By Al Myers
The USAWA LIFTER OF THE MONTH for March is John Strangeway, of the KCSTRONGMAN Club. Scottish Johnny has been a regular at local USAWA competitions and postal meets throughout the last year. He was the overall Men’s Champion in the 1st Quarter Postal Meet of 2019.
I have lifted with Johnny many times now and he has great enthusiasm for the all rounds. Congratulations on being the Lifter of the Month!
By Al Myers
LaVerne in action wiith the 2″ dumbbell deadlift at the 2018 World Championships in Eastbourne, England .
The USAWA Lifter of the Month for February is LaVerne Myers. LaVerne was the overall outstanding men’s lifter at the 2019 USAWA Grip Championships which was contested in February. He bested 10 other outstanding gripsters in the meet. That is a huge accomplishment!
Now don’t forget that this coming weekend we are going to be celebrating LaVerne’s 75th birthday at the Dino Gym in conjunction with an afternoon record day. Everyone is invited to stay for the evenings festivities which will include a roast to LaVerne along with a fish fry. I will provide all food and beverages. Please remember to bring a gag gift for LaVerne along with a roast speech. I want to make this a night that he won’t forget!!!
By Al Myers
The USAWA Lifter of the Month for January 2019 is Chad Ullom. Chad was the overall best lifter at the Dino Gym Challenge, which was the only competition held in the month of January within the USAWA. The Dino Gym Challenge is currently the longest running annual competition in the USAWA held at the same location every year. This year celebrated the 16th year of the Dino Gym Challenge (started in 2004).
By winning the best lifter award at the 2019 Dino Challenge, it made Chad the lifter who has won the best lifter award at the Dino Gym Challenge the most times. This was his 6th overall win (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2019).
By Al Myers
Stephen Santangelo preparing for a finger lift at the Vernacchio Record Day.
The USAWA LIFTER OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER is Stephen Santangelo.
Stephen participated in the John Vernacchio Memorial Record Day, hosted by Denny Habecker, and turned in some excellent finger lift marks for new USAWA records. The 162 pound middle finger lift that he did is a big lift, and really caught my attention!
Stephen has been competing in USAWA competitions for several years now and is an outstanding competitor. He has has been to several events at the Dino Gym and I always enjoy our visits, as he has a wealth of information concerning proper training and proper nutrition for the lifter.
A big CONGRATS Stephen!
By Al Myers
Jeff Ciavattone lifting 501 pounds in the Ciavattone Grip Deadlift at the NE Fall Classic.
The USAWA Lifter of the Month for November is JEFF CIAVATTONE. Jeff lifts out of Frank’s Barbell Club in Walpole, Mass and recently won the New England Fall Classic. Jeff put up some great lifts to beat a high quality field of lifters.
One of his lifts that really stood out to me was his Ciavattone Grip Deadlift of 501 pounds. It broke a long standing USAWA record of 485 pounds held by Bill Spayd. There have been very few lifters that have exceeded 500 pounds in the Ciavattone Grip Deadlift, and now Jeff is part of that group.
A big CONGRATS goes to Jeff for this month’s lifter of the month award!