2003 USAPL Master Nationals
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The 2003 USAPL Master's Nationals were held May 1st through the 4th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the luxurious Radisson Hotel and Convention Center. Over 200 of the Nations best entered the competition, including a number of former IPF Open World Champions. Notable is the return to the platform of World Record holders David Ricks and Mike Bridges. There were more Master's World Champions than can be counted. The quality and depth is unequalled in any USAPL Nationals, or perhaps in any championships, anywhere. This championships was also adequately staffed by more than enough referees and competition staff. Meet director, Paul Fletcher appeared to plan for every contingency. Following a morning meeting in the venue, Paul and his staff set the venue up in a record 45 minutes. The first day, originally planned for a single session, grew to two session with 47 lifters. A single lifter entered the 52 kg. class. Danny Payne, a new master at 40 totaled 327.5 kg. The 56 kilo class had three competitors: former world team member Denny Barleen, from Alaska, in the 40-44 division, Sam Meadows, from Indiana, in the 45-49's, and World Champion Ira Rosen, also of Alaska, in the 50-54 age group. Positions on the National team representing the U.S. at the IPF Master's World Championship are selected in 10 year age groups, i.e. 40 to 50, making Barleen head to head competitors. On this day, Meadows came out ahead, totaling 492.5 kg. Rosen totaled 465 kg. in what he says is his last outing at 56 kg. Maybe he will try one more outing to defend his world title in Canada this year. The 60 kg. class was the first of the "big classes," with 7 competitors. Every competitor in this division posted respectable numbers coming in and each was capable of pulling off the win. Only Iain Burgess, of Maryland lifted unopposed in his age division (55-59). The other divisions promised to be a horse race. And they were. Three competitors tilted in the 40 - 44 age division, with Tim Smith (455 kg.), of Louisiana totaling 502.5 kg. to beat Kevin Jones, of Mississippi, and Curtis Reintz (422.5 kg.), of Indiana. In the 45 - 49 age division, defending Master's World Champion, and 2003 Master's Bench Press World Champion defeated John Bisson, of Arizona. John is obviously a superior bencher, which carried him beyond Bisson, who squatted and deadlifted well, including an American record 210 kg. deadlift. Scott Richey, from Nevada placed a respectable third. Their totals, 490, 482.5, and 455 would place all of them in respectable positions in international competition. The first offer for the National Team in the 40 - 50, Master I team will go to Tim Smith. If he declines, the U.S. will be in a very strong position at the World Championships. We will also stand well in the Master II slot, with returning many time World Championship competitor, Iain Burgess returning. The 67.5 class promised to be a battle, from start to finish. 14 competitors entered in 7 five year age groups. New master's (young guys) Greg Page, the Open National Champion, and Lance Slaughter, Open National Bench Champion were prepared to give returning Master Champion, and several time World Champion, Lloyd Weinstein a run for his money. Unfortunately, Greg was unable to finish a pull, and Lloyd's great pulling ability carried him to the championship. This class also included William Payne, Kentucky, and Barrett Richey, of California. In the 45 - 49 age group, hometown favorite, Arval Bridges soundly defeated Doug Humphrey, of Indiana. The World Team slot in the Master I division will be offered to Weinstein first, and Bridges second. Brendon Rohan, of Montana totaled 547.5 to top the combined 50-59 classes. In the 50-54, he defeated Joe Rizza, from Boston. Bob Coleman won the 55-59. Jules Pellegrino, 60, of New Jersey, and a many time World Team member won the 60-64 uncontested. Dillon Maier, of New York did not finish in the 65-69 Division. But the real contest was for the World Team slot between Jules and the incomparable Robert Cortes, of California. Jules and Robert have fought it out, and been selected to represent the U.S. a number of times. Jules is the better squatter, while Robert finishes with a big pull. But on this day, he was unable to catch Jules even with his 212.5 kg. deadlift. Frank Richey finished second to Cortes. In the 75 kg. division, 41 year old Pat Beaumaster, the returning 82.5 kg. World Champion made his debut at this lighter wt. The loss apparently did not negatively affect his strength, as he set a master World Record in the squat at 281 kg. His total, 705 kg. was only 5 behind his winning total from the year before at 82.5, and above the winning total from last year. Joe Braca, many time ADFPA National Champion returned to the National platform in style, coming off a Master American Record setting performance at the Pennsylvania State meet. Joe attempted a 300 kg. deadlift for the win, started it quickly, but stalled above his knees. Mark Sigala, finished third at 650 kg. Chris Dargin was fourth in this age division with a 605 kg. total, while Reverend Brad Olson was fifth. In the 45-49 division, past IPF World Champion Alan Cayer came out on top, with 687.5 kg. Carlos Lewis, one of Johnny Graham's protégés attempted, and narrowly missed a World Record attempt at 280 kg. He placed second, followed by David McCarthy (590 kg.) and Mark Thomas (552.5 kg.). The offer to represent the USA will go, first, to Pat Beaumaster. The alternate pool looks very strong, though, with three athletes exceeding last year's world championship total. In the combined 50-59 age group, Jeff Jacobs (56) will get the World Team offer. He passed Art Menton, also in competing in the 55-59 Division, by 10 kg., 575 to 565. Mark Cucinella, of Colorado won the 50-54, while Alan Sheen was unable to get a bench in. Sam Alduenda, of the Jim's Gym Team in California, totaled 550 kg., achieved partly by a World Master Record of 215 kg. in the squat. Sam is a balance lifter, and benched 100 kg. and deadlifted 235 kg. He handily exceeded the performance of the others between 60 and 69, to take the World Team berth, including Jack Wolff (65-69, 400 kg.), Jerry Ochs (65-69, 380 kg.), and Donald Steele, in the same age division, who totaled 302.5 kg. Daniel Goodwin won the 70 - 74 division, with a 317.5 kg. total, while Fred Archembault totaled 432.5 kg. AT 80+! If you haven't had the opportunity to see Fred lift, you should. His technique is flawless. Twenty eight lifters contested the 82.5 kg. class, and being one of them, I think this was the class to watch. If you include Bench Press, Open, and Master results, there were six returning World Champions. The 40-44 division was won by Master World Record holder, David Ricks, followed by Larry Maile, 2000 World Master Champion. Many time World Team member, Bill Scully placed third, being passed on the final pull. 2003 World Master Bench Press Champion, Greg Zangl was fourth, and had the highest lift in his specialty in this division. In the 45-49 division, many time Open World Champion and record holder, Mike Bridges defeated Washington's Leamon Woodley. David Wiley was third, Marlon Harrison fourth, and William Kellett fifth. Mike attempted several world records, as did Woodley. In the combined 40-49 groups, 5 athletes equaled or exceeded last year's World Championship total. Ron Erickson, of Wyoming defeated USAPL Executive Committee member, Bill Clayton in the 50-54 division. In the 55-59, Roberto Contreras defeated World Bench Press Champion and record holder Jim Klostergard. Jim set a world record of 187.5 kg. Ron Erickson will receive the first offer for the World Team slot, followed by Clayton and Contreras, who both totaled 567.5 kg. Jim Waters (Mr. Jim's Gym) outgunned James Lyons by 2.5 kg., to win the 60+ World team slot, 447.5 kg. to 445 kg. The National Champion in the 70-74 division is Eugene Hall, and at 75-79, Jack Weiss. The 90 kg. class was the largest of the meet, with 30 competitors. Greg Jones, of Georgia had the highest total, with 780 kg. He beat Stephen Lemarie and Russel Clark in the medals race in the 40-44. 7 others trailed, but what was remarkable in this class was that each place was narrowly separated. This was a fan's class, with placing coming down to final pulls. New Master Mike Willett, who has placed recently in the open division Nationally was unable to get a squat in, but will certainly be back to give Greg a run. Aron Byas, many time medallist won the 45-49 division after failing to make the 82.5 class. He lead by a comfortable margin over Kenneth Bogush and Devid Bertier. In the 50-54 age group, Larry Traub, 2001 Master World Silver medallist, and father of Sub-junior World Champion Drew Traub (740 kg.) defeated Ken Mulholland (620 kg.) and Claude Welcome (607.5 kg.). Roger Silva, Bob Hewitt, and Jim Thompson trailed. The oldest IPF Open Division World Champion Walter Thomas won the 55 - 59 division with a 672.5 kg. total. Walter is one of the sport's great ambassadors, and has a kind word for everyone he meets. He also spends most of the time he is not lifting judging, helping, and being a great supporter of every lifter. Bill Lindsey was second with 600 kg., and Andy Christo bronzed. The world team slot will be offered first to Larry Traub. Terry Lancaster posted the highest total among lifters more than 60 (60 - 64 division, 542.5 kg.), followed by champions in their respective divisions Bill Remley (70-74, 485 kg.) and Billy Calahan (65 -69, 450 kg.). The 100 kg. promised great battles in every division, and for the World Team slot. Several time World Champion, Shawn Cain came in a little behind after tearing a bicep at the 2002 World Championships, but gamely showed anyway. New masters, Scott Zwanstra and Rich Wenner (many time ADFPA Open Champion) came in with high expectations. On this day, however, Zwanstra won decisively with 837.5 kg. Wenner totaled 780 kg., and Jim Brown, 760 kg. Cain, in the 45-49 division defeated Alaska's Mike Lohman by 10 kg. on his last pull, but tore his other bicep. Hopefully, his rehab will progress well. Unfortunately, this will likely end his string of more than 20 appearances in the USAPL Open National Championships. In the combined 50-59 division (for the World Team slot), former World Champion, Tom Weeks (50-54 Gold medallist), defeated 55-59 Gold medallist, David Clark 702.5 kg. to 700 kg. How's that for competition. David's girlfriend Gina had the unenviable task of keeping score for both of them. That is a coaches dilemma! The 110 kg. class marked the appearance in the 40-44 division of Open National competitors Kevin Stewart, of Washington, and Jeff Douglas, former Open National Champion, Jeff Douglas. Both lifters are capable of 2000 lb. totals but both fell just short. Douglas came out on top this day, 902.5 kg. to 882.5 kg. Look for a rematch, though, at Men's Nationals. Mitch Edelstein finished third. In the 45-49 division, super bench presser, Gary Pamplin (Texas) won over Rick Chavez (Florida) and Joe Smolinski (Michigan). This year, Johnny Graham turned 50. This was bad news for the IPF Master Two men. He showed that competition is going to reach a whole new level with his World Record squat on his opener, followed by a successful second attempt at 322.5 kg. missed his first bench, but got it on a second. He closed the door with a successful second attempt deadlift of 305 kg., for a 795 kg. total. Wayne Alsup, Ronnie Burnett, and Bill Sindelar continued their multi-year battle, with Alsup coming out on top this year. In the 55-59 age group, Crayton Taylor won handily (702.5 kg., 537.5 kg., and 365 kg., respectively) over Michael Nichols and Charles Lambert. The 125 kg. class promised some big numbers with new master Doug Ballard, and returning Master World Champion David Gonzales. Ballard triumphed by 5 kg., 867.5 to 862.5, but with Gonzales almost complete third pull, the results would have been reversed. Ken Ryder, who took the Bronze, also exceeded 800 kg. , with an 812.5. Roger Hendrix, of Washington, in the 45 -49 division, won over Ted Stewart, and Men's National Championship promoter, Steve Howard. James Miller (53) posted the highest total in the combined 50-59 category, with a 700 kg. total, vs. William Morris (59). In the 60+ group, Thomas Arrington defeated former World Team members Charles Clonce and Robb Grisham. In the 125+ Division, Paul Fletcher, promoter of this competition, and the man who apparently requires no rest, won decisively. Many of us watched Paul direct the lifter check-in, set up the warmup rooms, assemble the venue, tabulate results, serve as announcer, and still soundly thump his competition. He deserves congratulations for an unbelievable performance under the circumstances. His 895 kg. total fell just short of 2000 lbs., which was his goal. I think we can excuse this under the given all his hard work. Paul will be a shoe in for the World Team slot in the 40 - 49 combined division. Jim Weiss placed second, and Steven Johnson, third. In the 45 - 49 class, Jim Pope totaled 807.5 kg., followed by Rich Chech and Robert Smith. In the 55-59 class, former Master World Champion, Ernie Surrell totaled 785 kg. Unfortunately, no athletes in the 60+ completed the meet. To summarize, this was a great championship. Paul and Joel Fletcher did a fantastic job, and seemed to have everything covered. The venue was luxurious, the spotters and loaders attentive (and, fortunately, strong), and the hotel was better than average. The best Master athletes in the World battled for the honor of the title of National Champion, with many Personal, American, and World Records set. One lifter commented that the other nations heading the World Championships had better be training, because the U.S. obviously is.  LJM |
Photos above thanks to Rickey Dale Crain
Photos below thanks to Priscilla Ribic More photos on her site. 
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