USAPL Results Pages

IPF World Master Championships
October 5 - 8, 2006
Killeen TX

Meet Director: Johnny Graham

Write-up by Gina Stepleton

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The 2006 IPF Masters World Powerlifting Championship was held at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center in Killeen, Texas under the direction of Johnny Graham. Killeen is the home of Ft. Hood, the largest military installation in the free world. Lifters had the opportunity to tour the base and museum.

200 lifters from 27 countries began arriving in Killeen on Saturday, 30th of September. Everyone was graciously greeted by Johnny or one of his staff. Check-in was quick and efficient. Shuttle service to/from the venue/restaurants and breakfast was included in our room fees. The USA team had a good mix of old and new lifters.

The venue was spectacular. The warm-up room had four separate platforms with their own weights. It was also larger than most lifting platforms and wrapping areas combined. There was plenty of room in the wrapping area. The venue had 25 foot drop down screens so that you could see the lifting and score sheet from anywhere in the room. Flags from all the nations were placed on either side of the lifting platform. Joe Marksteiner's computer program was used. This program projects the total with the deadlift attempts so it made it much easier calculating numbers in the heat of the meet. A DJ was at the meet all week to play music between lifts. Terry Brady was the announcer and can he announce those names. Johnny's spotters and loaders are some of the best. They did a great job preventing any one from getting hurt. And where would Johnny be without Lanette Lopez. Much of the credit goes to her. Lanette made sure everything was in place to run smoothly.

The week began Monday night at the technical meeting. Going through the nominations, strategic moves were made moving individuals up or down a weight class. Tuesday morning began with the opening ceremony. Presentation of Colors was performed by our own military men and women. Our hats off to them for their service and a very big THANK YOU! After a couple of speeches, the Championship officially began.

Tuesday was the ladies' day. There were 50 women lifting on Tuesday.

WOMEN'S MASTER I
In the 44 kg class was newcomer Barb Sieps. Barb was uncontested, but still gave us a scare. Barb struggled with her first two bench attempts. After making some adjustments she got the third one in and walked away with four golds around her neck. Barb will be competing next month on the Open team in Norway.

We didn't have anyone in the 48 kg class. Vera Nelson, a past team member, took 4th in the 52 kg. Newcomer Jan Froeschle was another one that gave the coaching staff a scare. Jan also missed her first two bench attempts. She came back and got the third to take the silver in the 56 kg class.

In the 60 kg class, bench press specialist, Angela Simons, gave her nemesis, Maria Brightwater-Wharf from New Zealand a run for her money. Angela came up a little short finishing second overall and a gold in the bench press.

Former World Champion and all smiles Paula Houston was back on the platform in the 67.5 kg class. Paula took second against tough competition from Argentina.

Laura Styrlund and Rhonda Clark were our lifters in the 75 kg class. Just like at Women's Nationals, these two battled down to the last deadlift. Laura took the silver and Rhonda got the bronze.

Malinda Baum moved up from the 82.5 kg class to the 90kg class. Malinda gave us a scare by not getting depth on her first two squats. After re-grouping, Malinda got her third squat and came away with the bronze medal.

Another new face, Jill Arnow moved up to the 90+ kg class and competed against teammate and former World Champion Sue Hallen. Both ladies are a pleasure to have on the team. To bring up the end of the Women's Master I's, apparently Sue didn't wanted to be outdone, so she scared us also by missing her first two squat attempts on depth. Finishing first and second, Jill walked away with the overall gold and Sue with the bench press gold around her neck.

WOMEN'S MASTER II
Competing in the 44 kg class was former World Champion, little Donna Aliminosa. Donna was the lightest lifter weighing in at a whole 42.1 kg - I'm sure glad it wasn't windy, otherwise she would have blown away. Donna was uncontested and walked away with four golds around her neck.

Coming back to the master's platform was Alaska's Sally Bowers in the 52 kg class. Sally went up against tough competition from Canada's own Jacqui Sandu. Sally received the silver medal.

56 kg Barb Zintsmaster struggled on the platform, only going 4 for 9. However, it was enough to win golds across the board.

Making her come back on the master's team was Ellen Stein in the 60 kg class. Ellen had an experience I'm sure she won't soon forget. Ellen arrived safely in Killeen, however, her luggage including her equipment didn't. Ellen spent much of her time on the phone with the airlines trying to locate her equipment. Her equipment arrived at 10:00 am Tuesday morning, just in time for equipment check. Even with all the worrying, Ellen finished with four golds. Ellen had her sights set on a world record squat, but it just wasn't in the stars for her. I'm sure she'll be back to break it in the future.

Long time world master's team member and former World Champion, Ruth Welding, found herself on top of the podium in the gold medalist place, with four golds around her neck. Joining her on the podium for the silver was team member, Rita Carlsson, who we strategically moved up from the 60 kg class.

Returning team member, Terry Lee took the gold in the 75 kg's. Terry is so quiet you don't even know she is there. Overcoming a broken foot at women's nationals, Regina Hackney provided different drama missing her first two squats. Regina got the third and finished with the bronze medal.

Newcomer and a very nervous, Margaret McLean, made her international lifting debut in the 90 kg class. Margaret took second. This girl has so much power and strength. I'm anxious to see her improve as she gains confidence.

Harriett Hall, master's team member, World Champion, World Record Holder, mama bear. A pleasure to be around and an inspiration to us all. Harriett walked away with four golds on her neck and a big smile on her face. This was Harriett's last meet as she is retiring. Harriett you will be greatly missed by all. I'll be looking forward to your comeback in a few years.

Wednesday was the start of the men competition.

MEN'S MASTER I
We didn't have any lifters in the 52 or 56 kg classes. Our first Master I lifter was newcomer, 60 kg Eric Kupperstein. Eric had a solid performance and walked away with the gold. I'm sure we'll see him on many more world teams.

Also new to the team this year was Keith Scisney competing in the 67.5 kg class. At sub-total, Keith was out of first place by 27.5 kilos. Keith out-pulled his opponent to tie with him and win the gold on bodyweight.

Greg Page was also a first time Masters World Team member, competing in the 75 kg class. He gave the coaching staff a heart attack missing his first two benches. Greg was the last lifter on Wednesday night, pulling his last deadlift at 10:55pm. Greg ended the night on the podium with a gold around his neck.

Representing the USA in the 82.5 kg class was returning team member and last year's Champion of Champions, Ron Garofalo. Ron continued his success and has another world title to add to his resume.

Returning to compete in the 90 kg was Greg Jones. Greg has battled tough competition the last few years with Jon Gunnarsson (Iceland) and Jeff Becker (Canada). This year was no exception. Greg could only get his opening squat in and missed his first two bench attempts. However, only going 5 for 9, Greg was still able to capture the bronze medal overall and a gold in the bench press. Also lifting in this class was new team member Craig Terry. Craig was not able to get a bench press passed. Craig did get the gold in the deadlift. I'm sure he'll be back at Master's Nationals to redeem himself.

Henry Gerard represented the USA in the 100 kg class. Henry had problems with depth and was unable to get a squat passed. With the IPF rule allowing an individual to continue, Henry was able to get the gold medal in the bench press.

New to the team was Men's Open team member, Tony Harris all the way from Hawaii. Tony had an outstanding performance on the platform. He set a World Record in the deadlift and totaled 2,094 pounds in the 110 kg class. I'm sure Tony will be a member of the Master's Team for many years. Taking the silver was fellow USA member Gary Pamplin. This was Gary's first year on the team, but his last year in the MI class. Look for Gary next year in the Master's II.

Former team member, Dave Gonzales was on the platform for the 125 kg's. Dave was going against Canada's Mark Giffin. It was a tough battle and Mark came out on top. Dave walked away with the silver medal.

125+ - Brad Gillingham, Multi-World Champion, a gentle, quiet, class act - what can I say. Brad was a newcomer to the Master's World Team, but no stranger to the international competition. Brad did an easy 860 lb squat in a loose suit and an 849 deadlift. Brad set a world record total with 1047.5 kg/2309 pounds. Brad was on the podium listening to the National Anthem with four golds around his neck.

MEN'S MASTER II
Quiet Sam Meadows represented the USA in the 56 kg class. Sam only got 5 out of 9 lifts, but still took all four golds.

Former 60 kg world champion, Jimi Kavarnos had a less than perfect day getting only one squat, bench, and deadlift passed. Jimi got the silver medal.

Brendon Rohan was back on the international platform in the 67.5 kg class. Brendon is so quiet you don't even know he's there. Brendon got the gold medal in the bench press and fourth over-all.

New to the team in the 75 kg class was Art Little. Art was battling Great Britain's, Steve Walker. Art was only able to get one bench passed. He got the gold medal in the squat and deadlift and a silver over-all. Look for Art on future world teams.

The 82.5 kg members were returning team member, Aaron Byas, and newcomer, Randy Stone. The 82.5 kg was a very competitive class. Both Aaron and Randy were only able to get one squat passed. Aaron also had difficulty in the bench press, missing his first two attempts. This class went down to the last deadlift, which was Aaron's. Aaron was not able to pull the 307.5 needed to win the class, but did put forth great effort. Aaron was the bronze medalist and Randy finished right behind him in fourth. Randy and Aaron battled for the spot on the team at Master's Nationals and I expect another battle again next year. Both are great lifters.

Returning World Champion Floyd Givens represented the USA in the 100 kg class. Floyd had a disappointing day as he had depth issues with his squat and was unable to get one passed. Look for Floyd to be back next year.

Johnny Graham not only ran the meet, he also competed in the 110 kg class. Johnny lost weight the week of the meet and weighed in at a light 234. I don't know if I have ever seen Johnny look that slim. Also, lifting in this class is the ever likeable, cattle baron, Bill Sindelar. It's tough to coach these two lifters. They are both great people and you want to see both of them in the gold medal spot on the podium. For this coaching dilemma, the next best thing is a gold and silver medalist. That is exactly how these two performed, Johnny winning the gold and Bill taking the silver. Johnny also got the gold for his accordion squat and Bill got the gold in the bench press.

Good ol' southern boy Curtis Wainwright was the USA's 125 kg member. I think Curtis brought all of his family with him - what a cheering section with his lovely wife Leslie and Mama Wainwright leading them all. It was neat to see all the red, white, and blue in the audience. Curtis had a disappointing experience last year in South Africa, but redeemed himself this year. Curtis found himself on the podium with four golds around his neck.

Newcomer Steve Green was our 125+'er. Steve gave the coaching staff a scare missing his first two bench press attempts. Steve finished as the gold medalist and received golds in all the disciplines.

MEN'S MASTER III
Robert Trujillo was the MIII representative in the 60 kg class. Robert had a solid performance going 9 for 9. He also set the World Record in the bench. Robert went home with four golds.

Former multi-team member and Multi-World Champion, Robert Cortes was back with us once again in the 67.5 kg. What a joy to see a man of his young age, 76, lifting the weights that Robert does. However, Robert was not the oldest in his class. The oldest lifter was Joe Stockinger from Canada at 77 years young. And what a battle there was between these two lifters. Robert finished as the gold medalist and Joe was the silver medalist. What an inspiration to us all.

Master's team member Jim Yeats dropped weight to make the 75 kg class since we didn't have anyone in this class. Jim still exemplified perfect form, but told me it was a disappointing day. Jim finished fourth. Watch for Jim on future teams.

82.5 kg master team member Jim Lyons had a tough day. In the warm-up room, after he checked his equipment and weighed in, Jim discovered his lifting suits were not in his gym bag. It appears they had mistakenly been picked up by someone else. Jim had to scramble to find gear and get it approved. You know this rattled Jim as he missed two benches and two deadlifts. Jim finished fifth in his class.

In the 90 kg class, we welcomed back former team member Bud Bower and newcomer Fred Rice. Bud must have been training hard as his squats and benches looked the best I have ever seen them. Bud got the gold for the squat, bench press and overall. Fred got a silver for squat, bronze for deadlift and fourth overall. I expect Fred's lifts to improve as he gains confidence and experience.

The USA's lifters in the 100 kg class were multi-team member and Multi-World Champion Bill Helmich and newcomer Thomas "Bugs" Bayer. I have to say Bill was the hardest working member of the team. Bill was helping all his team members from start to finish everyday (except the day before he lifted and the session he lifted) either in the warm-up room, wrapping, etc. Bill and Bugs battled at Master's Nationals and the Worlds was no exception. Bill had trouble with his benches and deadlifts, getting only one lift each passed. Bugs pulled a hamstring and was only able to get one squat passed. At the end of the session Bill and Bugs finished first and second respectively. These two will continue to battle in the future as both are great lifters.

In the 110 kg was newcomer Curt Farrison. Curt made the team when a team member had to pull out due to family health issues. Curt was so anxious to be on the team, I received everything I asked for within two days. Curt is a new lifter and did well in his first international competition. Curt was the silver medalist. Curt is another lifter that I expect to see his lifts improve with experience and confidence.

A strategic move was made to move Thomas "Arnold" Arrington up to the 125 kg class. After all nominations were made at the technical meeting, Arnold was lifting uncontested. Arnold got the gold with a near perfect 8 for 9 day.

Returning team member Harry Heyman was the USA lifter for the 125+ kg class. Harry had been experiencing some knee issues and was unable to get a squat in. I'm sure he'll return to the platform to redeem himself.

With lifting finishing on Saturday, it was now time to relax, unwind, and spend time with old and new friends. The banquet was an all you can eat BBQ and music by the DJ that had provided the music all week long. After everyone ate, it was time for the awards ceremony. Speeches were given by Johnny Graham, Alan Ferguson, Larry Maile, and John Stephenson. John Stephenson is speaking of retirement. I hope it isn't true as he would be greatly missed. Now time for the awards. I'm proud to say the USA made a clean sweep of all the team awards; Women's Master I, Women's Master II, Men's Master I, Men's Master II, and Men's Master III. This is the first time ever we have won all five team awards. First place of the Women's Master II Champion of Champions went to USA's Harriett Hall and second place went to Ellen Stein. Regina Hackney received third in the Women's MIII Champion of Champions. Another first in history in the Men's Master I Champion of Champions as the USA swept all three spots with Brad Gillingham (1st), Tony Harris (2nd) and Ron Garofalo (3rd). Robert Trujillo received third place in the Men's Master III division. Men's Master 4 Champion of Champions went to Robert Cortes.

I would like to say "Great job to each and everyone of you. I'm proud of you"! It was my pleasure and honor to work with you. I hope this experience will be one of your fondest memories. Thanks to everyone for helping each other. This is one of the Masters' strongest strengths - we are FAMILY. To the family and friends - thanks for you support. Thanks to everyone for making this a great journey. I will be watching to see you on the platform again. Maybe our paths will cross again one day. Take care!

Gina Stepleton
World Master's Team Co-head Coach and Team Manager

Contest Photos

Thanks to Brad Gillingham and Regina Hackney for the first two photos, and to Rob Grisham for the rest. Many more excellent photos can be seen on Lea Hendrix's Gallery