Raysidebar1 Fawn FridayContentSafe

Custom Search

USAPLMN USAPL NEWS


Arnold Sports Festival 2010. March 4-7 Columbus Ohio

(UPDATED March 8th with Brad Gillingham 2nd attempt posted)

The only regrets I have about this event is A. Not being able to get shots of MN lifting, and B. Having to leave before MN took the stage for the GNC deadlift event. But some things are unavoidable and part of life. But once again the Arnold Sports Festival was a fantastic experience for not only for Minnesota, but for USA Powerlifting. USA Powerlifting being part of the largest amateur sports festival in the nation and I think the world is a credit to the org which we lift in.

This is my report from the contest, results and some shots of major lifters around the country, and Arnold speaks!

**********************

I hate the fact that I thought raw lifting was a joke at one time. Perhaps that was driven by those who come on various Powerlifting boards and talk about geared lifting not being true lifting, failing to realize that a large number of geared lifters would beat them raw and without having to bench in a meet. Or how they feel knee sleeves is outright cheating. Ok, I still find those type more annoying then a breakfast buffet that ran out of bacon. But Raw powerlifting showed that it has earned the respect of everyone in Powerlifting over the last 3 years at the Arnold.

Despite our event being on Friday when most people are working, we see the numbers in the crowd grow. We see bigger lifting, and this contest was hands down the toughest yet. For me, I took 2nd in cash and first in heavy last year. Granted I still took silver in the heavies, This year I was knocked to 8th overall and I only missed 1 lift (well.. I missed two squats.. but I went up and got 3 whites on a heavier attempt.. so only 1 lost attempt in my book). So the grade of lifting has jumped for everyone. And it was awesome!

The Con-Crete Raw Challenge had a new member from MN join us for the ride. The name you might know as Jordan Krogman. Like a big dumb idiot I almost forgot he was there, but he set off a big explosion in numbers despite competing in the MN State Open just a few weeks earlier. Jordan set 3 Jr American records in the process. A 556.66 squat, a 611.78 deadlift and a 1532 total. All at one of the biggest meets in the country.

Our State Chair Joe Warpeha bowed out before the contest due to pec injury. I am happy to say that he has been promoted to 'Marshal' Joe Warpeha. Make sure you give him congrats at the Twin Ports Raw Open.

Mike Neal from the east Coast looking lighter and I know recovered from some injuries took the heavies and 2nd in cash. He came with a great 310 kilo squat. What I found amazing that he had shoulder issues not to long ago and I saw his 2nd attempt bench at 240 lost on Power. I thought I had an opening to catch up when that happened.. Nope.. he came back and owned it on the 2nd attempt. He also showed his deadlift has improved with a 297.5 kilo Pull.. Congrats Mike.. I look forward to our next contest. I want to say congrats to John Grosulak, John had some issues getting lifts past, and pardon the expression, but it takes some stones to miss a number of lifts and not say F It.

He went for it a 320 attempt to tie with me but missed.. but still put a great 792.5 Total together. I see that last 320 kilo attempt coming to for you in the very near future. I look forward to our next meet as well, and I will be very aware of what your doing and fighting to stay ahead.. or perhaps to catch up with the way you lift sir.

For the women is is always a joy seeing the flying Sioux Z deadlifting. And to think she competed in the IPF GNC deadlift as well this same weekend blows the mind. She took the best lifter for the Raw Women. And to see how excited she got after her last pull.. just fun to see.. I am not sure how else to put it. For someone who has kicked ass for so long its just inspiring as hell. Good Job!

 

Ode to my best bud Jim Cahill. Jim for the last 20 years in competing has always put great numbers in the squat and bench. But the deadlift is his killer weapon and he has been beating countless numbers with that lift. Jim throughout the meet called perfect numbers for himself (which is not easy) and tried a 744 pull that I am just punching myself in the head for not filming. 744 would have at least put him 2nd and put him in the money. He got all the to the top with a rocking house and me jumping around behind him like an idiot, but he lost grip at the top. Out of 100 attempts at that weight he would have gotten it 99 times, but it was just not in the cards that day.

Raw lifting stands with the rest of Powerlifting as more then just a credible source of lifting. More then just an entrance to Powerlifting for the new lifting. But a serious place for serious lifting and I plan my next run for 2011 right now. I look forward to seeing all you other raw freaks then.

For the GNC IPF Pro Deadlift I know that many of our MN men where there to represent, and I know a couple had injuries of various degrees.That didn't stop us from putting on a show. Leading the way was of course Big Brad Gillingham who had issues with his back pulling an 859 deadlift, placing him behind defending champion Robert Herring by less then 10 wilks points.

Brad Gillingham 2nd attempt of 832

Bringing in 8th and 10th respectably Nick Tylutki pulled a 716 and Jon Krogman pulled 727. Jon who has lost a lot of bodyweight, and was injured pulled unreal at this contest considering he was limping off the platform at MN State just weeks ago.

Onward to Arnold 2011.

Results of the event

Some great lifts done

* MN lifters at this event. Results open in a different page

Results thanks to nextlifter.com