 Philadelphia (Plymouth Meeting), Pennsylvania - November 29/30, 2004 Introduction The 2nd annual USAPL American Open was again, a triumphant success! This year's championship was held at the Doubletree Inn & Suites, in Plymouth Meeting, located in the wooded suburbs just north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Interestingly enough, Plymouth Meeting, the town which I make my home next to, was founded by thee William Penn. In general, though, the township was originally settled by members of the "Society of Friends", or the Quakers, who sailed from Devonshire, England on the ship named "Desire", arriving in Philadelphia sometime during the summer of 1686. What better motto for this year's championship than 'desire', as the lifters 'cruised' into town for this championship? In any case, the township takes its name from the original settlers' place of origin; Plymouth in Devonshire - England. The Doubletree Inn & Guest Suites - Plymouth meeting, served as a fantastic contest venue and setting! The hotel services and property were exceptional, and I would like to publicly thank the entire staff for their efforts and brilliant service to the lifters. This year's contest featured 80 entries from 14 states, with some lifters traveling from as far away as California. Special thanks from Dr. Larry Maile to those lifters for coming all that way! Overall, the lifting was exceptional, with many personal, state, an American records set along the way. There were even three (3) IPF World records set as well - Super job! So in essence, which I have stated time an again, is that it is the quality of lifting, not the quantity of lifters. The American Open Championships: The Mission The USAPL American Open Championships has been especially formatted for the intermediate and grassroots level lifter, wishing to gain valuable national-level experience, prior to lifting at either Men's or Women's National Powerlifting Championships, where they will attempt to qualify for a world team position. Important to note, all first place finishers in the open division at the American Championships automatically qualify, regardless of total, for their respective National Powerlifting Championship. Overall, the American Open Championships specific undertaking and mission, from my conception nine years ago, is to prepare lifters for the national and international platform. Specifically, the contest serves as intermediate-level 'stepping stone' for lifters to transition from the state and local level to the national championship level. Thus, the importance of having lifters follow one set of technical rules from the local to the international level - Those rules, of course, being IPF Technical Rules. In doing so, the transition time will be more efficient and less time consuming - In other words, the athletes will be much better prepared, earlier, for the "increased rigor" they shall experience on the national and international platform - Enough said! Training Seminar Key and important, as part of this concept of preparing the grassroots level lifter for the national platform, on Saturday evening, November 29, 2003, Larry Maile, the USAPL President, and Head Coach of the Men & Women's USA National Teams conducted a training seminar discussing the following two topics: " "Contest Attempt Selection: How to maximize your total the day of the event" " "Powerlifting Gear: Getting the most out of your equipment" Needless to say, Larry is one, if not the premier coaches in the game today, and the seminar was well attended by some 50 or so lifters, coaches, and fans. There was no charge for admission to the seminar. Great Job Larry and on behalf of the lifters, again thank you! Also, I would like to thank Rob Wagner for his input and his training expertise to stimulate the dialogue. This seminar was followed up by a Powerlifitng Training Camp in Washington State some time later. So, some very 'good' work is under way! International Level Equipment The platform equipment for the contest was first rate and included the ER squat racks/bench press, calibrated chrome Ivanko bar and weights, Sorinex weightlifting platform, Barload software program, and a computerized scoring system and score-board for the spectators to the follow the competition. The warm-up room included 3 warm-up platforms, with Sorinex and Serpa equipment, along with York Barbell bars and weights. Finally, I would encourage you to visit the official championships web-site, which can be found at the following URL: http://mysite.verizon.net/rhk Service to the Intermediate and Grassroots Level Lifter As a symbol of success, several lifters from last year's American Open Championships went on to medal and place at the 2003 USAPL National Powerlifting Championships, which is a clear indication that the concept does, in fact, work, and serve the intermediate and grassroots level lifter very well. As such, I would encourage local, state and regional level lifters to attend next year's event that will more than likely take place somewhere on the east coast - Maybe even sunny and beautiful Florida next year? Moreover, I would like to go on record and say that the American Open Powerlifting Championships is entirely separate championship, and has NO attachment and connection with the Lifetime meet that some had initially confused themselves with. Enough said! Contest Highlights The contest highlights were many! And, in doing so, shall begin by recognizing the ladies first! Donna Aliminosa from New Hampshire came down off her medal winning performance at the IPF master's World Championships in Canada, to take another shot at the world record in the squat in her age category. She had to near misses with the weight, and will not doubt nail it down soon! One of my favorite lifter's of all time, Andora Quinby at 86 years young, and at 48kg, bench pressed 3 perfect attempts, before missing another single-lift American record on a 4th attempt on a 4th. Wow - great job Andora! Amy welcome, daughter of National Master's Champion Claude welcome lifted brilliantly, and qualifying for the High School National Championships in Wisconsin. Look for great things from Amy as she matures. She will be in contention by High School Nationals. Non Hill in her first powerlifting 'full' powerlifting meet did quite well, under coach and American master's record-holder, Peter Hubbard. High School lifters Ann-Marie Whited and Candice Box came all the way from West Virginia. Both lifted really well, and are looking forward to the Wisconsin as well. Training partners and bench press specialists Kathleen Jones and Terri Smith both lifted well, and are looking forward to lifting at the Bench Press Nationals. Both set state records in their age and weight classes. Congratulations to all the ladies - great job! Session I - Men (52kg/114lb - 67.5kg/148lb class) The men were started off by teen sensation Mike Kuhns who at 17 years old, crushed a new IPF sub-junior world record in the squat with 218kgs/480lbs. He also went on to set the American teen record in the bench press and total. Great job Mike! Jimmy Karvanos, bronze medalist at the 2003 USAPL Men's National championships won the open division unchallenged and will again return to the nationals for a second year in a row! Congratulations to Jim who is making PR's each time he steps foot onto the platform. Jimmy Doyle lifted very well, and used this meet to prepare for the high school nationals. He is coached by Claude Welcome! Finally, to round out this session Brian Davidson in his first fully sanctioned powerlifting contest lifted very well and took 67.5kg title unchallenged. He plans to lift in Baton Rouge. He is young and will make continued gains under his training partner and coach - Jimmy Karvanos. Super job to all the lifters in this session - Congratulations to each of you! Session II - Men (75kg/165lb & 82.5kg/181lb class) In this session, Mike Cagliola had his best meet in years, and put to the bed all of his recent performances. He punched up a huge 402 bench press with room to spare. Mike intends to lift at nationals this year, and we look forward to having him as a member of Team Pennsylvania. Phillip Wells from North Carolina battled all of the way, and came away with a PR performance. BJ Ahmadzadeh withdrew from the competition due to an existing injury, which emerged during his warm-ups. The battle between BJ and Mike would have been very close. BJ plans to lift at the USAPL Pennsylvania State Championships on March 6 & 7, 2004, in his hometown of Clarks Summit, located just outside Scranton, Pennsylvania. So, we'll see what transpires there! It will be exciting to watch the young guy versus the veteran. I am sure that the next encounter will be quite interesting to watch! Master's lifter Peter Hubbard crushed is second attempt and set a new American Master's Bench Press record. I had the dubious distinction of getting him fired up, and psyched up for the lift - Congratulations to Peter. Guest lifter - Lance Kirchner, who drove all the way from Wisconsin, brought the house down with an extraordinary and brilliant lift of 227.5kg/501lbs, which set a new IPF World Bench Press Record. The original record was held by arguably, one of the greatest lifters of all-time, Alexei Sivokon of Kazakhstan. Great job Lance and congratulations - not doubt worth the drive down and back! In the 82.5 kg class, Hayward Blake set the sub-junior world record in the bench press with an awesome and phenomenal 200kg/440lb bench press - super lift. This class was extremely close with Anthony Joseph having the final pull in his hands for the win, with it just breaking the floor. Rueben Green from Maryland lifted really well, and will be at the Master's National championships in Denver, during May 2004. In any event, Blake held on for the win, and will be attending both the IPF North American Regional Championships and the men's national Championships in Baton Rouge. Hayward is an extremely intelligent lifter, and at just 18 years of age, debated Robert Wagner into the wee hours of the night on training technique and cycles. No doubt he picked up some valuable and useful information that will definitely impact the rest of his lifting career. There is no doubt that a bright and distinguished future awaits this young man! Other notable performances were turned in by James Nolan, Robert Schodle, and Jay Katzman. Congratulations to all of the lifters for their super performances. Overall, of this class marked the end to an exciting day of lifting. Again, to all of the athletes - congratulations for a job well done! Session III - Men (90kg/198lb Class & 100kg/220lb class) This class was the largest of the contest and featured 8 lifters in open category. Given the nomination totals of the athletes, I knew this class was going to be a nail biter all the way down to the last deadlift. Given the depth of talent, which featured former ADFPA National Champion Bill Schmidt and future national contender Eric Kratz from Pennsylvania, it was going to be very close all the way to the finish. As the results indicate, these two fine athletes battled all the way to end, with Kratz making a limit pull of on his final deadlift to seal the victory. Nonetheless, Bill still placed first in the Masters 40+ age group. Super performances from the both of these gentlemen! Behind Bill and Eric, another battle took place between young and old with master's lifter Jerry Dally, battling teen phenom DJ Baker, and all the way to the last pull as well. Barcelone and Feldman continue steady improvement, development and progress, and will challenge for this title in the future. Lubeck used this meet to tune for the Master's Nationals, and we'll see William, and Eliot Feldman take their battle to the Master's Nationals this May in Denver. Joe Matteo suffered a slight injury in the bench press, but was pronounced fine by the doctors at the end of the session. He is very talented lifter, and will be back. Master lifters Sutton, Pinto (back from a lengthy retirement), Nealis (big bench press), Fox and Dorylis showed the young guys how it was done. All lifted very well, and made the statement that one can be very strong at any age - Great job gentlemen! Lepri and McDermott are young upstarts with great futures in front of them. Finally, this class marked the return of one thee best 198lb lifters in the country - Mike Mastrean, who lifted at this contest as a guest lifter. As everyone knows, Mike had some difficulty with illness and injury this past year, but has battled back stronger than ever, and went 9 for 9, totaling an easy 820kg/1807lbs. Mike capped his 9/9 day, with a splendid, and personal record pull of 310kg/683lbs. Folks look for one 'grand showdown' between Mike Mastrean and Ray Benemerito at this year's USAPL Men's National Powerlifting championships that will be hosted by Paul Fletcher, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 9-11, 2004. This match-up, will be worth the price of admission! The 100kg/220lb class produced some fine results for several college/junior level lifters - Jim Nicolosi, Joe Demarco, Mathew Burt, and contest showman Grant McCauley! Jim, by placing first in this class, gets the opportunity to attend nationals this year. Congratulations to all of the lifters in these two classes for their fine performances! See everyone next year!! Session IV - Men (110kg/242lb class - 125+kg/SHW) The 110kg/242lb class, like the 90kg/198lb class was going to be close, given the nominations turned in by the lifters. However, Pro-Fitness's Celtic warrior, Brian Callahan had the best day of life, and lifted like a machine, with personal records across the board, and totaled a fine 802.5kg/1768lbs. Brian will challenge for title at this year's Master's National Championships, and will have the opportunity to lift at the Men's Nationals if he so chooses! Brian capped his day off with a beautifully performed sumo-style deadlift of 300kg/661lbs - Well done! Not too far behind was Joe 'Battleship' Hirsch, who had a crucial third squat turned down on depth, which was very, very close. This lift was key and pivotal, and cost Joe a shot at the title. Nonetheless, Joe produced a very nice 212.5kg/468lb bench press, and will be ready for to lift at the Master's Nationals. Delessio, Feairheller, and Eckhart all lifted very well, and produced some very competitive performances for their first 'national' level meet. Kekoanui is young, raw, and full of talent. Watch for this young man in the future. He is going to become a very good lifter. Currently, he is being tutored by Jeff Fiss, who is a fine coach and mentor for this young man! Saul Michelson from Rhode Island had a very tough day, and did not make it passed the squats. Saul is one of the most enthusiastic lifters around, and will return better than ever. Congratulations to each lifter for their fine effort and performance! In the 125kg/275lb class, Deron "The Bull" Rogers came out of the gates with some very intense lifting in the squat, and never looked back. Deron totally dominated this class, and pulled a picture-perfect final deadlift of 335kg/738lbs that was spectacular, and had everyone on their feet cheering him on to completion! What a great pull, especially after missing his second deadlift for a technical difficulties. Olinger lifted very well and made enough to stay in and capture second place convincingly! Bothwell, on the other hand, had a tough day in the squats, and hit the showers early. It was a pleasure to see them both on the platform again. In the 125+kg/SHW, newcomer Jeffrey Fiss battled last year's American Open SHW Champion Mike D'Amore. After winning last year, Mike went on to lift at Nationals and have a very nice 8/9 day! Again, this year, Mike's lifts improved considerably, but were not enough to overcome Jeff's huge 305kg/672lb squat, and 501lb bench press, which put him in the driver's seat going into the deadlift. I am very proud to say that this year's and last year's American Men's Open and Junior SHW Champions are from Pennsylvania! Luis Velez at just 23 years old squatted an easy 295kg/650lb with just a singlet. WOW! Luis also bench pressed an easy 182.5/402lbs. Finally, on a special note, this class marked the return of former ADFPA President "big" Al Siegel, who lifted conservatively to qualify for the Master's Nationals - Welcome home AL! Needless to say, it is great to have you back this time, put your feet up, kick your shoes off, and stay awhile!! After the final awards were given to the lifters, Team Pennsylvania was presented with the 1st place team trophy, which was delivered to team Captain Mike D'Amore. This was Team Pennsylvania's first national championships win! Congratulations to all team members - great job! Special Thanks to the following People To close, the American Open Championships would not have been as successful as it was, if it were not for the following people. They are as follows; Dr. Larry Maile - USAPL President and IPF Regional VP, Johnny Graham - USAPL Vice-President and Master's Committee Chairman, William "Red-Light" Clayton - IPF Cat I Official, and USAPL EC Member, Dennis "Niko" Huslander - USAPL Pennsylvania State Chairman, Robert Wagner -USAPL Coaching Committee Chairman, Al Siegel - IPF Cat I Official, and Priscilla Ribic - USAPL Women's National Team Member and Athletes Representative, was on hand to assist and encourage the lifters! I would also like to thank the following referees and staff members, whose expertise ensured both the seamless, flawless and error free direction of this event. All sessions started and ended on time! They are as follows; Jack Marcus - IPF Category II Referee, Nick Theordorou - USAPL National Referee, Eric Steiner - USAPL National Referee, Brenda Siegel - USPL National Referee, Theresa "Terri" Kunsman - USAPL State Referee, Mike & Dee Siderio, and Don Wilson who always does a terrific job of keeping score on the computer, and notwithstanding, Sean Cosgrove and the Glen Mills School Powerlifting Team for their excellent as well as professional spotting and loading work during the event. I would also like to thank C. Showers for providing security and Dr. Robert Buchanan for his medical expertise. I would also like to thank Jimmy the K, and Brian Davidson for loading the truck - Special and many thanks to each of you! Sponsor Contributions I would also like to sincerely thank all our sponsors for there generous donations to the contest. More times than not, sponsors are overlooked, and not appreciated for their significant contributions back into the sport of Powerlifting. As such, I would like to recognize Inzer Advance designs - The World Leader in Powerlifitng Apparel, as our major sponsor; as well as Nick Theordorou - Nutritional Technologies; Dave Follansbee - USABodybuilding.com; Chris Burrows - C&J Sportswear; Dan Wagman - PurePowermag; Steve Mann - Purepowerlifting.com; Niko Huslander - USAPL Pennsylvania; Mike Laird - Barload Software; Adam Auerbach - Ivanko Barbell; Rich Fowler - Graphics by Rick; and Priscilla Ribic - USA Women's National Powerlifting Team. On behalf of USA Powerlifting, and the lifters - Thank you and much appreciated! Final Thoughts As I close this article, I would like to personally thank all of the athletes, and their family members for their support of this contest, and wish each of you, much success for this coming year. Also, I would also like to request that each state chairman, encourage their lifters to attend this championship in 2004 - Especially those lifters, wishing to gain valuable experience, before proceeding onto the national platform. The experience is invaluable! On a final note, it goes without saying that I am truly blessed to have the privilege to work with such fine people within USA Powerlifting - Pennsylvania. Thank you for contribution to the sport of Powerlifting! The very best of luck to everyone during 2004, and see you next November! Robert Keller Contest Director 2003 USAPL American Open Powerlifting Championships |
Contest Photos
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