The GRAND BEST LIFTERS
by Al Myers
As promised the other day, I am going to announce the GRAND BEST LIFTERS (for both men and women) in the 25 year history of the USAWA. This award is going to the lifters that currently have the most National Records (records set only at the National Championships). To do this requires a lifter not only to be a GREAT LIFTER, but also has shown the committment to have competed in several championships, thus showing longterm support to the USAWA. Just winning the OVERALL BEST LIFTER at a couple of championships won’t be enough. Now the drumroll please…..
MEN’S GRAND BEST LIFTER – FRANK CIAVATTONE
WOMEN’S GRAND BEST LIFTER – NOI PHUMCHAONA
Frank has a total of 45 Nationals Records and Noi has a total of 53 National Records. Those are amazing accomplishments!! Both of these lifters are well-deserving of this title, the BEST of the BEST, as there are several other “worthy” lifters in the running. With the men I’m thinking of guys like Bob Hirsh, Chris Waterman, John McKean, John Monk, Ed Schock, Bill Spayd, and others. For the women, I’m thinking of Jacqueline Caron/Simonsen, Amorkor Ollennuking, Cara Collins, and others.
The National Record List contains 902 records covering 57 lifts (including single arm lifts) that have been contested in the National Championships.
WOMEN NATIONAL RECORD LIST
(for lifters that have 10 records or more)
RANK | LIFTER | RECORDS |
1 | Noi Phumchaona | 53 |
2 | Cara Collins | 19 |
3 | Jacqueline Simonsen | 15 |
4 | Amorkor Ollennuking | 13 |
5 | Jeanne Burchett | 11 |
6 | Kerry Clark | 10 |
7 | Cindy Garcia | 10 |
MEN NATIONAL RECORD LIST
(for lifters that have 10 records or more)
RANK | LIFTER | RECORDS |
1 | Frank Ciavattone | 45 |
2 | Al Myers | 30 |
3 | Bob Hirsh | 27 |
4 | John Monk | 26 |
5 | Chris Waterman | 23 |
6 | Denny Habecker | 21 |
7 (tie) | Randy Smith | 19 |
John McKean | 19 | |
9 | Jim Malloy | 18 |
10 (tie) | Joe Ciavattone | 17 |
Chad Ullom | 17 | |
12 (tie) | Joe Garcia | 14 |
Bob Geib | 14 | |
14 (tie) | Dennis Mitchell | 13 |
Bill Spayd | 13 | |
Art Montini | 13 | |
17 | John Vernacchio | 12 |
18 | Dale Friesz | 11 |
19 | Ed Schock | 10 |