Presidential Cup
By Al Myers
Winner of the FIRST EVER Presidential Cup Dale Friesz (left). The USAWA President Denny Habacker presented the award (right).
The FIRST EVER Presidential Cup hosted by USAWA President Denny Habecker was a huge success this past weekend in Lebanon,PA. Six experienced and veteran lifters took part – Denny Habecker, Barry Bryan, Art Montini, John McKean, Dale Friesz, and myself. As per the rules of the Presidents Cup, our Prez had to pick which lifter had the record lift which “was worthy” of winning the cup. I’m glad this wasn’t my decision to make – as there were several championship worthy lifts put up over the course of the day.
Denny ended up choosing Dale THE MIRACLE MAN Friesz as the winner of the inaugural Presidential Cup with his efforts in the Ring Fingers Deadlift. Dale put up a 154 pound record in this lift. I was simply amazed at Dale’s lifting. Dale then followed up this lift with several other finger lift records, as it appears that these type of painful finger lifts are becoming his specialty. When asked how he can handle this many record lifts on the sensitive fingers, he replied, “just train them everyday and your fingers get used to it.” That hardcore attitude is one of the reasons he won this years Presidential Cup!
Participants in the 2012 Presidential Cup (left to right): Art Montini, Al Myers, Dale Friesz, Denny Habecker, Barry Bryan, & John McKean.
I really enjoyed catching up with John THE BIG FISH McKean. John has a wealth of information on the history of the USAWA, and I always learn new things from him in our conversations. Art THE MAN OF STEEL Montini made the trip with him, and put up a couple of nice records himself. The plans for Art’s birthday bash are obviously underway as both John and Art were sporting the meet tshirts for this years meet in October on Art’s 85th! I have never seen lifters wearing shirts for a meet that hasn’t happened yet!
It was also great to see Barry THE BOMB Bryan in action again on the platform. When Barry lifts, the weights just explode! I know most of the younger lifters don’t know Barry – but just look back in the past history of the USAWA and you soon will! Barry was the overall best lifter in the 1990 USAWA National Championships and 4th overall at the 1991 USAWA Nationals. He also placed 4th overall at the 1990 IAWA World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland and 5th overall at the 1991 IAWA World Championships in Collegeville, PA. Those type of titles are not just handed out to anyone! Barry is one of the true champions of our organization.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank Denny and Judy for hosting this weekend of fun. This meet is now our premier record day within the USAWA, and again, congrats to Dale for being crowned the LIFTER OF THE DAY by winning the first-ever Presidential Cup.
MEET RESULTS
2012 Presidential Cup
Habecker’s Gym
Lebanon, PA
August 25th, 2012
Meet Director: Denny Habecker
Officials (three used on each lift): Al Myers, Denny Habecker, Art Montini, Barry Bryan, John McKean, Dale Friesz
Dale Friesz – 72 years old, 160# BWT
Deadlift – Ring Fingers: 154#
Deadlift – Index Fingers: 115#
Finger Lift – Right Ring: 112#
Finger Lift -Right Middle: 129#
Denny Habecker – 69 years old, 193# BWT
Clean and Jerk – Behind Neck: 145#
Clean and Press – 12″ Base: 141#
Clean and Press – Heels Together: 141#
Deadlift – Fulton Bar, Ciavattone Grip: 231#
Snatch – Fulton Bar: 88#
Deadlift – No Thumbs: 286#
Barry Bryan – 54 years old, 193# BWT
Deadlift – Fulton Bar, Right Arm: 132#
Clean and Press: 176#
Art Montini – 84 years old, 173# BWT
Arthur Lift: 66#
Deadlift – Dumbbell, Left Hand: 132#
John McKean – 66 years old, 163# BWT
Deadlift – 2 Dumbbells: 324#
Deadlift – Dumbbell, Right Arm: 162#
Deadlift – Dumbbell, Left Arm: 162#
Hack Lift: 256#
Al Myers – 46 years old, 247# BWT
Deadlift – Fulton Bar, Right Arm: 176#
Deadlift – Fulton Bar, Left Arm: 154#
Deadlift – Fulton Bar: 475#