2003 AAPF National Powerlifting & Bench Press Championships April 12 &13, 2003
The 2003 AAPF Nationals took place April 11-13, at Rich East High School, Park Forest, IL. With 100 lifters, it was one of the largest AAPF Nationals in recent years. The weekend was slightly overcast by the loss of Founder Ernie Frantz's mother. We will all miss her. "Mom" was a regular feature down at Frantz Sports. We will all miss her. I know everyone extends their condolences to Ernie and the entire Frantz family.
The meet took place over two days, which made it a fun weekend for everyone--even the help! Sessions started on time and ran smoothly. Saturday was run on a single platform. Sunday, with 66 lifters, was run on two platforms. The trophies were beautiful cups, from Jon Smoker of Indiana. If you want great trophies, call Jon. As long as he was there, Jon made a return to the competition platform by blasting new world records in the Squat, Deadlift and Total.
The lifters came from all over the US--from coast to coast. The quality of lifting was exceptional. The judging was fairly tight, fair and consistent. The venue was large and airy, making it a pleasure for lifters and spectators, alike. The huge warmup area had monolifts and the best equipment available, as did the competition platforms. Sincerest thanks go to Secretary Amy Jackson and Technical Officer Bob Spaulding for making my job as announcer one of the easiest I can remember. The referees came from all over the country, as well, from Texas to Michigan and beyond. Special thanks to all the referees who sat the chairs all weekend. At this writing I fear that I will not get the entire list so I will thank everyone here. I am a bit gun shy about trying to list all the officials since a previous press release where I neglected to thank Eric Stone--who is a fine young judge, generous with his time and skill. How's that, Eric, okay?
Thanks also go to the entire staff at Frantz Sports. Everyone was terrific about stepping in and giving that extra energy to make the weekend a huge success. Thanks also to Rich East Vice Principal Eric Maroscher for getting his school for the weekend.
New WPC/AWPC President Kieran Kidder came up from Florida to help with the meet. He, very eloquently, addressed the audience and like at the end of the meet. He made it clear that his plans for the federation include growth and well being for all. It was great to have him in attendance. It was obvious that the crowd really appreciated what he had to say.
The team trophy went to Frantz Sports with Lynch Gym of Indiana second by only one point. How close is that!
There were so many new records broken on all levels that the record book has been virtually rewritten. It was very satisfying to see so many return lifters, but also many new faces. Lifters placing in the top three in their respective classes qualified for the AWPC World Championships, in Saco, Maine, August 15-17, 2003. Russ Barlow will be hosting what promises to be another of his top quality meets.
REMEMBER, THIS MEET WAS THE ONLY QUALIFIER FOR THE AWPC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WHICH ARE BY INVITATION ONLY. IF YOU PLACED AT NATIONALS AND DIDN'T GET YOUR INVITATION PLEASE BE IN TOUCH WITH AMY IN THE OFFICE (630) 892-1491 AND SHE WILL GET THAT OUT TO YOU. NO OTHER MEET WILL QUALIFY YOU FOR WORLDS.
Awards were ready immediately after the sessions ended so no one had to stay around waiting for too long. Incredible thanks to Meet Director Ernie Frantz. He proved this weekend that, even in adversity, he has put together a fine, capable crew who can work through anything.
Maris Anne Sternberg