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PAGE Two: High School Powerlifting Phenom: Rees Burt
PAGE Three: A Coach's Reflections on His First Trip to High School Nationals
USAPL Women's Hall of Fame, 2006
The USAPL Women's Hall of Fame serves to recognize men and women who are not only the embodiment of the USAPL Mission Statement, but have played an active role in the advancement of women's powerlifting. Two such individuals were inducted to the Hall of Fame at the 2006 Women's USAPL Nationals in Denver. Linda Jo Belsito and Billy Jack Talton have both played a unique and important role in the advancement of women's powerlifting.
As a professor of health and physical education, Dr. Billy Jack Talton's involvement in powerlifting should come as no surprise. It is the sheer depth of his involvement in the sport for over 30 years that is impressive. During this time, he has served as a lifter, referee, administrator, and meet director. However, it is his accomplishments during his 26-year tenure as the Louisiana Tech Coach that stand out. In 1979, the first female powerlifter was welcome to his LA Tech team. In 1981, he made a successful push to make the collegiate national meet co-ed. Between 1979 and his retirement in 2001, his women won 11 National Collegiate Titles and he coached 12 IPF Junior World Competitors. As the Collegiate Chairman, Dr. Talton also implemented random drug testing of the men and women' collegiate competitors. His devotion to this sport has given many young women the chance to grow as only the experience of being a competitor, teammate, and athlete can.
In contrast to Dr. Talton, Lindo Jo Belsoto's athletic accomplishments are what serve as an inspiration to female powerlifters. An all around athlete growing up, Linda Jo turned to the strength sports as a young women, competing in bodybuilding and powerlifting early in her career. Linda Jo began to concentrate on powerlifting, and soon began to dominate her competition. In her 23 years of competition, she has held countless records. Her successful career culminated in 2001 with a dual win in the Open and Master's category at USAPL nationals, and all 4 gold medals at Master's Worlds that year. Linda Jo is also a successful Olympic lifter, winning 4 Master's Olympic World titles. Her accomplishments need no explaining, it is clear that her incredible attitude and dedication to be the best is what drives her achievements.
The USAPL Women's Committee is proud to have these two extraordinary individuals as the newest members of the USAPL Women's Hall of Fame. They join an amazing cast of lifters and coaches who have shaped women's powerlifting into the sport we know today. To learn more about this year's and previous inductees, or how to nominate and individual, please visit the Hall of Fame web site at: http://www.usapowerlifting.com/halloffame/women/index.shtml.
For more complete information on each, follow these links: Linda Jo Belsito and Dr. Billy Jack Talton
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