USAPL Mens Open National Championships
July 12-14
Chicago IL

MD: Dennis Brady

The 2002 Men's Nationals were held in Lincolnwood, Illinois in the purple Radisson, a venue both familiar and comfortable. Dennis and Sandy Brady did their usual masterful job of preparing for this competition, and of running the show once it began. Eighty nine competitors contested some of the toughest classes in years. They were supported by large, enthusiastic crowds both days. Men's Nationals is also accompanied by the National Governing Body meeting, which has generally been as entertaining as the competition. This year, however, it seems to move fairly smoothly, with a few potentially contentious moments. This years focus was on expanding staff support, fund raising, and altering the current organizational model to one more like the typical non-profit, service organization. The membership will be tasked in these efforts in the near future. A referees' clinic was held for all levels of referees, and testing for National, and IPF Category II certification was completed. Many new officials completed this process, and we look forward to their assistance in the future. This year's Billy Jack Talton Coach of the Year Award went to Tod Miller, Coach of the Plainwell H.S. Knights. Tod has the fastest growing lifting program in the country. The Brother Bennet Award was given to P.J. Couvillion. A special award expressing the gratitude of USAPL to family of the late Ed Nellor was given in recognition of his lifetime of support for powerlifting in Nebraska. 52 kg. class: The 52 kg. class was one by perennial champion and 2002 IPF silver medalist, Ervin Gainer. He had some difficulty getting a squat in, taking until his third, but made great lifts from there on. He hit a p.r. bench of 132.5 kg., and set an new American record of 230.5 kg. on his second deadlift. An attempt to increase his record to 235 kg. was not successful. Second place was taken by Nebraska's Mike Haffenbrack, who is a member of this year's Sub-Junior World Team that will compete in Taiwan in September. Mike totaled 402.5 kg. 56 kg. class: The 56 kg. class was taken by Allen Wigham, with a 552.5 kg. total. Allen came into this competition planning to reach the qualifying total for a position on the Men's Open Team, and did so on opening deadlift. Allen represents the group of former Jr. lifters who are successfully making the transition to open competition. Peter Wong, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota placed second with a respectable 512.5 kg. total in his first Open National Competition. Louisiana Techs' Damarrio (Doc) Holloway placed third, based on bodyweight. Doc is a member of the Jr. World Team, and was likely coasting to some degree in training, while preparing for the World meet. Master lifter, Sam Meadows took home fourth place, only 22.5 kg. back. Former U.S. and IPF great, Phil Hile returned to the platform this year, but was unable to get a squat in. Phil has reserves of strength that will return him to the top with a few form adjustments. 60 kg. class: Tim Taylor made it 11 National titles in a row, with a 610 kg. total. Tim had a solid 6 for 9 day, being just short of his best in each lift. Tim's bench is back up after a nagging shoulder injury, so expect big increases at the World Championships. Vince Niedolinka, 56 kg. member of the Sub-junior World Team moved up to test himself at a higher weight class. Vince is a member of the Teenage National Champion, Plainwell (Michigan) Knights. 67.5 kg. class: The 67.5's promised to be a shootout despite the absence of 2000, 2001 champion Jeremy Arias. While there was some spread in the nomination totals of the lifters coming in, experience watching these guys suggested that they were much closer than the numbers reflected. And what a great class it was. Greg Page earned the title of National Champion on his final pull, with a tremendous effort of 272.5 kg. (600 lbs.) Layman trailed by only 2.5 kg., on the strength of a class leading subtotal, and a respectable pull of 242.5 kg. Keith Scisney placed third, but the order would have changed based on a final pull that he got within inches of lockout. The top three were decided on the final pulls of these outstanding lifters. Former bench press specialist, Lance Slaughter, placed fourth. Obviously, you can't be considered a specialist any more when you take home the hardware in the three lift nationals. His outstanding bench, 200 kg. sets a mark that the other competitors will shoot for for years. The final place, and an excellent total was locked up by Colorado's Mark Sigala. He attempted a Master's American record of 275 kg., and will certainly get it soon. The rest of the class can not rest knowing that Mark is always going to have the last pull. 75 kg. class: This class was won handily by many time National Champion, Wade Hooper. While a little off on form, he was strong enough to have put up much bigger numbers. Who can blame him? He may have been a little distracted by recent marriage to Jr. Team member Kim Callier (Hooper). Look for much bigger numbers at the World Championships, though. In second place was 1998 Jr. Team member, Marcus Brandon, of Georgia. Marcus entered the deadlift on strong performances in the squat and bench press, and pulled a respectable 252.5 kg. in the deadlift to hold on over super deadlifter, Eriek Nickson. Eriek successfully completed a 290 kg. deadlift on his second attempt, and attempted 297.5 kg. for the silver medal, but was unable to finish it. David Bracken and Kenny Davis placed fourth and fifth, respectively, with Bracken edging Davis on bodyweight. The class was rounded out by Sean D'Cataldo (640 kg.), Chris Hughes (640 kg., but heavier lifter), Jerry Hill (625 kg.), Tom Taylor (625 kg., heavier lifter), and Nando Corpuz (617.5 kg.) The closeness of the numbers made this one of the most exciting classes in the competition, with virtually every placing coming down to the final deadlift. How is that for depth? 82.5 kg. class: The 82.5 kg. class was won by American Record holder and many time National Champ, Rob Wagner. Rob moved back down to the 181's this year, and showed that he will be competitive on the international level again in this category. His squat of 332.5 was easy, and provided a cushion the others couldn't overcome. Rob had some trouble holding on to 300 kg. for his final two deadlift attempts, using an overhand hook grip. He was seen dragging his thumbs around after the competition. Second place went to Josh Decker, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Josh has entered several Jr. National Championships, placing just under the top ranking. His 750 kg. total in his first Open Nationals should serve as notice that the other competitors can't rest. Shawn Frankl, of Sioux City, Iowa took the bronze with a 680 kg. total, closely followed by John White at 675 kg.. Jim Brown, a member of Team Pennsylvania, placed 5th. 90 kg. class: This class was another of the nail biters, coming down to the final pulls. Ray Benemerito, who has never been beaten on American soil, prevailed again, edging Mike Mastrean, of Pennsylvania by 2.5 kg., 865 kg. to 862.5 kg. Both of these gentlemen will offered positions on the World team by virtue of having made the appropriate qualifying total, while other class winners did not. Super deadlifter, Craig Terry, of Farmington Hills, Michigan took the third place position with a 795 kg. total, via a 340 kg. deadlift. Craig has worked his squat a great deal over the past several years, making steady progress and respectable lifts across the board. Fourth place went to Mark Fannone (782.5 kg.), also of Michigan, while 5th and 6th went to 2001 Jr. Team members nick Tylutki (767.5 kg.) and Jason Beck (760 kg.) These two lifters have an ongoing rivalry over the past several meets, which makes them both better lifters. Greg Buffington placed 7th, with a 720 kg. total, while the class was rounded out by Joseph Matteo (705 kg.) of Stanford, California. 100 kg. class: This class ended a long dry spell for Tony Succarotte, of Wilmington, Delaware. Tony has been a medalist in World competition in the past, but has experienced every form of bad luck over the past several years. Sunday was his day, though, by virtue of solid lifts in every event. Tony was nominated third behind eventual silver and bronze medalists Char Gahagan and Angelo Poulich. He converted to sumo deadlift on his second attempt after missing his first due to an injury, and pulled enough on his second and third to force American deadlift record holder, Gahagan above what he was capable of in this meet, and won by 2.5 kg. Former Jr. Team member Poulich took the bronze with a 820 kg. total, showing the growing strength of our Jr. international program. Former Jr. National Champ, Ryan Stills, of Racine, Wisconsin placed fourth with an 820 kg. total, followed by fashion guru and "bootydown" (No, I didn't make this up) practitioner, Jason Burnell. Shawn Batemen was 10 kg. out of fifth place, and this small difference was reflective of the whole class, and the intense competition throughout the meet. Mithch Edelstein, of Team Minnesota placed seventh (747.5 kg.), just 2.5 kg. ahead of Jason Shoopman in 8th. Robert Karacson, another member of the huge Michigan contingent was 9th, and Joe McAuliffe was 10th. The other news in this class, though, was Joe's WORLD RECORD bench press, 262.5 kg. This record by the great Mike McDonald has stood for 25 years, and was the oldest IPF record on the books. Congratulations, Joe. 110 kg. class: Tony Harris repeated as this year's 242 lb. champion. He finally nailed the 365 kg. (804 lb.) squat he has been aiming at for some time. His 940 kg. total moves him among the best in the world, and demonstrates that he is recovered from his back injury. Chad Holmes , Sikelston, Missouri (860 kg.) and Matt Kroczelski, Grand Ledge, Michigan (857.5 kg.) were separated by 2.5 kg. The real excitement was that Chad missed his first two deadlift attempts and jumped 2.5 for the silver, making it. Victory snatched from the jaws of defeat! John Planas of California placed fourth, and two time (soon to be three time) Master World Champion, Shawn Cain was five kg. back (845 kg.). Shawn has attended every Men's Nationals since the beginning of the ADFPA, if I recall correctly. He out totaled Scott Waits by virtue of making a 3rd deadlift, over Scott Waits (842.5 kg.). Jay Lenfelder was 7th at 832.5 kg., with Brian Whitman (817.5 kg.) in 8th. Mike O'Donnell proved his determination in blowing three suits (the first in warmups, next two on the first and second attempts) and still coming back and making a third. He placed 9th, but this does not reflect the effort and determination he displayed. Erik Steiner, last year's World Junior Bronze medalist, lost a place on bodyweight, having the same total (795 kg.). Chris Kahanek, of Austin, Texas, placed 11th, while USAPL Collegiate Chair, Jon Magendie anchored with a respectable 772.5 kg. total. 125 kg. class: The 275 class was the biggest of the meet, with 17 competitors, and all good ones at that. Unfortunately, early bomb outs made for the loss of Dean Reese, of Oregon, Patrick Johnson, of Massachusetts, and Corey Ferrell, of Delaware. This category was stacked with talent this time, with returning Champion, Tony Cardella, past multi-time Champion, Willie Croner, many other past Jr., Bench Press or other level champions. Willie Croner prevailed in this battle with an 2000+ lb. total (935 kg.). Willie was ahead in the squat, lost some ground in the bench press, and pulled what was necessary in the deadlift. Cardella has what was necessary for the win in the final deadlift, and came within an inch of locking it out. He did set personal records across the board (932.5 kg. total). Greg Wagner, who had been identified as someone to watch coming in, did not disappoint in getting the bronze. Greg and Tamo Williams both exceeded 2000 lbs (917.5 kg., and 907.5 kg., respectively). Travis Rubey, of Rolla, Missouri moved up a three places compared to his qualifying total, and placed 5th with 885 kg. Doug Ballard was 6th, 5 kg. behind, and two former Jr. World Team member, Ryan Goldin, in 7th, was 2.5 kg. behind Doug. World Bench Team member, Scott Lade had the biggest bench press of the class (255 kg.), and totaled 870 kg. for 8th. USAPL Forum moderator, Brad Madvig placed 9th with some personal bests in this class (840 kg.), with Chris Dipre in 10th (837.5 kg.), Deron Rogers 11th (820 kg.), and Coaching Committee member Pat Anderson 12th (807.5 kg.). Dave Villeneuve, the lone entrant from Vermont totaled 800 kg., and Robert Spevo totaled 792.5 kg. What an exciting class, with small differences between most every place. Coaching students could have learned a great deal about heavy competition by just watching this class. +125 kg. class: Last, and certainly not least, the Superheavy class provided some major excitement (not all of it good) that will not be soon forgotten. On the down side, Van Hatfield, USAPL Utah State Chair, after a good opening squat, dropped 255 kg. on his chest in the bench press. Apparently, the bar rolled and his thumb collapsed, free falling the weight to land on his lower ribs. After examination on site by available medical staff, Van was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Because he is big, strong, and in condition, the major injury was to his thumb and not his chest. Van was back later in the day, stiff, and moving much slower, but determined to come back next year. What an inspiration! The competitors who were fortunate enough to have avoided major injury put on a great show. 2001 Jr. National Champion, Brian Siders totaled 1,017.5 kg. for the win. He missed his first two squats, but was able to adjust to complete a third. His 292.5 kg. bench was the highest of the competition. Brian is a polite, quiet young man who stayed to himself, and lifted well within his capabilities. Two time World Champion, Brad Gillingham suffered a 90% bicep tear competing in a strong man competition in February. As many of you know, powerlifting is not the most lucrative sport, and a little extra cash for demonstrating his great strength would have helped with Brad's huge travel bills. Unfortunately, luck did not smile on him, and he suffered a serious injury, with surgery immediately after. It would be a mistake, however, to count Brad out, under any circumstances, even these. He set as his goal making the team so that he could defend his World Championship title this November in Slovakia. With two open slots, he would have to post a total that would exceed the qualifying total, and would have to place second so that he might be considered. The short story is that he succeeded, totaling 985 kg. The long story is that he blew a suit on his third squat, made the needed three bench presses, and pulled 50 lbs. more than he did in training to pass Tony Leiato (975 kg.). Tony lifted with an injured quad, and would have been even more of a challenge if not for this. As it was, he broke the 800 lb. squat barrier, benched 578 lbs., and deadlifted 733 lbs. Last year's runner up, Sean Culnan placed fourth with a 955 kg. total. Dennis Huslander, dedicating his deadlifts to Van, rounded out the top five. Dennis brings a lot of excitement to the platform, and pulled 733 lbs. in a singlet and NO BELT. Lance Karabel and Paul Fletcher both totaled 922.5 kg., with Lance winning by virtue of lighter bodyweight. The first six competitors exceeded 2000 lbs., with a total of 11 competitors passing this mark. 2000 Master's National Champion, Bruce Lee of California was 7th with an 880 kg. total. Mike Anderson was 8th (867.5 kg.), Wade Likens 9th (847.5 kg.) and Wade Hanna 10th (835 kg.). Frank Cable, of California was unable to get a squat in. To sum it all up, it was a great contest. The depth of lifting was outstanding, the final placings were as exciting as they get. The judging was consistent, fair, and accurate. Dennis and Sandy did their usual excellent job. See you next year in Rapid City, South Dakota. Click to see a full page of photos

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