The Maryland Powerlifting Report 12/13/07

The Maryland State Powerlifting & Open Bench Press Championships

Results (PDF Word doc)

Spread Sheet (pdf xls)

On Saturday, December 8, 2007, 53 competitors weighed-in and 52 lifted in the state powerlifting and open bench press championships that was held in Annapolis, Md. The meet, which featured raw and equipped lifting, drew an overflow crowd of approximately 125 lifters, coaches and spectators. The venue was the Annapolis Moose Lodge (#296) which is located on Crownsville Rd in Annapolis, MD. The meet was sanctioned through USA Powerlifting and promoted by Mid-Atlantic Powerlifting. Due to delays in getting the site set-up, there was a half hour delay in starting the meet. After the rules briefing, we had a brief opening ceremony which included a moment of silence, the national anthem and the state song, "Maryland, My Maryland."

Lifting started at 9:45 AM. There were three flights of squats and deadlifts. For the bench press portion of the competition, an additional flight of "bench only" lifters proceeded the three flights of lifters who were competing in the powerlifting event. Lifters who crossed over into the "bench only" event remained in their respective flights throughout the contest. The effort was made to keep the flights orderly and to allow lifters the opportunity to plan ahead prior to the day of the meet. Information for the flights was provided the week before the event. Also, in having a "bench only" flight, made it much easier for those who came to watch the event to distinguish between those who were lifting in the powerlifting event from those who were participating in the bench only event.

When preparing for this meet, I noted that there was only one state raw record on the books. Here in Maryland, we just started recording raw records this year. So, everyone who lifted raw in this meet established a state record. Congratulations goes out to those lifters! For those lifting equipped, 29 state records were broken. Significant is the performances turned in by; Alexander Kang (3), Brad Foster (3), Mark Daniel (4), Pete Long (4), Loyd Harrod (3) and Ivy Lange (4). There was one attempt at an American Record which was not successful. Five lifters were tested for banned performance enhancers. Two were from the "bench only" flight and three were tested from the powerlifting flights. We had two guest lifters.

Medals, with Black & Gold ribbon were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers of each weight class. Best lifter awards were presented to the best light and heavy weight lifter in each divison. This year, we returned to a honored tradition of presenting honor awards to individuals who made significant contributions for and to Maryland Powerlifting. Jim Bardsley received the "Earl Bealefeld Award" for his volunteer efforts in helping make powerlifting meets in Maryland successful. "The Old Line Award" was shared by Matt and Sioux-z Gary for the leadership roles they play here in Maryland and with the high standard that they represent our state at both the national and world level. "The Mid-Atlantic Powerlifting Award" was presented to the Annapolis Moose Lodge #296 in appreciation for all that they did in support of my effort to hold this meet.

This was the first meet I promoted and served as meet director. I'm grateful for the hard work performed by the many volunteers who came out in support of the lifters. Their dedication to the sport, energy, enthusiasm and support of what I wanted to do is inspiring. There were periods leading up to this meet where I got a bit frustrated and felt I tried to do too much. It was at those times someone would show up, lend a hand and help move the effort along. My prayers were answered and to God goes all the glory. It is him and his son that I need to thank first.

The list is long:
Jeff Summers (carpentry, moving & photography), Keith Barrett (moving), Joe Russo (scoring & spot-loading), Jim & Brenda Bardsley (equipment, moving, concessions & spot-loading), Brad Foster (equipment), Matt & Sioux-z Gary (equipment, referee, moving & marshalls), Brian Washington (referee), Mike Sichelman (referee & moving), Tony Holbrook (video), John Mogavero (co-meet director, announcing), James Bufkin (referee, moving), Pete Long (errands) and Marsha Serre (weigh-ins & judging). For those I missed, please accept my apology and know your efforts are appreciated.

A special thanks to Allan at APT for his support. He sent wraps that I handed out to lifters. Also, a special thanks to Paul Bossi (President, 100% RAW and owner of Elizabeth Trophies) for supplying the honor awards. Both Allan and Paul have done a lot to support me in my efforts and are truly dedicated to seeing our sport grow. I appreciate everything they've done.

A huge thanks goes out to Niko Hulslander and Garage Ink. Niko brings an incredible amount of energy to wherever he is at. I saw it the week before at the American Open. I saw it at the Garage Ink Invitational. And a number of times in the distant past. Niko is...., I can only say it best as a great friend to everyone in the sport of powerlifting. Pennsylvania is fortunate to have him as their state chairman. We're fortunate to have him as a neighbor. I look forward to working with Niko and Garage Ink many more times in the future. Niko took on many roles in helping us with this meet.

Finally, I need to say a extra special thanks to my wife Sharon and my daughter Melissa. My wife is a saint and both have been very supportive of my efforts in powerlifting. It has been often that family schedules have been changed to allow me to attend events. Besides, how many wives would allow their husband to store powerlifting equipment in the living room as if it was part of the decor?

It has been exciting to receive the the positive response to this meet. But, everyone must remember that in holding a powerlifting meet, it isn't about one person. First and foremost it is about the lifters and providing them with the best possible conditions and environment to compete. It is also about others coming together to volunteer time to be referees, score the meet, spot-load and serve in other capacities. Leading up to this meet, I often referred to it as "our party." Everyone, whether they lifted or played a part in running the meet, deserves recognition for the success of this meet. It was thrilling to see the enthusiasm of the lifters and meet staff each time they came to the platform. And most of the crowd remained, despite the small room, almost to the end of the meet. Was it the food?

Being a powerlifter and knowing the conditions in which I'd like to compete makes laying the foundation for a meet much easier. Another aspect for preparing for the meet is applying what you've learned from others. Not all of us are creative geniuses, but somewhere in each of our careers as lifters, we've been to a meet where a special feature just seemed to stand out. It is here where my travels have taught me many new lessons and I finally was given an opportunity to showcase some of those elements in this last meet. I need to credit Paul Bossi (President, 100% RAW) for many of the ideas I borrowed in putting together this meet. It was also Paul who helped me with the purchase of the tee-shirts and provided the honor awards. The tee-shirts looked great!!!

I've made some mistakes and have learned some valuable lessons as a result of having this meet. Next time, I won't award so many best lifter awards. Second, I'll see to it that scoring is a bit more efficient. I think that the problems had with the computer was one thing that caused our interruptions. Lastly, the venue (everything) will be ready the day/night before. And, if the venue is a small, I'll limit the number of lifters or have the meet over the course of two days. I think having a bigger venue is a better option for most. Unless it is a national meet.

In closing, I liked to point out that there were a number of new faces as well as a number of lifters who haven't lifted in some time. In fact, when I was planning this meet, my projection was that we'd only get around 30 lifters. For each, they have their own reasons. But, if powerlifting is going to be successful, we need to take the experiences we had from this years state meet and move forward together as a group. Take time to stay in contact with one another. Offer suggestions and any ideas you have to continue to build on the success we achieved with this past meet. It is only through the feed-back each can offer will improvements be made at both the state and national level. Use the message board. There is a link on the left side bar of this page. Most importantly, support Maryland Powerlifting.

Jim