USAPL American Open
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Report by L.J. Maile, Ph.D.
This year marked the first year of the American Open being held outside the Northeast following the decision to move national meets to different parts of the country to allow athletes who might no normally attend to do so. Attendance was down some by virtue of this competitions being in a new location, but the quality set new standards for venue and organization. The 2006 version of the American Open was held in beautiful Palm Springs, California. The weather was in the 70's during the day with sun, sun, and more sun. The competition hotels, the Marriot and the Hotel Zoso were 5 start establishments with very low rates negotiated by meet promoter Lance Slaughter. The actual lifting was held in the Palm Springs Convention Center. The 2008 IPF World Master Championships will be held in this same venue and in some ways, the American Open was a test of the ease of use and lifter-friendliness of the staff. It is safe to say that all passed with flying colors. The staff were great, the venue spacious and elegant, and hotels outstanding. The American Open concept was developed to cater to two aims: to offer a national level platform to those who had not previously (or recently) qualified for Open nationals, and to showcase the talent of some of national and international level athletes. To the second end, two of our national/international caliber ladies put on shows of power that were remarkable to say the least. Cheryl Anderson, of Minnesota tried out the 48 kg. (105 lb. class) on the national platform with a great 350 kg. total. She will be vying for the 48 kg. slot to the world championships this February at Women's Nationals in Baton Rouge now that the 44 kg. class has been eliminated. Her squat of 127.5 kg. (281 lbs.), bench of 80 kg. (176 lb.) and deadlift of 142.5 kg. (314 lbs.) will likely set the mark to be caught at nationals. Three time World Champion Priscilla Ribic used the American Open to "relax" by entering a contest without having to make the 67.5 kg. class (148 lbs.). She weighed in at 69 kg. and showed great power in her squat, some improvement in her bench, and a consistent performance in the deadlift. Her lifts were 250 kg. (551 lbs.) a new American Open record in the 75 kg. class, 140 kg. (308 lbs.) in the bench, and 240 kg. (529 lbs.) in the deadlift. Priscilla attempted 250 kg. on her final deadlift, and while it exploded off the floor, the weight drifted out in front of her and she lost her balance. Another time. Kendal Buffington, daughter of long time competitor, Greg Buffington lifted in her first USAPL national competition in the 60 kg. class. The totaled a fine 267.5 kg. and learned a great deal about the pace and pressures of a national meet that will stand her in good position when she competes for the Junior National title next year. It was great to see Kathy Andrews return to USAPL competition after a hiatus. Kathy was a strong supporter of the ADFPA in the 1980's/90's and had the patches on her uniform to prove it. This competition was really a reflection of the enthusiasm and success of our master lifters. There were 17 masters entered, and a number of other international level master competitors assisting athletes. In the 75 kg. class, excellent performances were put up by all three master lifters. Robert Mattison, at 69 years old totaled a very nice 400 kg. He struggled a little in the squat, getting his opener on his third attempt, but looked to have a great deal of power that he will focus in succeeding meets. Ron Scott, at 60 totalled 470 kg. and Ryan Spencer took the Open Division with a 655 kg. total In the 82.5 kg. class, Bill Weinstock totaled 452.5. , while Craig Saewong was unable to complete a bench press. In the Bench Press division, Miroslav Koprnicky successfully put up a 167.5 kg. total. In the 90 kg. class, Rob Robson totaled 515 kg. to win the open division. 66 year old Roy Taylor beat fellow master competitors Larry Manly and Lothar Vallot comfortably. The 100 kg. class had seven competitors and close battles among the Master I (40 - 44) competitors. Mitch Edelstein, from Minnesota posted the highest total at 747.5 kg., edging out Daniel Mahan at 717.5 and Jerry Tremblay Jr. at 702.5 kg. Greg Baxter totaled 595 kg. and California State Chair Michael Wolmesdorf 427.5 kg. Ace Hudson, the lone open division lifter totaled 597.5 kg. and guest Char Gahagan totaled 857.5 kg. Char is a long time national competitor, world team member and Jr. World medalist. He has taken a hiatus of several years with his and Brandie's move to California and the birth of his son, but he is back in good form and ready to take on all comers at the Men's Nationals next year. Al Fritz won the Open 110 class, proving he is a deserving competitor on the national platform and securing his slot for Men's Nationals. He left a lot on the platform with technical issues and with a little tuning his 852.5 kg. total will jump over 900. Former Louisiana Tech lifter Jim Nicolosi posted a nicek 732.5 kg. total on the strength of a very strong 300 kg. squat. Barrett Marum placed just behind Jim with a 717.5 kg. total. Adam Johnson rounded out the open division. Masters Bob Evans and Kevin Jordan totaled 542.5 and 502.5 respectively. There was one master competitor in the 125 class, Joe Dentice. Joe has been absent from USAPL competition since the early 90's and has been injured recently, but came back to the platform with a strong 500+ deadlift and his patented "Hail to Ceasar" celebration. In the Opne division Robert Speno totaled 822.5 kg. on a 5/9 day with a lot more in the tank. John Tremblay totaled 630 kg. In the 125+ category, it was great to see the return of Odd Haugen, powerlifting great and World's Strongest Man competitor. Odd, in his mid 50's remains competitive in strength sports, often shaming men half his age. A recent injury has limited his strongman competition, but is powerlifting's gain as he returns to our sport. Odd totaled 845 kg. and at just 57.5 kg. from breaking the 2000 lb. barrier and is sure to do it in his next competition. Ronnie castro paced Odd at the subtotal, and was up by 2.5, losing out in the deadlift. He totaled 825 based on some minor technical issues and will get the balance of the total soon. Armando Gonzalez struggled in the bench press by hit a milestone of 500+ squat despite being Jason Burnell's training partner. This meet was a who's who of USAPL athletes and supporters. Vice President Johnny Graham refereed and served as spotter and loader the second day. Technical Chair Robert Keller oversaw technical duties on his way back from a seminar and site visit to Guatemala (hosts of the next year's North American Championships). Master World Champion, Tony Harris headed up the spotting and loading crew, coming in from Hawaii just to help. Jason Burnell did everything including setup, breakdown, spotting, loading, taking pictures, wrapping. Lanette Lopez, our Armed Forces Chair served as scoring table supervisor and referee, while Angela Simons managed the computer system. Niko Hulslander, from Pennsylvania came in to announce this competition. If you haven't heard Niko, he is the best announcer for our sport in the world. And finally, meet organizer and Executive Committee member, Lance Slaughter left no stone unturned and no aspect of this competition undone down to the smallest details: coffee for the officials. O.K., that is not a small detail, but the meet was a picture of precision and organization. Lance will do a masterful job of the 2008 Master Worlds, and the city of Palm Springs couldn't be a nicer setting. Thank you all for your hard word and dedication to our athletes and to the principles of USA Powerlifting. 
The 220's!
 Priscilla Ribic's third Bench |
Contest Photos
Al Fritz, Cheryl Anderson, Tony Harris, and Charr Gahagan (with his kid)
Ronnie Castro and Odd Haugen.
 Niko Hulslander, Angela Simons and Lance Slaughter at the table
Cheryl Anderson gets 330.5 lbs. halfway up
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