MAD RANTS!
May 5th 2008
I have gotten a few bits of news on the Masters Nationals from the USAPL forum and looking for more but here is what I got so far. If ANY of you were there and want to write something up please send it my way. Gary Grahn Took 3rd in the 198 weight class with a 1231 total. He failed to gain silver only by wilks and Gold to Powerlifting legend Mike Bridges.
Mitch Edelstein grabbed 4th in the 220s. I can only figure by the lifts he made and did not make that the judging must have been brutal. He fended better then Bob Sainati whom did not complete the event.
The man of the even was once again Brad Gillingham as reported by Rich Edinger whom took his 2nd place to Brad in stride. Reported an over 2200 total with a 837 pull. As I understand it he took best lifter at this event as well. Congrats to Brad on yet another National win.
April 15th 2008
Its been a while, but we have been working on a few things in the mean time. Aaron Welborn will be running the Twin Cities Open again this year in early September. We are in the middle of getting the venue set and we have something in mind. Aaron said he just wants to get some things set before giving the final word. But the Twin Cities Open should go off with a bang so have not fear. More news coming soon on that front.
Another subject that comes up in summer time events. We have the best events around during the fall and winter, but summer has come up short for the most part. The one thing that has made things work in the summer is Tom Haggenmillers event. Tom however has said that other obligations during the summer has made running his event tougher now so it may not happen. I still have to check with Tom, but my point is that those who have said they are thinking of running a summer (or late spring for that matter) event the time frame is wide open and I know many who would help and lift at it. So that is something to consider.
March 10th 2008
MN has returned from the Arnold Sports Festival to represent USA Powerlifting in our first appearance there and I have to say it was a surreal experience. I am going to hold off sharing the details as I am waiting on a write up for this event that should be coming soon. I will share that the highlight of the weekend was Big Brad Gillingham won the GNC Pro Deadlift contest on his final pull of 865. Truly a proud way for MN to end off the weekend of lifting.
Check out the usapowerliftingforum.com youtube channel here for some clips of the action.
On the local front I am going to work on getting dates set for both TCO and Hudson. I won't have those right away, but they are on my plate of things to do. Going forward I know many of you have asked about summer events. I know its been a long time since we have had a good summer meet. One director I know was kicking the idea around for this summer to have an event, but family situations kept that from occurring. So that has been put on the shelf for now. The thing is for those folks out there that might want to get involved in meet directing I know summer time is a great time to have an event. Plus you will have a great pool of help from those who compete at State or those heading off to Nationals or Worlds will lend a hand. Just something for all to think about.
February 5th 2008
I have posted the MN state results here. It contains the best lifts and a copy of the full results for all you detail freaks out there. I am working on records and starting in the female ungeared full first and will progress from there. In the mean time if you see records that should be updated by all means let me know. I may write something up about this event later on today, but if ANYONE has a write-up about this event they want to submit please send it to me
January 31st 2008
Many of you asked about flight information for State Open and I posted it on the USAPL forum. However I neglected to post it on the MN State Open page. Sorry about that and its posted there now for anyone who may have missed it. That information is subject to change, but I am pretty sure the flight info will stay as is.
One more thing, I felt uncomfortable writing that last rant below but the responses I got about the matter I thank you all for. I don't like the feeling that I am fishing for complements, but at the very least I want to make sure everyone is happy with this site and it appears the vast majority of people are. Plus after the rant I got at least one person who is going to attempt to make some time to help add to this site. I don't want to say whom this person is nor when it would happen as they made it very clear that time is not of abundance for this person.
I got one lead on something of interest. Check out this article on Maura Shuttleworth.
January 28th 2008
I wish this was a rant about how excited I am about State but I am sorry its not. Its about a nasty email I got on how I report and run this site. I know some that I talked to about this told me just to ignore it but this one was such a kick in the balls I have to get this off my chest. This hate mail I got claimed that I have ignored the reporting of events some members have attended due to personal feelings I have towards them. They went on to say that this site is nothing but my personal journal and that many members no longer read it because its so full of my 'cock-a-mayme bullshit'.
Where I seriously doubt our membership shares such infantile points of view I want to make very clear in case I am wrong that I report with what I have available to me. If its about USAPL in MN and its sent to me you can expect it to be posted here. Sure I might change the layout and grammar to make it work on the site, but it goes up once I get it. I would love to see members write about lifters in our state at all levels. Point is no bias, if its Powerlifting it goes up.
To expect me to know about every event that goes on is unmerited. I have asked time and time again to have those send news to me when it happens. I have even went as far as to build another site so people can submit the news from anywhere. Yet despite this the last news I got was back in late 2006 that was sent to me by a member. So with this lack of info I do what I can to report. I do the mad rants and tell about what is going on in a blog like fashion that God forbid include some of my own feelings and points of view.
So for those who have enjoyed this site I thank you for your support. For those who have given feedback to make it better I thank you as well. For those like the deliver of venom to my inbox today I say this. If you have that big of issue with the reporting on this site then I suggest you click here and report what you want to see posted. Otherwise your hate mail is what really should be called 'cock-a-mayme bullshit'.
January 24th 2008
Well here it is the 2008 MN State Open and I just got done with what I think is the final update to the lifters list. If you’re not on this list you need to get a hold of Angela ASAP. If I have misspelled your name you need to get a hold of me if you want it corrected.
-The place for this monstrosity of power and freak like behavior is The Press Gym in Little Canada. As some of you may know The Press Gym has now found a new place to call home and their place is just AWESOME! It’s got a wide open center area for a great lifting layout and a great warm-up area for all to have plenty of room to find your inner freak and reach that point we all get to that feels like our head is going explode with power of making that big PR.
As I review the list of freaks and creatures of power that make you realize that Darwin may just be right I see some interesting appearances and match up.. so lets review:
I see in the woman a lady ready to roll named Shari Cowles. This is going to be her first contest ever. I worked with her to get her fitted with some gear and talk about someone living for this day to come. Talking to her trainer, talking to me thinking about ever lift and built like she is going to squat a ton. Welcome Shari
We have 3 ladies going at the bench raw. Now for this entire event I know a lot of the masters, raw and ladies will be run by formula so this is what I am going off of. Assuming this we have a 3 way match ready to go here. I don’t want to place any bets, but there is one lifter in that 3 that has been to bench worlds like 100 billion times. My money might just be on her.
Moving to the Open let’s see what we have. Now I am a little bias as I know this guy all too well so forgive me. Hell we lifted in Norway together and this guy is pursuing his higher education, he is in a rock band, the chicks love him and he plays a hell of a trumpet his name yes ladies and gentlemen is Tony Williams. He has controlled the 165s on the local scene quiet often. But are Ryan and Chris ready to knock the rock star off? We shall see..
And we got a 3 way teen contest here also in the 165s. Tait Anderson who is known to train with the Jamrozeks looks like he has packed on some mass and some power for this contest. Maybe he will be joining the race to beat Tony as well. But what about Dino and Casey.. its anyone’s guess.
Let’s check out the 181s here. I see some really even numbers here with one exception. We have Doug Miller who is known for his bench. One big lift can throw off a 3 way race very fast. Can Doug pull of a big bench and hold off the others for the big win?
Nate Nord. Now this guy is sitting alone in the 242s. But this guy is so off his rocker the voices in his head and split personality should make it seem like there are 3 freaks all in one. This guy here lifted at the Danube Cup with legend Brad Gillingham and I think will be placing one of the highest Wilks in the meet. If you’re in the 220s I suggest you stay there.. Then again Nate might just bite his own arm off to make weight to come get you.. Look out for Nate.
The elder statesmen are out in force at this meet as well. Oh I kid the Masters as I know I am going to be there myself. Right now I hope not to be farting dust when I hit masters let alone doing what these guys do. The 50 to 59 crowd shows some names I know well. You got G-man Grahn, Gary Edwards and Sid I am wondering about. You get G-man who laughed off major surgery like it was just a hang nail to come back better than ever. You got Gary Edwards mult master record holder. You got Sid Reid very much the same who just never takes a break and keeps his son Tony moving hard all the time. I make no bets here either. But it’s going to be fun to watch.
Another product from the past, but better in the future is Bob Sainati. To share a quick funny story the first time I met this guy was High School Nationals in 91. Then I didn’t know anything (not that I do now, but.. oh shut up) about Powerlifting and he was a judge. He looks at me and says.. “what the hell is with your knee wraps, you might as well add 30 pounds to the bar’. Well Grumpy old man still is around and he is the best. What I like about this guy is he reminds me of Cahill when he lifts. This squat and bench are good, but he kills you in the deadlift. Guys in his class.. you better get a big sub total.
Last freaks of interest for me are the ungeared guys. Personally I think you’re nuts going all raw, but I did it and enjoyed it to so hats off to you. I am not sure what to make of these guys. I am keeping an eye on my guy Mike Sampson who is still pissed at me for catching the cold I had last week and wanted to kill me during his last squats. I think he will be fine and resetting some records in the ungeared. The other two I am watching is Bob Miller and John Dorsher. Bob I swear I want to see his ID as he looks 21 and his in the masters. Sure Bob.. whatever.. ha ha ha. Well he is making his 2nd meet back in the last 15 years and got the rust out during the TCO last year. Then you get John Dorsher. He is one of those guys who does that lifting that you put over your head.. I think it’s called Olympic lifting or something? John might kill the contest with his big squat. I know he has been worn out training, will he pull it together for the big day? We shall see
That’s all for now.. see you on Feb 2nd at The Press Gym!
December 28th 2007
As we close out the 2007 season I want to say thank you to all that took part in making it another great year. As we roll into next year and to continue to bring you the best online experience possible my comrade in web projects Mike Sampson and I have put together a new site called mnpowerlifting.com . This site is designed with interactive features for you the visitor to use. Now you have NO REASON not to report on events in Powerlifting you take part in. Also, if you want to write about training, other sports you, family or friends take part in feel free to add to this site. This site will be a multi subject site, but the primary purpose will be of course Powerlifting. This site WILL NOT replace this one, just add to what we have.
One thing I should note, we are still testing the site so if something goes wrong or does not appear right please email me so we can fix it. And to use the full functionality of the site you will need to register yourself. Sorry, but with spammers out there its a necessary evil.
Happy New Year everyone!
December 11th 2007
Well here we go and we have the first event coming at us for the 2008 season This meet will make a bigger splash then the sound you hear after Nick Tylutki squats, it will be louder the Jon Krogman after he deadlifts, it will grab you tighter then Gillinghams double overhand grip and you will be running back for more like me at a buffet.. yes that is right its the Minnesota State Open.
For this event the MN State Open website has been reopened. You can visit it at www.mnstateopen.com Its not done yet, but its got the bare essentials for you. Check it out and get ready for a great meet. One more thing before I go off and stuff my face just an FYI this meet will likley draw 60 plus lifters. So in other words be prepared for the meet to go past 4:30. You will get a full day of the best Powerlifting around. Stay tuned!
November 28th 2007
Ok, all you crazy lifting freaks out there you can stop with the questions we will be having some great events in 2008. You can expect the usual suspects (Hudson , TCO ,State) and I have updated the events page to reflect this. We don't have all the information quite yet, but I am willing to bet these meets will be in the same places close to the same date as last season. I am also working with some possible new events for this upcoming year. 2008 shall be great for Powerlifting.
I am also working on updating records. First off I am not sure if I mentioned this before but I have gotten a few emails about records corrections. Problem here is that I just switched to a new email server and flipping spam has been a problem. So I am picking out the real emails from the spam so that has slowed down the records updates a bit. Plus I am finishing up the ungeared record listing. I neglected to add teen and junior before.. DOH!
November 21st 2007
i hope everyone is looking forward to this Thanksgiving day coming up. I know I am. As anyone who knows me I was that kid who liked Thanksgiving more then Christmas. And today it shows :P. Before I run off to my job I was attempting to do some updates. I got Hudson posted here officially. I am also starting on updating records. I have two challenges on that front I need all of your help with. First off Hudson Ungeared, please look at these names
| Chris Mathison (274.0) | 450 | 310 | 465 | 1225 |
| Raw Master Men by formula | ||||
| John Dorsher (235.9) | 470 | 270 | 560 | 1300 |
| Ray Magnuson (198.9) | 285 | --- | --- | --- |
I need to know who comes from either MN or WI for the ungeared records. And for masters I need ages.. If anyone can help me there please let me know.
2nd challenge is updating records in general. Since I have switched servers for this site and others I have had issues with my email. I am getting email. But I am also getting tons of spam. This has caused me to have to hunt for real emails with those contacting me about records. Bear with me this will get fixed.
November 15th 2007
Another Hudson Open settles into history and like many events we have records to update, results to post, pictures to post and so much more. This time around with raw becoming a new thing in our state we have just an unreal amount of records to update. This will be done first thing when I get the results from Shawn Cain. I have already heard from him that they are being assembled. So stay tuned for that.
Anyone who reads my scribbling on this site know I am always calling on our membership to get involved with content for this site. Well here is yet another way to do just that. I know many of you have digital cams at our events. So why don't you take your clips and load them up on You Tube? Then you can send me the link and I can embed them here. Email me if you have questions.
In other news our 2008 season is starting to take shape. The Press Gym in Little Canada will be host to the MN State meet. Date for this event is February 2nd. We are working on other event information and you can of course count on seeing it here!
October 25th 2007
My how a couple weeks can really mess with your head. Forgive the lack of follow up on this site. Anyone reading the USAPL forum has known I am dealing with a issue with my right knee and its no fun I can tell you. For quick update however I wanted to share with you a guy I can't say enough about. You all know who he is, his name is Brad Gillingham. Nothing keeps this guy down and he went to worlds and placed silver with some incredible trademark deadlifts he is know so well for.
Well, here is a quick ode to Big Brad and some clips of his big deadlifts. Click here.
October 17th 2007
So here we are in our new home for the PowerPages. Thanks all of you for your input on this site. Some versions of the PowerPages have been total train wrecks, this however will work good I think. I am not quite done however. There are some little things I would like to get done. Hopefully the main stuff like records are up to date, if not please let me know ASAP and I will get on it. There is something else for this site that I am adding. I am adding PowerPages mobile. This site is designed for mobile devices like the Treo or the IPhone, or for the ones out there who may not have the best internet connection. Like this site, bear with me as I work on it and I hope to have all the news you need there, but in a smaller package.
In other matters many of you have contacted me about events in 2008. Don't worry we have a great season in store for you and I hope to have that info posted soon. Many of the folks who are running these events have been tied up with other matters. That should soon be corrected.
One more things, lets give a big HELL YEAH and good luck to Brad Gillingham as he is off to Worlds showing everyone how great MN is. I hope to have news up here on how he does, but in the mean time check out the USAPL forum for info. Thanks much.