Tag Archives: USAWA History

What happened 10 years ago in the USAWA?


by Al Myers

Garcia wins Zercher

On February 5-6, 2000, Joe Garcia wins his first Zercher Strength Classic at Clark’s Gym.  Fellow gym members Mike McBride  took second place while James Foster came in third.  Seven lifters participated in this 13 lift meet which occurred over two days. Garcia dominated the Chain Lifts – with lifts of 1600# in the Hand and Thigh, 2300# in the Harness Lift, and 1805# in the Hip Lift.  This meet also included the comeback of John Carter, who had been sidelined for two years with two knee surgeries.

Postal League

Four registered clubs (Clark’s Gym, Prechtel Athletic Club, Ambridge VFW Barbell Club and Frystown Power Zone) have entered the Postal League.  The first leg of this year long competition was completed.

Nebraskaland Strength Classic

Meet director Kevin Fulton won the Nebraskaland Strength Classic, barely edging out Elijah Kucera.  Fulton put up big lifts in the Jerk-Behind Neck (305 pounds) and the Deadlift – Fulton Bar (505 pounds) to secure the win over 17 year old Kucera.

Deanna Springs Memorial

Josh Pemberton won the Deanna Springs Meet, beating Abe Smith and Al Springs.  The meet was very close, with Josh slipping past Abe by only 13 points!  A highlight of the meet was having two old JWC lifters in attendance – Wayne Smith and Wayne Jackson.  Smith had developed a reputation by being a one arm pullup champion, and on this day he performed a record in the Pinch Grip with a lift of 90 pounds.

Buckeye Record Breaker

This record day was promoted by USAWA President Howard Prechtel on March 4th. An amazing 16 lifters took part!  The list of those competing: Noi Phumchaona, Anna Holter, Jim Loewer, Dennis Stahnke, Chris Waterman, Bob McKenzie, Lee Gesbeck, Dennis Mitchell, Bob Cox, John McKean, Art Montini, Bob Hirsh, Walter Moss, Bill Crozier, Bob Geib, and Scott Schmidt.

Courtesy of The Strength Journal published by Bill Clark.

History of Past USAWA Officers

by Al Myers

Dale Friesz at the 2009 Heavy Event Nationals

Thanks to the work of the unofficial USAWA Historian Dale Friesz, the website now contains the history of the past officers of the USAWA. Dale has been a very active lifter since the beginning of the USAWA, and has been an integral part of past USAWA National Meetings. Dale deserves a pat on the back from the USAWA for taking time during his vacation to get this project finished. Thanks Dale! Below is the listing of the Past USAWA Officers since the origin of the USAWA in 1987, courtesy of Dale Friesz.

Effective January 1st, 2010 (elected 6/20/2009)

PRESIDENT: Denny Habacker, PA

VICE PRESIDENT: Chad Ullom, KS

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Al Myers, KS

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Effective July 7th, 2007 (elected 7/7/2007)

PRESIDENT: Denny Habecker, PA

VICE PRESIDENT: Al Myers, KS

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Bill Clark, MO

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Effective January 1st, 1993 (elected 11/27/1992)

PRESIDENT: Howard Prechtel, OH

VICE PRESIDENTS: Steve Schmidt, MO

Frank Ciavattone, MA

Art Montini, PA

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Bill Clark, MO

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Effective January 1st, 1989 (elected 1/22/1989)

PRESIDENT: John Vernacchio, PA

VICE PRESIDENT: Art Montini, PA

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Bill Clark, MO

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Effective January 1st, 1987 (appointed 11/29/1986)

PRESIDENT: John Carr, MO

REGISTAR: Joe McCoy, TX

Round 4 – Yesterday versus Today

Yesterday’s 242# & SHW Classes versus Today’s 105k to 125K+ Classes

by Al Myers


Results:

Lift Yesterday Today Winner
Deadlift – One Arm 455# – Joe Nanney (1961) 562# – Frank Ciavattone (2000) Today
Deadlift – Heels Together 670# – Lou Greenlaw (1982) 650# – Al Myers (2004) Yesterday
Deadlift – Middle Fingers 350# – Ken McClain (1984) 400# – Kevin Fulton (1999) Today
Deadlift – One Leg 305# – Bill Clark (1963) 309# – Al Myers (2005) Today
Hack Lift 650# – Wilbur Miller (1963) 620# – Ed Schock (2002) Yesterday
Jefferson Lift 650# – Wilbur Miller (1963) 617# – Bob Moore (1992) Yesterday
Hand and Thigh Lift 1150# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 1910# – Joe Garcia (1997) Today
Neck Lift 470# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 805# – Joe Ciavattone (2005) Today
Harness Lift 3000# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 3500# – Steve Schmidt (1988) Today
Hip Lift 2135# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 2515# – Frank Ciavattone (2007) Today
Back Lift 2610# – Steve Schmidt (1986) 3050# – Steve Schmidt (2009) Today
Clean and Press 330# – Wayne Jackson (1971) 276# – John Dundon (1997) Yesterday
Clean and Seated Press 280# – Wayne Jackson (1983) 275# – Brian Meek (1988) Yesterday
French Press 135# – Wayne Jackson (1981) 140# – Joe Ciavattone (2009) Today
Bent Press 220# – Bob Burtzloff (1984) 105# – Mike McBride (1998) Yesterday
Bench Press – Feet in Air 465# – Gary McClain (1980) 441# – Brian Meek (1989) Yesterday
Bench Press – Hands Together 265# – Callie Dealy (1982) 310# – Dave Beversdorf (2009) Today
Front Squat 470# – Terry Stephens (1979) 507# – Brian Meek (1989) Today
Snatch – One Arm 170# – Bob Burtzloff (1982) 171# – Bob Burtzloff (1987) Today
Continental to Chest 363# – Bob Burtzloff (1987) 358# – Frank Ciavattone (1992) Yesterday
Jerk – From Rack 407# – Clay Oliver (1986) 397# – Clay Oliver (1987) Yesterday
Clean & Jerk – One Arm 253# – Bob Burtzloff (1983) 175# – Bob Burtzloff (2004) Yesterday
Swing – Dumbbell, One Arm 145# – Bob Burtzloff (1985) 143# – Chad Ullom (2007) Yesterday
Zercher Lift 505# – Bill Davis (1979) 529# – Bob Moore (1992) Today
Steinborn Lift 460# – Al Robbins (1967) 430# – Chad Ullom (2007) Yesterday
Cheat Curl 253# – Ray Bradley (1979) 260# – Antoniano DelSignore (2003) Today
Pinch Grip 210# – Jim Easley (1981) 200# – Matt Graham (2002) Yesterday
Crucifix 110# – Steve Schmidt (1985) 140# – Eric Todd (2005) Today
Pullover – Straight Arm 126# – Steve Schmidt (1985) 132# – Al Myers (2009) Today
Pullover and Push 474# – Bob Burtzloff (1986) 474# – Bob Burtzloff (1987) TIE
Clean & Press – Behind Neck 220# – Bob Burtzloff (1984) 251# – Ernie Beath (2009) Today
Clean & Press – Heels Together 300# – Wayne Jackson (1983) 300# – Brian Meek (1989) TIE
Deadlift – Dumbbells 520# – Wilbur Miller (1984) 480# – Al Myers (2009) Yesterday
Clean & Press – Dumbbells 240# – Ken McClain (1986) 240# – Ken McClain (1987) TIE
Pullover and Press 165# – Ed Zercher Sr. (1963) 352# – Al Myers (2007) Today
Bench Press – Roman Chair 210# – Bob Burtzloff (1985) 250# – Dave Beversdorf (2009) Today
It was close – but Today’s Lifters pull out the WIN!


Final score in Round 4 – Today 19 wins, Yesterday 14 wins, 3 ties.

So overall – Today’s Lifters win 3 Rounds to Yesterday’s Lifters winning 1 Round.  Does this review comparison really answer the  question, “Are today’s lifters stronger than yesterday’s lifters?”.  I still can’t say that for sure because Today’s lifters do have a few advantages that the lifters before us didn’t have – such as better bars and equipment to compete with, a better understanding of proper training learned from those before us, and more opportunities to compete than they did.  I do think this study showed that several lifters from the past would still be great in today’s lifting world.  In all rounds, Today’s lifters dominated the Heavy Lifts which definitely helped in margin of victory but if taken out wouldn’t have changed the outcome.  I found this study to be very interesting – and was glad to see “the numbers” of several oldtime lifters that I have only heard about.  ANYONE making these lists are/were truly great lifters.  I welcome any comments from those who have memories of these past lifts/lifters.  I think it is very important to keep track of the history of our sport.  We have to remember that those before us paved the way for what we have today. If it wasn’t for interest in All-Round Weightlifting 50 years ago – we may not even have All-Round Weightlifting today!!

Round 3 – Yesterday versus Today

Yesterday’s 198# Class and 220# Class versus Today’s 90K, 95K, and 100K Classes

by Al Myers


Results:

Lift Yesterday Today Winner
Deadlift – One Arm 352# – Clay Oliver (1985) 410# – Don Verterosa (1989) Today
Deadlift – Heels Together 600# – Stan Frenchie (1986) 605# – Ed Schock (2003) Today
Deadlift – Middle Fingers 335# – Daryl Johnson (1980) 309# – Bill DiCiccio (2003) Yesterday
Deadlift – One Leg 270# – Steve Schmidt (1987) 295# – Eric Overfelt (1989) Today
Hack Lift 700# – Stan Frenchie (1986) 615# – Ed Schock (2002) Yesterday
Jefferson Lift 700# – Stan Frenchie (1986) 605# – Ed Schock (2001) Yesterday
Hand and Thigh Lift 1225# – Steve Schmidt (1987) 1620# – Joe Garcia (1995) Today
Neck Lift 500# – Steve Schmidt (1987) 676# – Joe Ciavattone (1992) Today
Harness Lift 3325# – Steve Schmidt (1987) 3515# – Steve Schmidt (1991) Today
Hip Lift 2515# – Steve Schmidt (1987) 2525# – John Carter (1994) Today
Back Lift 2805# – Steve Schmidt (1987) 2912# – Steve Schmidt (1992) Today
Deadlift – 2 Dumbbells 500# – Clay Oliver (1985) 332# – Chuck Urbanski (1995) Yesterday
Clean and Press 280# – Ron Sisk (1965) 231# – Drue Moore (1997) Yesterday
Clean and Seated Press 253# – Don Gleneski (1987) 245# – Phil Anderson (1988) Yesterday
French Press 185# – Homer Lewellan (1962) 125# – Randy Smith (2009) Yesterday
Bent Press 175# – Bruce Stresnider (1962) 110# – Robert English (1998) Yesterday
Bench Press – Feet in Air 385# – Bob Burtzloff (1986) 480# – Tony Succarotte (2004) Today
Bench Press – Hands Together 250# – Rocky Proctor (1984) 225# – Mike McBride (2004) Yesterday
Front Squat 380# – Leonard Friesz (1963) 441# – Tim Bruner (1989) Today
Snatch – One Arm 154# – Bob Burtzloff (1986) 171# – Thomas Incledon (1999) Today
Continental to Chest 358# – Phil Anderson (1987) 380# – Phil Anderson (1989) Today
Jerk – From Rack 350# – Leonard Friesz (1963) 331# – Don Venterosa (1993) Yesterday
Clean & Jerk – One Arm 187# – Bob Burtzloff (1986) 154# – Don Venterosa (1995) Yesterday
Swing – Dumbbell, One Arm 120# – Clay Oliver (1985) 120# – Ed Schock (2002) TIE
Zercher Lift 460# – Stan Frenchie (1987) 500# – Phil Anderson (1988) Today
Steinborn Lift 365# – Ray Wells (1974) 375# – Steve Schmidt (1989) Today
Cheat Curl 245# – Homer Lewellan (1962) 235# – Phil Anderson (1988) Yesterday
Pinch Grip 198# – Kevin Fulton (1983) 170# – Doug Fulton (1999) Yesterday
Crucifix 104# – Steve Schmidt (1983) 100# – Bill Spayd (2001) Yesterday
Pullover – Straight Arm 135# – Steve Schmidt (1984) 110# – Tony Succarotte (2004) Yesterday
Pullover and Push 441# – Bob Burtzloff (1986) 446# – Phil Anderson (1989) Today
Clean & Press – Behind Neck 220# – Jimmy Lott (1978) 198# – Terry Grow (1994) Yesterday
Clean & Press – Heels Together 237# – Ron Sisk (1986) 254# – Tim Bruner (1989) Today
Clean & Press – Dumbbells 200# – Bob Burtzloff (1986) 200# – Ed Schock (2004) TIE
Pullover and Press 314# – Steve Schmidt (1984) 281# – Robert English (1998) Yesterday
Bench Press – Roman Chair 200# – Steve Schmidt (1985) 100# – Lewis Heater (2009) Yesterday
Yesterday’s lifters finally WIN one!!

It was close, but Yesterday’s Lifters get 18 wins to Today’s Lifters 16 wins, with two ties.  Now the overall score is Today 2 wins – Yesterday 1 win.  Tomorrow’s round will be the final round – with Yesterday’s 242# and SHW Classes battling Today’s 105K, 110k, 115K, 120K, 125K, and 125K+ Classes. Some really BIG NAMES will take each other on in this one.  Yesterday’s team will include guys like Wilbur Miller, Bob Burtzloff, Steve Schmidt, Wayne Jackson, and Clay Oliver versus Today’s team of Frank Ciavattone, Joe Ciavattone, Bob Moore, Chad Ullom, Mike McBride and others.  Yesterday’s team needs this win to say that Yesterday’s lifters are just as good as Today’s lifters.  I can’t wait to see how this turns out – as it appears Yesterday’s team is stacked with a lot of great talent.  Come back tomorrow to the USAWA Daily News for the final results –  and the answer to that long asked question.

Round 2 – Yesterday versus Today

Yesterday’s 165# & 181# Classes versus Today’s 75K, 80K, and 85 K Classes
by Al Myers


Results:

Lift Yesterday Today Winner
Deadlift – One Arm 317# – Ray Esquibel (1987) 441# – Bob Hirsh (1995) Today
Deadlift – Heels Together 570# – Sid Littleton (1986) 560# – Bob Hirsh (1995) Yesterday
Deadlift – Middle Fingers 350#- Bill Broadnax (1981) 235# – Dale Friesz (1995) Yesterday
Deadlift – One Leg 160# – Ray Esquibel (1987) 260# – Abe Smith (2001) Today
Hack Lift 600# – Sid Littleton (1985) 670# – Bob Hirsh (1997) Today
Jefferson Lift 580# – Sid Littleton (1986) 702# – Bob Hirsh (1996) Today
Hand and Thigh Lift 1000# – Kevin Hale (1986) 1350# – Bill DiCiccio, Jr. (1994) Today
Neck Lift 450# – Ed Zercher III (1987) 605# – Dale Friesz (1995) Today
Harness Lift 2300# – Rick Evans (1986) 2060# – Abe Smith (2005) Yesterday
Hip Lift 1900# – Sid Littleton (1987) 2030# – Bill DiCiccio, Sr. (1997) Today
Back Lift 1265# – Ed Zercher III (1987) 2200# – Tim Pinkerton (2005) Today
Deadlift – 2 Dumbbells 410# – Sid Littleton (1985) 515# – Bob Hirsh (1995) Today
Clean and Press 285# – Robert Burnett (1967) 220# – Abe Smith (2004) Yesterday
Clean and Seated Press 210# – Dave Hahn (1962) 220# – Bob Hirsh (1996) Today
French Press 190# – Jim Charlton (1981) 121# – Bob Hirsh (2001) Yesterday
Bent Press 115# – David Lloyd (1975) 90# – Dennis Mitchell (1990) Yesterday
Bench Press – Feet in Air 352# – Ronnie Kinnamon (1984) 364# – Barry Bryan (1990) Today
Bench Press – Hands Together 275# – Ronnie Kinnamon (1984) 250# – Lon Beffort (2005) Yesterday
Front Squat 360# – Dennis Turner (1979) 380# – Barry Bryan (1990) Today
Snatch – One Arm 135# – David Lloyd (1976) 160# – Barry Bryan (1990) Today
Continental to Chest 264# – John Haynes (1987) 353# – Barry Bryan (1990) Today
Jerk – From Rack 315# – Swede Salsbury (1963) 353# – Barry Bryan (1990) Today
Clean and Jerk – One Arm 155# – David Llyod (1976) 160# – Barry Bryan (1991) Today
Swing – One Dumbbell 110# – Ray Webb (1984) 120# – Abe Smith (2004) Today
Zercher Lift 475# – Rick Evans (1986) 504# – Bob Hirsh (1995) Today
Steinborn Lift 325# – Sid Littleton (1982) 340# – Dan Wagman (2006) Today
Cheat Curl 255# – Dave Hahn (1962) 220# – Drue Moore (1995) Yesterday
Pinch Grip 205# – Tim McClain (1981) 160# – Matt Kucera (2001) Yesterday
Crucifix 130# – Joe Southard (1963) 90# – John Monk (2002) Yesterday
Pullover – Straight Arm 90# – Dick Hamilton (1963) 110# – Bob Hirsh (1996) Today
Pullover and Push 315# – Alense Barber (1986) 364# – Barry Bryan (1990) Today
Clean and Press – Behind Neck 200# – Wayne Gardner (1975) 209# – Bob Hirsh (1997) Today
Clean and Press – Heels Together 195# – Chester Words (1984) 248# – Barry Bryan (1990) Today
Clean and Press – Dumbbells 150# – Ray Webb (1984) 200# – Abe Smith (2006) Today
Pullover and Press 225# – Carles Allen (1984) 287# – Bob Hirsh (1996) Today
Bench Press – Roman Chair 185# – Kevin Hale (1985) 135# – John Monk (2006) Yesterday
Final Score of Round 2
Today’s lifters 25 wins to Yesterday’s lifters 11 wins.


Today’s Lifters win in a landslide Victory!  It seemed for Today’s lifters that Bob Hirsh dominated (9 wins total), and in his weaker lifts Barry Bryan took over (8 wins).  Yesterday’s Lifters were lead by Sid Littleton (5 wins) – who made up about half of the wins for Yesterday’s team.  This list is an ALL-STAR lineup and everyone on it deserves recognition – after all I picked the BEST out of more than one weight class.

Now Today’s Lifters lead by a 2-0 margin over Yesterday’s lifters.  Can Yesterday’s lifters win the next two rounds in the battle of the heavyweights?  Or will Round 3 be just more evidence that Today’s lifters are stronger than Yesterdays lifters?  Round 3 brings out the 198# Class and 220# Class for the Yesterday’s Lifters versus the 90 K, 95 K, and 100 K Classes for Today’s lifters.  Tomorrow’s battles will include these famous all-rounders going head to head – Stan Frenchie vs. Ed Schock, Bob Burtzloff vs. Phil Anderson, and Steve Schmidt vs. Steve Schmidt.  This Round will be somewhat different than the previous two – as you will see a few lifters playing for both teams.  Anyone want to put out any bets???  I got a feeling this is going to be a real BATTLE!!

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