Arnold Classic 2008

February 29th-March 3rd

Columbus Ohio


This is a brief update on some of the impact Minnesota powerlifters had at the Arnold Classic this year. There were four different powerlifting events that went on throughout the weekend. Leading off were Tony Reid, Brad Madvig, and Jim Cahill in the raw meet



The guys put on a great show and had some high placing. As I recall Tony won a gold medal, Brad silver, and Jim a bronze. President Angela Simons was a side judge for this event. Sid Reid was on hand to coach Tony. Helping out Jim and Brad  was Mike Sampson and Brian Lenard.




The ballroom where the event took place was full and rockin'. Saturday morning Greg Wagner was in the Quest full power meet. He was on the winning Midwest team and also placed a very respectable 3rd. Jon Krogman was his coach for this event. This was also held in the same ballroom and had a standing room only crowd. Satruday afternoon a couple of Minnesotans were featured in the deadlift contest on the main stage. Nick Tylutki and Brad Gillingham put on a great show. Nick pulled 782 for the third heaviest lift and Brad pulled a monstrous 865 for the win. His final lift was the heaviest and also won the formula side of the contest. Brad was coached by Steve Johnson. Nate Nord was on hand to coach Pat McGettigan from Wisconsin and Randall Harris. Gary Grahn coached Nick, along with David Ricks and Fiona vonBachhaus. Angela Simons was on hand to coach Deron Rogers.




The bench press meet on the main stage Sunday morning didn't have any lifters from Minnesota, but we were represented by Gary Grahn who had been asked to coach Fiona and her German teammate Markus Schick. Fiona finished second in the women’s event with a 346 bench at 136 body weight. Markus put up a remarkable 561 at 178.

 



All in all, Minnesota Powerlifting played an important role in this great event. No one played a larger role in this event than Brad Gillingham. He has been at the grass roots beginning of the whole thing. From his dream years ago to have the USAPL and GNC involved in the powerlifting part of the Arnold, to his victorious march of madness after his last deadlift. Now the USAPL and IPF have been invited back for next year. This is a remarkable accomplishment and Minnesota Powerlifting has had an impact. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the GNC grip gauntlet that was manned by the Gillingham brothers which Brad Madvig tried and was humbled. Brad, Karl, and Wade put on quite show of grip strength all weekend. Looking forward to next year. G Man



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