At first I was a bit disappointed by the small number, but by the time
the meet was over, I was excited about it and ready to run another
one.
We established a number of state records, which I believe will stand
for a long time.
First there was Carolee Engel. Carolee came in as a light 198lb
lifter. This gal gets stronger everytime I see her. Carolee ended up
with a 265lb squat, establishing a state record, which will stand for
a LONG time to come. Next was Al Baehr from Illinois. This was only
Al’s second ever competition. Al went 505 in the 242s.
After that came Dave Lawrence from Spencer Iowa. Dave weighed in at
192 1/2lbs. At the age of 56 Dave went 600lbs in the squat for a WPA
world record. As well as an Iowa State Record which will be hard to
break.
We then had Rob Hernandez from Illinois who squatted 630 in the 220s
NEARLY triple his bodyweight. Rob weighed in at 213 1/2
Now comes the benchpresses. Carolee got a strong 180 on her second
attempt, she then gave 195 a good ride on her third, but it was not to
be. 180 will be a fine long-standing state record for Carolee.
Dave Lawrence hit a good 290 for another lasting state record. In the
Masters 55-59 age group, as well as the open.
Rob Hernandez nailed 325 his first attempt, but missed on 385 twice.
Al Baehr was not accustomed to his new bench shirt yet and opted to
lift without it. Al got a STRONG 300 his first attempt. He hit 320 on
his second but barely missed 330 on his third.
Thomas Calvin, a young man with a LOT of promise, Nailed 390 on his
first attempt, but missed 410 on his next two. Thomas was lifting in
the SHW division. I have a feeling Thomas will be the one to blast
through his own State Record.
Next we have William Bullock. Quite a story there. William checked his
weight early in the weighins. He was at 202 ½. He told me he had hoped
to hit a 620 deadlift in the 198s for a PR. I pointed him to the
cardio equipment upstairs and off he went. At about the end of weigh
in time he came in at 197 ¼. William then benched 405 with a VERY
close grip. William missed his attempt at 410 afterwards though.
And finally, we have the only person to go 3 for 3 on the benchpress
attempts. Noble Cozine finished his day with 410 as a very light 242.
I look for Noble (Cozy) to be raising that state record real soon.
The deadlifts were also amazing! We start off with Spencer Davis. At
14 years of age this was his first meet. Spencer weighed in at 123 ¼
and pulled 160. It is always good to see young people take up an
interest in something as positive as powerlifting.
Carolee Engel finished her day with a 315 deadlift and a 760 total. A
nice start on Women’s state records. Good lifting Carolee.
Dave Lawrence pulled 540 on his second attempt and passed on his
third. I guess that world record squat took it’s toll. Still an
AMAZING pull by a 56 year old 192 ½ LB man. Dave ended up with another
world record. 1430 in the total! CONGRATULATIONS Dave!
Next was Al Baehr, Al pulled a PR and new Illinois State Record 600lbs
for a whopping 1425 total. Good Job Al.
Rob Hernandez finished his day with a lift of 605. Rob put together a
total of 1560. Incredible for a light 220.
Finally we come back to the dehydrated William Bullock. Remember his
goal? 620 at 198. With the 198 out of the way all he had to do was
pull the 620 and he did that on his second attempt! It was a strong
pull and he tried for 630 on his third. It was a gallant struggle but
not meant to be. William finished his day with a 1025 total in a
push/pull! GREAT JOB William!
At this time I would like to thank Paul and Holly Armstrong, owners of
Planet Fitness, for sponsoring this event. I would also like to
congratulate them on their recent marriage. Thanks also go to DeEdwin
Shaw who stuck out the entire meet spotting and loading when he had a
wedding to attend shortly after it was over. Dedication like this is
rare and to be commended. Kudos also goes to Rex Beetner and Bill
Stout who worked hard to help DeEdwin. Thanks to my wife who worked
hard with me to run the event. And of course thanks go to my judges,
Lynn Kartel, Ryan Swailes, and Roger Gibbs.