CLASSIC RECORD BREAKERS
Meet Recap:
What a meet that was filled with excitement, heavy lifts, and an excellent atmosphere. We had the competition held at the Athletic Republic which is where I used to work and my former boss gave us a great rate that allowed us to test the waters in holding a meet in the facility. We had 14 lifters. We originally had 15 lifters, unfortunately, I had to pull out of the meet due to tearing my bicep 2 weeks before. However, it was still a great show! We had 10 men and 4 women participate in the lifting.
The first lift of the day was the Anderson Squat. This was a show stopper. In the women division newcomer, Ani Kaleshian squatted 500 pounds on her third attempt making it look like a second attempt. Then we had Sarah Gibbons put up a beautifully executed 400-pound squat! Then, of course, we had Frank nieces who both put up massive numbers for their age and as usual became the stars of the meet with everyone coming by to support them!
In the men’s division, we had a long battle of who could lift the most. In the lower weight class, we had Raj Dasrath at 135 pounds squatting 620 pounds! Everyone was shocked by the display of strength which was soon followed by applause. Then we had Zach, and Travis all lift 500 like nothing. Next Carter Fisher, the young bull in the competition, comes out of the left field and squats 700 pounds easy! After seeing this Shane Blass shouts “I want that weight” and then walks over to the barbell to lift it with tremendous power. Again applause was followed. Zach comes to the squat rack to squat 600 pounds to hold his own ground. Longtime USAWA member Mark Raymond also displayed massive strength with his 275 squat and Frank Ciavatonne with 225!
As usual Frank has been instrumental in helping me organize these meets!
The second lift of the day was the Ciavatonne Deadlift. Multiple people displayed their grip strength as well as power here as well. In the women’s division, we had Ani come again and lift 285! Then we had the girls Natalie, and Olivia pick up the weight just like their uncle Frank… WITH EASE!! Sarah made 205 like nothing displaying her grip strength.
In the men’s division, everyone was showing their power with the deadlift! Mark Raymond was able to pull 300 with more in the tank. We had Zach with a massive 430-pound deadlift and two attempts at the national record in which both he had at the top but couldn’t hold it! He definitely has it at this year’s nationals! The young stallion Ryan Bingham pulled a 440-pound deadlift to end the event, and he still had more in him!
Fellow Umass Powerlifting teammates Ani, Raj, Carter, and Travis!
The last event of the day we had the Clean and Press. As usual Frank’s nieces displayed their ability to lift anything with a 40 and 45 pound clean and press! Rising star of the meet Ani showed her ability her upper body power with a 120 clean and press! Then we had Zach and his brother display their beautiful technique and press with Mahmud with an easy 165 and Zach with 185! Shane Blass was impressive moving 165 as it was nothing! Carter Fisher who refused to be not behind them attempted a 165 pound clean and press which was successful!
It was a great meet! Filled with a competitive atmosphere that couldn’t be rivaled. The best part about these local meets is the ability to display the beauty of what this sport brings! Between lifts, every lifter was being social, making new friends and acquaintances. Everyone was cheering on each other, and helping with loading the weights.
The audience was amazing. We had close to 20-25 spectators with all of them cheering and being entertained by the displays of strength. My former boss Jason even came by and started cheering.
Big congrats on Carter Fisher winning BEST OVERALL LIFTER in his first meet with USAWA. He was followed close behind by Raj Dasrath! One lift gone bad or good would have turned the whole placing of the top two. Big Congrats on Sarah being the Open winner, and Ani being the Junior Winner. I really hope to see these two in the future at another meet!
MEET RESULTS:
Anderson Winter Classic
December 28th, 2019
Norwood, Massachusetts
Meet Director: Christopher Lestan
Host: Athletic Republic
Meet Announcer/ Scorekeeper: Christopher Lestan
Officials(1 official system used): Frank Ciavatonne and Christopher Lestan
Lifts: Anderson Squat, Ciavatonne Deadlift (2H), Clean and Press
All lifts were recorded in pounds:
Female Division:
| Name | Age | Weight | Class | Division |
| Ani Kaleshian | 18 | 165 | 75kg | Junior (18-19) |
| Sarah Gibbons | 21 | 156 | 75kg | Open |
| Natalie Collins | 12 | 109 | 50kg | Junior (10-13) |
| Olivia Collins | 10 | 114 | 55Kg | Junior (10-13) |
Men Division:
| Name | Age | Weight | Class | Division |
| Shane Blass | 25 | 212 | 100kg | Open |
| Raj Dasrath | 22 | 135 | 65kg | Open |
| Carter Fisher | 19 | 186 | 85kg | Junior (18-19) |
| Eric Lestan | 14 | 160 | 75kg | Junior (14-15) |
| Travis Szetela | 23 | 180 | 85kg | Open |
| Frank Ciavatonne | 64 | 310 | 125kg+ | Masters (60-64) |
| Mark Raymond | 56 | 250 | 115kg | Masters (55-59) |
| Ryan Bingham | 19 | 315 | 125kg+ | Junior (18-19) |
| Mahmud Marhamo | 26 | 183 | 85kg | Open |
| Name | Age | Weight | Class | Division |
| Zach Marhamo | 22 | 230 | 105kg | Open |
Female Final Standing:
| Name | Anderson | C.Deadlift | C+P | Lynch |
| Ani Kaleshian | 500 | 285 | 120 | 927.74 |
| Sarah Gibbons | 400 | 205 | 70 | 698.28 |
| Natalie Collins | 181 | 125 | 45 | 632.78 |
| Olivia Collins | 150 | 90 | 40 | 485.83 |
Mens Final Standing:
| Name | Anderson | C.Deadlift | C+P | Lynch |
| Carter Fisher | 700 | 350 | 165 | 1154.03 |
| Raj Dasrath | 620 | 250 | 135 | 1147.50 |
| Shane Blass | 700 | 330 | 165 | 1032.59 |
| Zach Marhamo | 600 | 430 | 185 | 1006.62 |
| Mahmud Marhamo | 500 | 365 | 165 | 967.89 |
| Travis Stzelela | 500 | 335 | 155 | 939.01 |
| Eric Lestan | 315 | 260 | 115 | 845.13 |
| Ryan Bingham | 445 | 440 | 155 | 759.87 |
| Mark Raymond | 275 | 300 | 100 | 626.66 |
| Name | Anderson | C.Deadlift | C+P | Lynch |
| Frank Ciavatonne * | 225 | 370 | 50 | 585.50 |
*Frank Opted to do the Thumbless Deadlift and use that as a National record for the 60-64 Age group and Open.
Overall Best Lifter: Carter Fisher
Overall Best Female Open: Sarah Gibbons
Overall Best Female Junior: Ani Kaleshian
Overall Best Male Open: Raj Dasrath
Overall Best Male Junior: Carter Fisher
Overall Best Male Masters: Mark Raymond
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Anderson Squat:
Natalie Collins: 181 for the 50kg class.
Ani Kaleshian: 500 for the Junior class and Open in the 75kg.
Raj Dasrath: 620 for Open class in the 65kg class.
Shane Blass: 700 for the Open class in the 100kg class.
Frank Ciavattone: 225 for the Masters 60-64 group in the 125kg+ class.
Carter Fisher: 700 for the Junior 18-19 in the 85kg class.
Ryan Bingham: 455 for the Junior 18-19 in the 125+kg class.
Eric Lestan: 315 for the Junior 14-15 in the 75kg class.
Ciavatonne Deadlift (2H):
Ani Kaleshian: 285 for the Junior 18-19 and Open in the 75kg class.
Olivia Collins: 90 for the Junior 10-13 in the 55kg class.
Ryan Bingham: 440 for the Junior 18-19 in the 125kg+ class.
Carter Fisher: 350 for the Junior 18-19 in the 85kg class.
Clean and Press
Ani Kaleshian: 120 for the Junior 18-19 and Open in the 75kg class.
Carter Fisher: 165 for the Junior 18-19 and the Open in the 85kg class.
Zach Marhamo: 185 for the Open in the 105kg class.
Frank Ciavattone: 50 for the Masters 60-64 in the 125kg+.