AWPC Powerlifting and Bench Press World Championships
This meet was one of the best meets ever held. Co-meet directors Amy Jackson and AWPC /WPC Founder Ernie Frantz did a fantastic job in terms of equipment, logistics, and attention to details. Each lifter received a goody bag filled with a water bottle, snacks and supplements, and a T-shirt. Even the bags were top notch. The equipment was the best available. Any time the folks at Frantz Sports Center run a meet you can count on it. The loaders and spotters did a good job. They saved a few lifters during the weekend. Thanks to the judges who also did a wonderful job: Russ Barlow, John Burghard, Radar and Janie Capehart, Erwin Chang, Terry and Nancy Dangerfield, Bob Kelly, Eric Stone and Mike Sweeney. Bob Spaulding and Maris Anne Sternberg did the Technical Officer job with aplomb! AWPC/WPC CEO Kieran Kidder was in attendance to referee and meet and greet all the competitors. Maris kept the meet moving with her inimitable style and flair. But without Ernie Frantz and Amy Jackson at the scorer’s table it would have been a very different story.
The meet began with the Bench Press Competition. Eva Siskova traveled all the way from Slovakia to compete. She did an admirable job. As did Carol Krochmal and Sidney Thoms of the USA who took best lifter honors. Sidney made best lifter in the open and Master’s divisions. The men’s and women’s master division proved that you’re never too old to have fun lifting. Over 70year old lifters Betty Tenorio and Burt Rosenfield lifted very well, both of them setting records at the same time, with Burt taking Best Lifter. The open men had some very strong lifts with Fred Woodson taking home best lifter honors. In the master division, Bob McCaughnehey took best lifter honors with a fantastic 567.5 at 242. While placing second to Cozy Cozine, Jan Siska was another lifter from Slovakia to make the trip. It was good to see Dave VanBrocklin back after major hip surgery. It’s always great to see Walter Anczerewicz. He’s my DONUT MAN and I love him dearly!!! .
In the full powerlift division the chalk dust settled and there were some minds boggled.Margaret Kirkland totaled 903 in the 114 lb. Class. That was good enough for Best Lifter status and some more great records for her. Other names to watch were Brooke Fineis Curry who totaled 1062 in the165’s. Sharra Powell is going to be a household name in Powerlifting very soon. She totaled 940 in the 148’s and she hasn’t even hit her stride yet. With her most perfect form she will be lifting super big weights before long. Another woman who you’ll always find outstanding in the field is 64 year old Evangeline Keresey. I had the privilege of lifting with her 20 years ago and she’s back. And you’d better watch out because she is as strong as ever.
The men’s division held no slouches either. Rob Leoni dropped to the 114’s for this meet. He’s been battling cancer for several years already and still won Best Lifter Light with 1085. One of the most outstanding performances of the century, I think, so far was Jason Patrick who took Best Lifter Heavy with a 2310 total. Chad Aichs was another big totaller with 2370 in the Supers.
Shant Sheklanian, in the Juniors has to be the guy with the worst track record for traveling to and from meets that I have ever seen. At Nationals they lost his luggage and the same thing happened again at this meet! Thankfully they delivered his stuff just in time to lift both times. But who needs the aggravation! His flight for the last three meets I’ve seen him at all somehow got all screwed up, too! Maybe next time will be the charm. Tyson Orwall had a very nice day, as did Tony Luna who won his first world championship at this meet. Congratulations Champs! Truly outstanding, Hunter Beck, became the first teenager ever to bench over 400 with his 402.5. He’s quite impressive. If he keeps on as he is, he’ll become one of the all-time stars of our sport.
There were some good battles in the Masters. Bob Mccaughnehey and Rick Roberts had a bit of a fight going, but with his extraordinary bench, Bob picked up the win. Buddy McKee did a great job. Only one successful squat still was enough to get him a Best Lifter crown. Tim Lane in the 308’s had a fine performance going 8 for 9 while winning his first World Championship. He is one of the true gentlemen of the sport. Rudy Ruettiger had his usual fine lifting as did Mario Nigro, both mult World and National Champions again. Dick Zenzen helped coach, judge and still had strength to add another World championship to his resume. Jon Smoker set a worod record squat he’s been working for on the way to his victory. His strength is only eclipsed by his niceness. What looked like it could develop into a close battle were Fred Glass and Rich Gidcumb. These two have been competing against each other for years. This time it could have been close, except for Rich’s superiority in the Bench Press. After that Fred could only play catchup which he wasn’t able to do. Rich Flores, perennial champion took home world records and Best Lifer in the65-69 175’s. He just gets stronger and stronger.
All in all, I would say that a grand time was had by all. Next year the Worlds will be held in the same place, July 29-31. Also watch for details on AAPF Nationals coming in March in Maine with Russ Barlow and his posse. Until then, stay healthy and stay strong. Maris