The Arnold Sports Festival:
Later this week, the USAPL will make its debut at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH. Four different events will be competed; the GNC Pro Performance Deadlift Challenge, the IPF Titan Pro Bench Bash, the USA Powerlifting Raw Challenge and the Quest American Invitational.
Maryland's Matt Gary will be coaching lifters from the Mid West Region who will be competing in the Quest American Invitational. Matt sends the following:
Next weekend the USAPL takes over the powerlifting portion of the Arnold Classic. Sherman Ledford has done an amazing job with the Quest American Invitational. The team format will match some of the best lifters from around the country competing against one another by Wilks Score.
The Midwest Region has six team members with WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP experience.
Here's what I'm talkin' about:
Name BW Class Division Total Wilks
1 Marcus Williams 67.5 <>
2 Wade Hooper 75 Open 857.5 611
3 David Hammers 75 <>
4 Tyson Greene 90 <>
5 Jeff Douglas 110 Master 907.5 535.27
6 Tony Cardella 125 Open 1018 580
7 Greg Wagner 125 Open 942.5 537
8 Jeff Lewis 125+ Open 1040 553.07
Leading off...we have up and coming lifters Marcus Williams, David Hammers, and Tyson Greene. These guys are starting to make some serious noise and if you don't them by now, everyone will by next Saturday. Wade Hooper needs no introduction. The question is more like, "What hasn't this guy done?" He's a multi-time IPF World Champion with a 766-pound squat. For all of you that think Jeff Douglas doesn't have anything left in the tank, you're wrong. Jeff's not the least bit complacent and has been putting up huge numbers for as long as I can remember. How's this for a 1-2 punch? Tony Cardella is the current IPF World Champion at 275 and Greg Wagner has been his runner-up for several years. And last, but certainly not least, we've got one of the biggest and baddest men on the planet in Jeff Lewis.
These guys are gonna make my job easy. I’m not sweatin’ too much. I may just sit back and coach from my recliner.
Best wishes to ALL the USAPL competitors at the Arnold Classic. It's gonna be huge!
Coach Matt Gary - Midwest Region
Local News:
John Shifflett (VA State Chairman- USAPL/100% RAW) announced the following at the Virginia Powerlifting message board:
The meet in Leesburg is a go! The 100% Raw Freedom USA will take place at Golds Gym on June 28. The meet will be single lifts Bench Press, Deadlift and Strict Curls. Awards will be sculptured Bulldogs by Carl Seeker they weigh close to 20 pounds each. Make your plans to be there.
To print an entry form, click here.
USAPL News:
2008 Women's World Team:
Michele Van Dusen 48
Sioux-z Hartwig-Gary 52
Ashley Matherne 56
Jennifer Thompson 60
Priscilla Ribic 67.5
Daliann James 75
Liane Blyn 82.5
Bonica Brown 90
Jessica O'Donnell 90+
Women's World Team Alternates:
1 DISA HATFIELD 75
2 JILL ARNOW 90
3 HARRIETT HALL UNL
4 JENNIFER PERRY 60
5 VANESSA GAUTHIER 90
6 VALERIE BAXTER 90
7 KATEY DODGE 90
8 Jayna Vande Voort 52
9 JANEL BROWN 56
10 ROWENA LOPEZ 56
12 PAULA HOUSTON 67.5
11 JENNIFER GAUDREAU 60
13 RHONDA CLARK 75
14 LAURA STYRLUND 75
15 MALINDA BAUM 82.5
16 CYDNEY "CI CI" SMITH 75
17 KENDRA MILLER 56
18 KELLI LAMBERT 75
19 RITA CARLSSON 60
20 SUE HALLEN UNL
21 STEPHANIE BYROM 48
22 DONNA MARTS 67.5
23 REBEKAH LAIR 75
24 MICHELLE SORA 82.5
25 JANE LARSEN-WELBORN 67.5
26 RUTH WELDING 67.5
To review complete statisitics, click here.
Arnold Sports Competitor Registration & Information; important information for athletes participating in the Arnold sports Festival. Click here.
Website- Collegiate Nationals; April 11-13, Denver, CO.
BMF Sports Makes Split with 100% RAW Official, Opens New Message Board:
In opening his new message board, Shawn "Bud" Lyte writes the following:
With the transfer of control of their websites this afternoon, the split from 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation is now complete, five weeks ahead of schedule.
With knowledge of inconsistencies and improprieties within 100% RAW, we will not send any lifters to 100% RAW meets this year. Drug-free is supposed to mean drug-free, without exception. We will not tell lifters they can't or shouldn't lift in that federation, but we will not cover their entry fees for those meets. Lifting in that federation will not affect their sponsorships at all.
As of April 2008, we will officially endorse Jesse Rodgers' SPF and sponsor lifters for those meets. SPF has top-notch, national-level competition, and we can rest assured that our lifters will definitely be fairly judged at their meets. In keeping with my statement of not getting directly involved with another federation, this is not a partnership or working directly with the SPF, so there is no going back on my word or double standard being set.
In light of Spero's support of the Raw Unity Meet, we're considering endorsement of RAW United once we are clear on their relationship with 100% RAW. If it truly is as Spero has explained, we'll start sending our regional lifters to those meets and possibly sponsoring the meets.
BMF Sports' commitment and responsibilities are to our clients, partners, associates and, of course, athletes. Our powerlifting efforts will concentrate upon progressive support of the Raw Unity Powerlifting Championships, and supporting - by way of sponsorships and advertising dollars - those who support Eric's efforts.
We hope these developments will once again allow us the opportunity to work with Sam Byrd and Iron Playground on something progressive and of multi-faceted benefit.
This year in powerlifting is off to a great start and we look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Shawn "Bud" Lyte
BMF Sports
Where's the BMF in you?
http://www.bmfsports.com/
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Virginia Powerlifting Report 2/20/08
From Powerlifting Watch:
The IPF has placed the Russian Powerlifting Federation (RPF) on suspension due to the failure and suspension of Yoriy Fedorenko. Fedorenko was fined and suspended effective September 24, 2007 for two years as a result of Out of Contest postive result. He did not participate in the '07 World Powerlifting Championships.
The RPF had an earlier suspension lifted (see Press Release) and were on probation when Fedorenko tested positvie. Terms of the probation called for another year of suspension to be imposed if there were to be even one failure during the probationary period. The current suspension runs from October 21, 2007 through August 30, 2008 (10 months). Results from the '07 World Championships will be recognized. The RPF , provided there are no future failures, will be eligiable to participate in the '08 World Championships.
According to Powerlifting Watch, "extenuating circumstances dictated a shortened 10 month suspension."
According to the recent IPF press release (released at Powerlifting Watch);
With that sentence hanging over the heads of the Russian Federation, some encouraging developments were observed in the IPF. A domestic Out-of-Competition testing programme was reported, with mostly negative results and positives acted on by suspension. In Russia’s return to World Championships, in Austria last October, no less than 16 Russian lifters were tested, with all results negative. The RPF has provided Whereabouts details for many of its international lifters and has co-operated with IPF Out-of-Competition testing in Russia.
The IPF Executive has considered all aspects of the recent situation with the RPF and has determined that the positive test result, at a time of suspended sentence for the RPF, must be met with a further federation suspension. However the IPF has taken into account the other steps forward by the RPF in 2007 and has tailored the federation penalty to reflect the circumstances of this case.
To read more, click here.
IPF News:
Press Release- Suspension of the Russian Powerlifting Federation
Update- 2007 National Doping Test Reports
USAPL News:
Update- 2008 Master's Nationals; click here for website.
From Critical Bench: Interview With Powerlifter Steve "The Bringer" Birdsong
As told to CriticalBench.com by Curt Dennis Jr. "The Brute" of Planetrage.com - February 2008
STEVE "THE BRINGER" BIRDSONG...truly an iron freak! Steve has been pushing me hard throughout this year even though he trains raw and I train in gear, our goals are the same. When you see this monster lift, it instantly motivates you to lift as well. He's ranked #3 in the 308s raw total and is looking to make his trek to #1. Not to mention, he's a semi-pro football player as well and a soon to be father. He's one of my writers on planetrage.com and damn proud to call him brother. Steve brings the same intensity from the football field to the gym and onto the platform. It shows, and has earned the nickname "THE BRINGER"...but I'll let Steve speak for himself...
Critical Bench: Hey, thanks for doing this interview. Steve, please introduce yourself.
My name is Steven Birdsong, I'm a 24 year old powerlifter in the open raw 308 division, and I wanna say it's an honor to be doing this interview.
Critical Bench: How long have you been into powerlifting?
I started when I was 17 and it's been 7 great years so far.
Critical Bench: Tell us about your childhood and how you got into powerlifting?
Well I was always the kid that got picked on in high school, and I never really felt like I fit in that well. I decided that I needed to take the initiative to change the way things were going, and I picked up my first weight bench for $50 at a yard sale. From that point on, my training became almost an addiction and it all escalated from there.
Critical Bench: Who did you look up to when you were coming up as a powerlifter?
Bill Kazmaier has always been the one guy that amazed me constantly, whether it was on the lifting platform, or in strongman. I still find myself using his accomplishments for motivation.
Critical Bench: How long have you been a semi-pro football player?
I've played two full seasons with the Missouri Outlaws football organization. I play both defensive tackle on d line, and left and right guard on the o line.
Critical Bench: What would you say to a novice lifter or to a lifter whose just starting out in powerlifting?
Mainly just this quote by Michelangelo.... "The greater danger for most of us is not that we aim to high and we miss it, but that we aim to low and never reach it." That always made a lot of sense to me and ever since I read it, it's always stuck with me.
To read more, click here.
The IPF has placed the Russian Powerlifting Federation (RPF) on suspension due to the failure and suspension of Yoriy Fedorenko. Fedorenko was fined and suspended effective September 24, 2007 for two years as a result of Out of Contest postive result. He did not participate in the '07 World Powerlifting Championships.
The RPF had an earlier suspension lifted (see Press Release) and were on probation when Fedorenko tested positvie. Terms of the probation called for another year of suspension to be imposed if there were to be even one failure during the probationary period. The current suspension runs from October 21, 2007 through August 30, 2008 (10 months). Results from the '07 World Championships will be recognized. The RPF , provided there are no future failures, will be eligiable to participate in the '08 World Championships.
According to Powerlifting Watch, "extenuating circumstances dictated a shortened 10 month suspension."
According to the recent IPF press release (released at Powerlifting Watch);
With that sentence hanging over the heads of the Russian Federation, some encouraging developments were observed in the IPF. A domestic Out-of-Competition testing programme was reported, with mostly negative results and positives acted on by suspension. In Russia’s return to World Championships, in Austria last October, no less than 16 Russian lifters were tested, with all results negative. The RPF has provided Whereabouts details for many of its international lifters and has co-operated with IPF Out-of-Competition testing in Russia.
The IPF Executive has considered all aspects of the recent situation with the RPF and has determined that the positive test result, at a time of suspended sentence for the RPF, must be met with a further federation suspension. However the IPF has taken into account the other steps forward by the RPF in 2007 and has tailored the federation penalty to reflect the circumstances of this case.
To read more, click here.
IPF News:
Press Release- Suspension of the Russian Powerlifting Federation
Update- 2007 National Doping Test Reports
USAPL News:
Update- 2008 Master's Nationals; click here for website.
From Critical Bench: Interview With Powerlifter Steve "The Bringer" Birdsong
As told to CriticalBench.com by Curt Dennis Jr. "The Brute" of Planetrage.com - February 2008
STEVE "THE BRINGER" BIRDSONG...truly an iron freak! Steve has been pushing me hard throughout this year even though he trains raw and I train in gear, our goals are the same. When you see this monster lift, it instantly motivates you to lift as well. He's ranked #3 in the 308s raw total and is looking to make his trek to #1. Not to mention, he's a semi-pro football player as well and a soon to be father. He's one of my writers on planetrage.com and damn proud to call him brother. Steve brings the same intensity from the football field to the gym and onto the platform. It shows, and has earned the nickname "THE BRINGER"...but I'll let Steve speak for himself...
Critical Bench: Hey, thanks for doing this interview. Steve, please introduce yourself.
My name is Steven Birdsong, I'm a 24 year old powerlifter in the open raw 308 division, and I wanna say it's an honor to be doing this interview.
Critical Bench: How long have you been into powerlifting?
I started when I was 17 and it's been 7 great years so far.
Critical Bench: Tell us about your childhood and how you got into powerlifting?
Well I was always the kid that got picked on in high school, and I never really felt like I fit in that well. I decided that I needed to take the initiative to change the way things were going, and I picked up my first weight bench for $50 at a yard sale. From that point on, my training became almost an addiction and it all escalated from there.
Critical Bench: Who did you look up to when you were coming up as a powerlifter?
Bill Kazmaier has always been the one guy that amazed me constantly, whether it was on the lifting platform, or in strongman. I still find myself using his accomplishments for motivation.
Critical Bench: How long have you been a semi-pro football player?
I've played two full seasons with the Missouri Outlaws football organization. I play both defensive tackle on d line, and left and right guard on the o line.
Critical Bench: What would you say to a novice lifter or to a lifter whose just starting out in powerlifting?
Mainly just this quote by Michelangelo.... "The greater danger for most of us is not that we aim to high and we miss it, but that we aim to low and never reach it." That always made a lot of sense to me and ever since I read it, it's always stuck with me.
To read more, click here.
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Virginia Powerlifting Report 2/18/08
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Virginia Powerlifting Report 2/14/08
Local News:
John Shifflet (VA State Chairman-USAPL/100% RAW) has announced that he will hold the USAPL Blue Ridge BP/DL & Reps Challenge on September 27, 2008. More information to come soon!
Jim Pope made the following announcement:
Ron Beuch has been invited to be on the 2008 World Masters Bench Team at 242. I would again like to congratulate you and bring home the gold.
100% RAW News:
BMF Sports will soon end direct support to 100% RAW (see February 4, 2008). Shawn "Bud" Lyte (founder/owner-BMF Sports) has managed both the website and the message board. As of April 1, he will longer perform those functions.
In a message at the message board, he seeks a replacement:
As you may know, 100% RAW will need new web management soon. A significant part of that will be a moderator for this forum. If you'd like to assume the task, please contact Paul ASAP. Whoever gets his go-ahead can take over as soon as we get word from Paul.
If a replacement isn't in place by of March 31, 2008, the forum will become unmoderated on April 1 and likely quickly sink to the level of most other forums.
There are too many good people here - in too good an environment - to let that happen, so if you're just a little web savvy and care enough to keep the positive experience going here, contact Paul at pres@rawpowerlifting.com to state your interest.
USAPL News:
Larry Maile (President- USAPL) shares the the 2007 Doping Report:
All,
Here is how the doping report looks for 2007:
UCLA tests: 29 tests, 2 positive, one for anabolics (etc.), and one for stimulants.
Institute Biochemie (Cologne): 2 tests, both negative.
Quest Diagnostics: 684 tests, 24 positive.
There are still a couple cases in progress which will affect final numbers, but this is what we have at the moment.
This does not include IPF testing: 34 tested, 33 negative, one in process.
All together: 744 U.S. lifters tested in 2007.
Updates- Women's Nationals
Tentative flight schedule- Friday and Saturday.
Sunday schedule- One session/two flights.
From Critical Bench: Interview With Powerlifting Squat Connoisseur Jeff Lewis
Interviewed By Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - February 2008
Jeff Lewis is an elite powerlifter that is a serious contender for the Total record. He has proven his merit in the both the WPO and USAPL federations. Jeff was kind enough to do a phone interview that has been transcribed below. Prepare to learn a thing or three from this gentle giant aka King Louie, Jeff Lewis.
1) Critical Bench: Ben Tatar here and I'm talking to Big Man Jeff Lewis. Jeff anyone that even remotely follows powerlifting knows how dominant you are in the sport. How did the journey begin for you?
Jeff Lewis: A guy named Joe Scalzitti got me started. He saw me the first day, I joined. I just turned 21. He asked if I lifted and I said "I just mess around, nothing serious." I bench pressed 225 for 4 reps and 275 for 2 reps on that day. He told me that I was too big to not do the sport. Then Mike Anderson took me under his wing and my powerlifting career took off from there.
2) Critical Bench: Wow, you are a lot stronger today than you were back then! What are your best lifts?
Jeff Lewis: Hahahaha, I know! Much, MUCH stronger!
In the USAPL my best squat is 959, bench 722 and 722 deadlift.
In the WPO my best squat is 1212.5, bench 815 and deadlift 771.
3) Critical Bench: How does it feel to have one of the biggest squats on Earth both equipped and unequipped?
Jeff Lewis: It's nice to do that in retrospect. It's a good accomplishment. I don't get all caught up in the numbers. Anytime, I look back, it feels good.
To read more, click here.
Jeff Lewis 1212 lb squat
John Shifflet (VA State Chairman-USAPL/100% RAW) has announced that he will hold the USAPL Blue Ridge BP/DL & Reps Challenge on September 27, 2008. More information to come soon!
Jim Pope made the following announcement:
Ron Beuch has been invited to be on the 2008 World Masters Bench Team at 242. I would again like to congratulate you and bring home the gold.
100% RAW News:
BMF Sports will soon end direct support to 100% RAW (see February 4, 2008). Shawn "Bud" Lyte (founder/owner-BMF Sports) has managed both the website and the message board. As of April 1, he will longer perform those functions.
In a message at the message board, he seeks a replacement:
As you may know, 100% RAW will need new web management soon. A significant part of that will be a moderator for this forum. If you'd like to assume the task, please contact Paul ASAP. Whoever gets his go-ahead can take over as soon as we get word from Paul.
If a replacement isn't in place by of March 31, 2008, the forum will become unmoderated on April 1 and likely quickly sink to the level of most other forums.
There are too many good people here - in too good an environment - to let that happen, so if you're just a little web savvy and care enough to keep the positive experience going here, contact Paul at pres@rawpowerlifting.com to state your interest.
USAPL News:
Larry Maile (President- USAPL) shares the the 2007 Doping Report:
All,
Here is how the doping report looks for 2007:
UCLA tests: 29 tests, 2 positive, one for anabolics (etc.), and one for stimulants.
Institute Biochemie (Cologne): 2 tests, both negative.
Quest Diagnostics: 684 tests, 24 positive.
There are still a couple cases in progress which will affect final numbers, but this is what we have at the moment.
This does not include IPF testing: 34 tested, 33 negative, one in process.
All together: 744 U.S. lifters tested in 2007.
Updates- Women's Nationals
Tentative flight schedule- Friday and Saturday.
Sunday schedule- One session/two flights.
From Critical Bench: Interview With Powerlifting Squat Connoisseur Jeff Lewis
Interviewed By Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - February 2008
Jeff Lewis is an elite powerlifter that is a serious contender for the Total record. He has proven his merit in the both the WPO and USAPL federations. Jeff was kind enough to do a phone interview that has been transcribed below. Prepare to learn a thing or three from this gentle giant aka King Louie, Jeff Lewis.
1) Critical Bench: Ben Tatar here and I'm talking to Big Man Jeff Lewis. Jeff anyone that even remotely follows powerlifting knows how dominant you are in the sport. How did the journey begin for you?
Jeff Lewis: A guy named Joe Scalzitti got me started. He saw me the first day, I joined. I just turned 21. He asked if I lifted and I said "I just mess around, nothing serious." I bench pressed 225 for 4 reps and 275 for 2 reps on that day. He told me that I was too big to not do the sport. Then Mike Anderson took me under his wing and my powerlifting career took off from there.
2) Critical Bench: Wow, you are a lot stronger today than you were back then! What are your best lifts?
Jeff Lewis: Hahahaha, I know! Much, MUCH stronger!
In the USAPL my best squat is 959, bench 722 and 722 deadlift.
In the WPO my best squat is 1212.5, bench 815 and deadlift 771.
3) Critical Bench: How does it feel to have one of the biggest squats on Earth both equipped and unequipped?
Jeff Lewis: It's nice to do that in retrospect. It's a good accomplishment. I don't get all caught up in the numbers. Anytime, I look back, it feels good.
To read more, click here.
Jeff Lewis 1212 lb squat
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Virginia Powerlifting Report 2/11/08
IPF News:
Update- National Doping Report
USAPL News:
Roster- USAPL Navy Open
From Critical Bench: Interview With Powerlifting Squat Prodigy - Scott Weech
Interviewed By Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - February 2008
1) CRITICAL BENCH: Hi Scott. It's an honor to interview the World Record Holder in the 100% RAW Federation. Introduce yourself to Critical Bench!
Well, I am 22 years old and live in Lakeland Fl. I have been married for almost 2 years. I just graduated with my bachelors degree from the University of South Florida . I am 6 feet tall and weigh 310 pounds. I compete in both powerlifting and strongman. I also do strongman exhibitions at various churches.
2) CRITICAL BENCH: Wow, it seems like you have so much going for you at such a young age. You have a degree, marriage, and a squat world record at 22, and you're strongman exhibitions at churches is admirable! What are your best lifts and what federation(s) do you compete in?
My best equipped numbers are Squat - 1103, Bench - 633, Deadlift - 733, and Total - 2442.
My best Raw numbers are Squat - 826.5, Bench - 529, Deadlift - 760, and Total - 2101.
I compete in APF, 100% Raw, and NAS Strongman.
3) CRITICAL BENCH: You have the World Record in the squat in the 100% RAW Federation! Tell us about the squat world record that you hold!
I squatted 826.5 pounds at the 2006 World Championships in Vermont . It was a great feeling, but I really felt like I could have done better than I did. I am excited about the future and raising the bar.
4) CRITICAL BENCH: Give us your squat routine!
Well my routine is constantly changing, but some aspects are fairly constant. I do regular raw squats at least once a week. Never more than twice and if I do squat a second day it will not be as heavy or it might just be something like box squats. One of my recent squat routine looked something like this:
160 - 10, 250 - 5, 360 - 5, 450 - 5, 540 - 5, 630 - 5, 720 - 5, all of these initial sets were done without a belt. The remainder of the sets were done with a belt. 770 - 3, 810 -2. After my squats I will do a number of different exercises, such as pulling the sled and front squats. I try to keep the workout very intense and my workouts usually last about 2 hours.
To read more, click here
Scott Weech Squatting 805 at the 2006 100% Raw Nationals
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Virginia Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Virginia Powerlifting.
Update- National Doping Report
USAPL News:
Roster- USAPL Navy Open
From Critical Bench: Interview With Powerlifting Squat Prodigy - Scott Weech
Interviewed By Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - February 2008
1) CRITICAL BENCH: Hi Scott. It's an honor to interview the World Record Holder in the 100% RAW Federation. Introduce yourself to Critical Bench!
Well, I am 22 years old and live in Lakeland Fl. I have been married for almost 2 years. I just graduated with my bachelors degree from the University of South Florida . I am 6 feet tall and weigh 310 pounds. I compete in both powerlifting and strongman. I also do strongman exhibitions at various churches.
2) CRITICAL BENCH: Wow, it seems like you have so much going for you at such a young age. You have a degree, marriage, and a squat world record at 22, and you're strongman exhibitions at churches is admirable! What are your best lifts and what federation(s) do you compete in?
My best equipped numbers are Squat - 1103, Bench - 633, Deadlift - 733, and Total - 2442.
My best Raw numbers are Squat - 826.5, Bench - 529, Deadlift - 760, and Total - 2101.
I compete in APF, 100% Raw, and NAS Strongman.
3) CRITICAL BENCH: You have the World Record in the squat in the 100% RAW Federation! Tell us about the squat world record that you hold!
I squatted 826.5 pounds at the 2006 World Championships in Vermont . It was a great feeling, but I really felt like I could have done better than I did. I am excited about the future and raising the bar.
4) CRITICAL BENCH: Give us your squat routine!
Well my routine is constantly changing, but some aspects are fairly constant. I do regular raw squats at least once a week. Never more than twice and if I do squat a second day it will not be as heavy or it might just be something like box squats. One of my recent squat routine looked something like this:
160 - 10, 250 - 5, 360 - 5, 450 - 5, 540 - 5, 630 - 5, 720 - 5, all of these initial sets were done without a belt. The remainder of the sets were done with a belt. 770 - 3, 810 -2. After my squats I will do a number of different exercises, such as pulling the sled and front squats. I try to keep the workout very intense and my workouts usually last about 2 hours.
To read more, click here
Scott Weech Squatting 805 at the 2006 100% Raw Nationals
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Virginia Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Virginia Powerlifting.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Virginia Powerlifting Report 2/7/08
IPF News:
Update- National Doping Report, click here.
Update- Overall Rankings, click here.
Update- Suspended Lifters and Officials, click here.
*Note-Yuriy Fedorenko of Russia tested positve in Out of Contest Testing (OCT). "The failure appears to violate the terms of the early termination of Russia's doping suspension meaning the country will be suspended for an additional year. An official announcement has not been made by the IPF."
USAPL News:
Update-Women's Nationals (roster & schedule)
From Gina;
Please note the 67.5kg/148lb class will now lift in the afternoon session on Saturday 2/16. Weigh-ins will be at 12:00pm with lifting starting at 2:00pm for the following lifters.
Rhonda Clark
Priscilla Ribic
Jane Larson-Welborn
Ruth Welding
Donna Marts
Paula Houston
Gina Stepleton
Deb Duffy-Smet
Gail Moore
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Virginia Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Virginia Powerlifting.
Update- National Doping Report, click here.
Update- Overall Rankings, click here.
Update- Suspended Lifters and Officials, click here.
*Note-Yuriy Fedorenko of Russia tested positve in Out of Contest Testing (OCT). "The failure appears to violate the terms of the early termination of Russia's doping suspension meaning the country will be suspended for an additional year. An official announcement has not been made by the IPF."
USAPL News:
Update-Women's Nationals (roster & schedule)
From Gina;
Please note the 67.5kg/148lb class will now lift in the afternoon session on Saturday 2/16. Weigh-ins will be at 12:00pm with lifting starting at 2:00pm for the following lifters.
Rhonda Clark
Priscilla Ribic
Jane Larson-Welborn
Ruth Welding
Donna Marts
Paula Houston
Gina Stepleton
Deb Duffy-Smet
Gail Moore
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Virginia Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Virginia Powerlifting.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Virginia Powerlifting Report 2/4/08
A New Federation?
Powerlifting Watch has brought the news of yet another federation that has been started in 2008.
The West Virginia/Virginia Bench Press organization's mission statement is as follows:
WELCOME TO WEST VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIAS NEW BENCH PRESS ORGANIZATION. THIS ORGANIZATION IS FOR ALL THE LOCAL LIFTERS OF THE TWO VIRGINIAS TO COMPETE, AND WOULD LIKE TO ALSO INVOLVE EVERY ATHLETE IN EVERY SPORT TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS IN THAT SPORT. IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY IN THAT SPORT YOU CAN ENHANCE IT WITH WEIGHT LIFTING. WE WILL BE KEEPING RECORDS, MEET RESULTS, UPCOMING MEETS AND PHOTOS ON THIS WEB SITE. WE WILL ALSO HAVE SANCTIONED, RAW, MENS, WOMENS, TEENAGE, MASTERS, AND TOUCH AND GO MEETS.
There is no membership fee. The federation's first meet is scheduled to be held in Beckley, WV on February 23.
Stiff-Leg Deadlifts: by Marty Gallagher
Keith jogged my brain this past week by asking about tips the other day. I thought back and what percolated to the surface of my memory was the stiff-leg deadlift. Done as an assistance exercise for regular deadlifts, I was first introduced to them by the great Hugh Cassidy, the carefree Nietzsche of powerlifting. Hugh didnt cotton to too many exercises past squat, bench and deadlift, but the stiff-leg deadlift was one he insisted on. Religiously hed have us do two sets of stiffs after completing regular deadlifts. The technique was important. The bar stayed in contact with the leg the entire time, over the total length of the rep stroke. The hips were the hinge, the fulcrum, and this is where the real action took place. We all used a narrow-stance conventional deadlift style as per Hugh, with maybe six inches between the heelswe learned how to do the bow and arrow technique using a conventional pull stance.
To read more, click here.
Discipline and Regret: Article by Matt Gary, CSCS
In 1983, my sixth grade geography teacher was Spero Tshontikidis. In addition to teaching, Mr. Tshontikidis was a competitive powerlifter in the ADFPA. He brought powerlifting to our school and convinced the principal to allow him to start a powerlifting team. The first day he mentioned it to the class I thought powerlifting sounded cool and decided to give it a try. After all, what eleven-year-old boy doesn't want to grow up to be big and strong? Spero taught us how to squat on the first day of powerlifting practice. I had never touched a weight let alone squat. I remember my hips and hamstrings were so tight that I had to put my heels on a 2" x 4" in order to hit proper depth. I did three sets of ten reps with 95 pounds. On the way home I noticed my legs getting a little sore but I thought nothing of it. The next morning I woke up and tried to get out of bed. I took one step and fell flat on my face. My legs were so unbelievably sore that I thought I seriously injured myself. I had never experienced such excruciating muscle soreness. I convinced my mother to let me stay home that day. The following day I crawled back to school and told Mr. Tshontikidis that I didn't want to be on the powerlifting team and I would never squat again. He tried to change my mind. I didn't budge. Spero would later coach me on the junior varsity football team where I blossomed into the team MVP as a freshman. Meanwhile, he continued to encourage me to lift weights.
To read more, click here.
BMF To End Support of 100% RAW:
To: All
From: Shawn "Bud" Lyte
Re: Changes in support of powerlifting
After several months of debate and looking for other options, it's been decided that, as of March 31, 2008, BMF Sports will no longer provide direct support to 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation. This has not been an easy or hasty decision to make, but, in assessing almost three years of applied effort, it has become the most logical, practical and unavoidable solution. This is strictly a business move and not influenced by anything personal on either side. There was no single occurrence or situation that brought us to this decision and it has nothing to do with my personal relationship with Paul Bossi.
BMF Sports is not leaving powerlifting altogether, but channeling "powerlifting-centric" resources toward (1) directly supporting more lifters and (2) progression of Eric Talmant's Raw Unity Powerlifting Championships. Manny and I will continue to send sponsored lifters to 100% RAW meets and be present with them at National and World championships, but not provide support services at those events.
This doesn't not come down to merely profit and loss, but how effective BMF Sports can be in the sport of powerlifting as a whole. Getting behind any federation or sanction is not only limiting, but stifling, counterproductive and the antithesis of what we seek to accomplish for our company as well as the sport. There simply isn't sufficient support when dealing with or being dedicated to a single federation or sanction.
I personally see arrival at this decision to be beneficial for everyone involved with and affected by it. More lifters will receive more support, which will enable them to compete more, and in more federations, which helps the respective federations as well as the sport overall. It also negates any prospective or potential conflict of interests in sponsoring specific lifters and/or events, giving BMF Sports a freer hand to develop more opportunities within the sport.
With the resources we are able to liberate by making the aforementioned moves, we will look to sponsor several more lifters starting in the second quarter of this year.
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
Stay with it,
Shawn "Bud" Lyte
BMF Sports
"Where's the BMF in you?"
www.bmfsports.com
www.bmfnutrition.com
www.bmfenergy.com
312-498-4043
From APT:
Alan from APT Pro Gear,.... Updates for Jan 2008Lifting Gear and soooooo MUCH more.
Check out the Newsletter
1-FREE GEAR OFFER,.....AGAIN & 15% off
2-New Products added,....Nice!!!
3-STRANGULATOR Knee Wraps now in stock
4-STRANGULATOR Wrist/Knee Wraps IPF/USAPL approved
5-Updated list of Powerlifting Sanctions for APT Gear
6-APT moved to a new LARGER location
7-New E-Mail adddress to contact APT
8-NEW APT LOGO
9-WABDL 2008 Official Sponsor
APT Inc. Pro Weigyht Lifting Gear
Alan P. Thoms, CEO
USMC, CPL, 91-95
www.prowriststraps.com
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Virginia Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Virginia Powerlifting.
Powerlifting Watch has brought the news of yet another federation that has been started in 2008.
The West Virginia/Virginia Bench Press organization's mission statement is as follows:
WELCOME TO WEST VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIAS NEW BENCH PRESS ORGANIZATION. THIS ORGANIZATION IS FOR ALL THE LOCAL LIFTERS OF THE TWO VIRGINIAS TO COMPETE, AND WOULD LIKE TO ALSO INVOLVE EVERY ATHLETE IN EVERY SPORT TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS IN THAT SPORT. IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY IN THAT SPORT YOU CAN ENHANCE IT WITH WEIGHT LIFTING. WE WILL BE KEEPING RECORDS, MEET RESULTS, UPCOMING MEETS AND PHOTOS ON THIS WEB SITE. WE WILL ALSO HAVE SANCTIONED, RAW, MENS, WOMENS, TEENAGE, MASTERS, AND TOUCH AND GO MEETS.
There is no membership fee. The federation's first meet is scheduled to be held in Beckley, WV on February 23.
Stiff-Leg Deadlifts: by Marty Gallagher
Keith jogged my brain this past week by asking about tips the other day. I thought back and what percolated to the surface of my memory was the stiff-leg deadlift. Done as an assistance exercise for regular deadlifts, I was first introduced to them by the great Hugh Cassidy, the carefree Nietzsche of powerlifting. Hugh didnt cotton to too many exercises past squat, bench and deadlift, but the stiff-leg deadlift was one he insisted on. Religiously hed have us do two sets of stiffs after completing regular deadlifts. The technique was important. The bar stayed in contact with the leg the entire time, over the total length of the rep stroke. The hips were the hinge, the fulcrum, and this is where the real action took place. We all used a narrow-stance conventional deadlift style as per Hugh, with maybe six inches between the heelswe learned how to do the bow and arrow technique using a conventional pull stance.
To read more, click here.
Discipline and Regret: Article by Matt Gary, CSCS
In 1983, my sixth grade geography teacher was Spero Tshontikidis. In addition to teaching, Mr. Tshontikidis was a competitive powerlifter in the ADFPA. He brought powerlifting to our school and convinced the principal to allow him to start a powerlifting team. The first day he mentioned it to the class I thought powerlifting sounded cool and decided to give it a try. After all, what eleven-year-old boy doesn't want to grow up to be big and strong? Spero taught us how to squat on the first day of powerlifting practice. I had never touched a weight let alone squat. I remember my hips and hamstrings were so tight that I had to put my heels on a 2" x 4" in order to hit proper depth. I did three sets of ten reps with 95 pounds. On the way home I noticed my legs getting a little sore but I thought nothing of it. The next morning I woke up and tried to get out of bed. I took one step and fell flat on my face. My legs were so unbelievably sore that I thought I seriously injured myself. I had never experienced such excruciating muscle soreness. I convinced my mother to let me stay home that day. The following day I crawled back to school and told Mr. Tshontikidis that I didn't want to be on the powerlifting team and I would never squat again. He tried to change my mind. I didn't budge. Spero would later coach me on the junior varsity football team where I blossomed into the team MVP as a freshman. Meanwhile, he continued to encourage me to lift weights.
To read more, click here.
BMF To End Support of 100% RAW:
To: All
From: Shawn "Bud" Lyte
Re: Changes in support of powerlifting
After several months of debate and looking for other options, it's been decided that, as of March 31, 2008, BMF Sports will no longer provide direct support to 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation. This has not been an easy or hasty decision to make, but, in assessing almost three years of applied effort, it has become the most logical, practical and unavoidable solution. This is strictly a business move and not influenced by anything personal on either side. There was no single occurrence or situation that brought us to this decision and it has nothing to do with my personal relationship with Paul Bossi.
BMF Sports is not leaving powerlifting altogether, but channeling "powerlifting-centric" resources toward (1) directly supporting more lifters and (2) progression of Eric Talmant's Raw Unity Powerlifting Championships. Manny and I will continue to send sponsored lifters to 100% RAW meets and be present with them at National and World championships, but not provide support services at those events.
This doesn't not come down to merely profit and loss, but how effective BMF Sports can be in the sport of powerlifting as a whole. Getting behind any federation or sanction is not only limiting, but stifling, counterproductive and the antithesis of what we seek to accomplish for our company as well as the sport. There simply isn't sufficient support when dealing with or being dedicated to a single federation or sanction.
I personally see arrival at this decision to be beneficial for everyone involved with and affected by it. More lifters will receive more support, which will enable them to compete more, and in more federations, which helps the respective federations as well as the sport overall. It also negates any prospective or potential conflict of interests in sponsoring specific lifters and/or events, giving BMF Sports a freer hand to develop more opportunities within the sport.
With the resources we are able to liberate by making the aforementioned moves, we will look to sponsor several more lifters starting in the second quarter of this year.
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
Stay with it,
Shawn "Bud" Lyte
BMF Sports
"Where's the BMF in you?"
www.bmfsports.com
www.bmfnutrition.com
www.bmfenergy.com
312-498-4043
From APT:
Alan from APT Pro Gear,.... Updates for Jan 2008Lifting Gear and soooooo MUCH more.
Check out the Newsletter
1-FREE GEAR OFFER,.....AGAIN & 15% off
2-New Products added,....Nice!!!
3-STRANGULATOR Knee Wraps now in stock
4-STRANGULATOR Wrist/Knee Wraps IPF/USAPL approved
5-Updated list of Powerlifting Sanctions for APT Gear
6-APT moved to a new LARGER location
7-New E-Mail adddress to contact APT
8-NEW APT LOGO
9-WABDL 2008 Official Sponsor
APT Inc. Pro Weigyht Lifting Gear
Alan P. Thoms, CEO
USMC, CPL, 91-95
www.prowriststraps.com
note; opinions expressed in articles written by others and posted here on Virginia Powerlifting does not necessarily reflect those of Virginia Powerlifting.
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