Contest Review:
2009 Q-WEST Powerlifting Quest 1000
Qaayarah Airfield, Iraq
Glory to God!
Hosted by United States Army Sergeant Shawn Casey at Iraq’s Qaayarah Airfield, the Q-West Powerlifting Quest 1000 was the second meet sponsored by R.A.W. United for our soldiers serving in the Global War on Terrorism.
Despite losing over half the roster to a mission (and we are thankful to report that all the warriors returned back to their base safely), Shawn brought several quality lifters to the platform. Army Specialist Benjamin Rodriquez captured Best Lifter honors in the lightweights, going 420, 260, 455 at a bodyweight of 146 pounds. Benjamin’s 1115 total was an awesome 7.63 times his bodyweight! In the heavyweights, Private First Class Joseph Zimmerman edged out JP Jenkins (a civilian contractor supporting our troops) for Best Lifter honors. Although JP out totaled Joseph in the 242s by 25 pounds, Joseph lifted 6.22 times his bodyweight to JP’s 6.19; both Joseph and JP lifted extremely well, and congratulations are due to both!
Special thanks to Sir Charles Venturella for the 12” x 16” plaques; to Brigid and the folks at Sandpiper Sportswear for the R.A.W. United Valiant Warrior contest shirts; and to our members for their generous financial support of the Q-West Powerlifting Quest 1000. More importantly, thanks to the competitors and those that supported Shawn at the meet. Our nation can never repay you for the selfless sacrifice that you and your families are making – thank you! And most importantly, thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for making this all happen!
148Benjamin Rodriquez (BL, 114-198)4202604551135
Eric Garcia220180320720
165Jesse Jaragin220210415845
Prabin Amatya315225225765
198Justin Cain3152704401025
Michael Steinke3202704101000
Lucas Main305270390965
220Vince Castillo3252604151000
Shawn Casey320220400940
242Joseph Zimmerman (BL, 220-SHW)5053755301410
JP Jenkins5503755101435
Contest Review:
2009 Mid-Atlantic Open
The Sports Inn * Greencastle, PA
Who do you lift for?
The second annual Mid-Atlantic Open brought many new lifters to the federation, and set the foundation for bigger meets in the state. R.A.W. United Chaplain Paul Simmons led those in attendance in prayer, reminding us all that our strength is given to us from above.
“Beautiful Girl” Angie Davis led the women’s charge, posting record lifts and capturing Best Lifters honors. Angie was joined on the platform by newcomers Michelle Johnston, Paula Hopkins, and Kim Hopkins. At 76 years young, “Dr. Pat” Patalinghug inspired the crowd and set the tone for armed forces veteran and master lifter Rich Murray of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Competing in the 40-44, 148s, Rich posted record lifts 365, 315, and 435 to take first place and Best Lifter honors. Sports Gym legends Jerry Osborne (65-69, 165s), Ed Lough (55-59, 181s), and Doc Junkins (65-69, 198s) set the tone in the middleweights. All three master lifters set records, and geared up first-time lifter Nick Montgomery of Franklinville, New Jersey (50-54, 198s) to pull a personal best 390 deadlift. Home Team Fitness team leader Chad Smith of Hagerstown, Maryland nailed record lifts in the 181s without a belt, and Jonathan Simmons, a Special Olympian from Farmville, Virginia, was nearly flawless on the platform with successful fourth attempts in the squat (300) and deadlift (405) that brought the crowd to its feet! Veteran lifter Dave Lhota pulled double-duty as head judge and competitor, nailing a 425 squat and 340 bench before his shoulder gave out on his 365-pound deadlift opener (Larry Bucchioni is sending Dave a tube of Ben Gay to celebrate his ascension into the 55-59 year old age group!). Finally, junior sensation Zack Spidel buried a 650-pound squat, nailed a 565-pound bench, and pulled a 700-pound deadlift to post the largest total to date in the 308-pound class at 1915 pounds!
Many thanks to Frank Thomas and the staff at the Sports Inn in Greencastle, Pennsylvania for hosting the meet; Doc Junkins and Zack Spidel for helping organize the contest; Dave Lhota, John Polak, Paul Simmons, and Doc Junkins for officiating; Kevin Prosser, Jerry Osborne, Jr., Shane XXX, and Joe Montgomery for spotting and loading; John Polak of PolakMade Hardcore Gym Equipment for the platform equipment; Rich Murphy for the PA system; Lori Michaels for scoring; Charles Venturella for the awesome “United We Stand” plaques; Brigid and the folks at Sandpiper Sportswear for the “God Bless America” shirts in “Steeler Black and Gold”; to the Barry Shatzer Fan Club for cheering Barry and all the lifters on; and to all of our lifters for supporting the mission of R.A.W. United!
More thanks to America’s finest – the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces! Thanks to each of you we can pray, fellowship, compete, and break bread in the greatest country on earth! And, most importantly, thanks to our King and Creator Jesus Christ whose example teaches us that TRUE STRENGTH is truly found in selfless service and sacrifice.
Women:
123 30-34Angie Davis (IBL)15595255505
4th 265
13220-24Michelle Johnson-90--
14825-29Paula Hopkins175125245545
4th 250
35-39Kim Hopkins170105210485
Men:
13275-79Pascual Patalinghug115100170385
14840-44Rich Murphy (IBL)3653154351115
18-19Zach Whitmer255190--
16520-24Joshua Statler3152604501025
25-29Wesley Keener275280380935
20-24James Keene225205375805
65-69Jerry Osborne275155360790
50-54Terry Funk-195--
18155-59Ed Lough300210375885
4th 215
19845-49Spero Tshontikidis4152605051180
30-34Chad Smith4002454101055
65-69Doc Junkins315215425955
20-24Jonathan Simmons280155345780
4th 3004th 405
50-54Nick Montgomery-210390600
22055-59Dave Lhota4253403651130
35-39Chris Brown3653404051110
30-34Steve Mowen3402505201110
4th 380
45-49Paul Simmons3752404651080
35-39Paul Rager3353003851020
25-29Tony Moninger260225460945
24250-54Dave Reeder-390--
45-49Barry Shatzer-325--
18-19Noon Jordan----
30820-24Zack Spidel (RBL)6505657001915
IBLIRONMAN Best Lifter
RBLRAW Best Lifter
Contest Review:
2009 South Florida Open
Tropical Fitness Gym * Deerfield Beach, FL
Praise God!
Outstanding lifting was demonstrated by Masters Champions Bob Gaynor and Greg Wright, as well as Teenage Champion Amanda Graham at the 2009 South Florida Open. Bob captured Best Lifter honors in the newly established RAW division with lifts of 500, 360, and 630 in the 60-64, 198s. Greg’s 1335 total in the 45-49, 181s set a new standard in the class, and won him first place. RAW Unity competitor Amanda Graham fought off the flu to post lifts of 177, 90, and 225 in the 105s to take Best Lifter honors for the women. Jorge Bianchi, lifting in his first meet, took both the IRONMAN Best Lifter award and first place in the 181s with his 957 total. In addition, John Ianno nailed lifts of 330, 265, and 460 to win the RAW division in the 165s. John was joined in the 165s by Say Tan, a citizen of Singapore and member of his country’s Navy; Say posted an impressive 1015 total in his R.A.W. United debut. Craig Butler, representing World’s Gym in Fort Lauderdale, posted lifts of 440, 245, and 475 to win the RAW, 30-34,181s, and submaster Seth Fromberg joined Bob in keeping the crowd energized with his 635 pound deadlift.
Many thanks to Kent Lafleur and the staff at Tropical Fitness for hosting the meet; Ross Semplice and Dan Matthews for helping organize the contest; JD Gaynor, Ross Semplice, George Poole, Bob Benedix, and Bob Gaynor for officiating; Danny Aguirre and Al Basutto for spotting and loading; Denise Graham and Sam Gough for announcing and scoring; Charles Venturella for the awesome “United We Stand” plaques; and to all of our lifters for supporting the mission of R.A.W. United!
More thanks to America’s finest – the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces! As a result of your courage and sacrifice, we are able to compete on a raw platform in the world’s greatest country! And, most importantly, thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for making this all possible!
Women:
10514-15 Amanda Graham (IBL)17790225492
12340-44Denise Graham14080205425
14835-39Terra Hudnall7555115265
4th 135
30-34Cathy Cox-105240345
Men:
11414-15Jake Benedix165135225525
12312-13Brett Benedix-115245380
4th 265
13212-13Patrick Moran14565155365
14818-19Anthony Miller272180300752
35-39Joe Thorne235175335745
165IRONMAN
18-19Roberto Victoria385205400990
14-15Robert Dushane240180335755
12-13Evan Hudnall13075155360
RAW
20-24John Ianno3302654601055
25-29Say Tan3852254051015
181IRONMAN
20-24Jorge Bianchi (IBL)250300407957
25-29Abel Mauricio265175300740
10-11Timmy Laskovich12070165355
35-39George Poole-250405655
RAW
45-49Greg Wright4203405751335
30-34Craig Butler4402454751160
40-44Tim O’Brien4102854501145
198IRONMAN
45-49Michael Brown260250460970
25-29Myles Kantor280210405895
14-15Lance Melanson14075160375
RAW
60-64Bob Gaynor (RBL)5003606301490
220IRONMAN
30-34John Richardson4052754751155
35-39Tom Hand335235425995
50-54Lynn Stedham-315450765
RAW
50-54Keith Tillman4552804751210
27535-39Seth Fromberg--635-
IBLIRONMAN Best Lifter
RBLRAW Best Lifter
Contest Review:
2009 Beau Moore Classic
JacksonSpringsRecreationCenterTampa, FL
Bill Beekley will e-mail the contest write-up shortly!
Thanks for e-mailing pictures!
We received some great shots!
Feel free to send more!
Women’s Division:
6612-13Abigail Pimentel553585175
7710-11Jessica Lynch4540135220
8812-13Colleen Kermer9560130285
4th 137
1058-9Kiki Robinson9065140295
11416-17Kathleen Audet13075175380
4th 185
10-11Geinna Fuller4560130235
10-11Mariah Cruz506080190
13250-54Terry Bishoff195100230525
12-13Samantha Shores17787245509
18120-24Taylar Stallings (R)4002605001160
Men’s Division:
6610-11Justin Trunzo5535100190
7712-13Jonathan Cassario9060135285
10-11Joshy Pimentel6045120225(70.0 lbs.)
10-11Kevin Nunez5560110225(75.0 lbs.)
8810-11Alex Gari6560140265
10-11Emmanuel Fuller6050135245
10-11Jordan Baker555085190
10512-13Seth Cruz5560140255
10-11Jack Farrington606080200
12310-11Joey Bodrie7075150295
148RAW
16-17Kevin Serrano290230440960
4th 450
165IRONMAN
14-15Riley Audet160100200460
RAW
60-64Al Annunziato275230435940
181RAW
20-24Doug Phan3202305301080
45-49Rich Cowser 3503254001075
40-44Wolfgang Kermer3352304421007
198IRONMAN
35-39Danilo Najera4353455501330
4th 565
25-29Jason Lopez3702305101110
220IRONMAN
30-34Zied Hichri5403856851610
4th 700
60-64Larry Bucchioni3602255201105
4th 380
RAW
35-39Gregory Prince5153455501410
18-19 Jorge Suarez3602454571062
242IRONMAN
50-54George Morning4553304751260
50-54Ed Hencinski275185355815
RAW
40-44 James Jacobs 6004306501680
45-49Rick Hoover 4752955051275
45-49Steve Ferris 3353354201090
275IRONMAN
45-49Mike Francis7054207601885
35-39Tim Burns5053555201380
20-24Jordan Anastassieu4203805001300
308IRONMAN
40-44John O’Shea4003653451110
RAW
40-44Everton Francis4703005501320
Push/Pull:
9712-13Daniel Rosario55140195
14835-39Shawn O’Grady300425725
16545-49Steve Shores175260435
18135-39Jeb Brydon325365690
Bench Only:
18125-29Randy Kosier 245
24235-39Scott Eastburn375
40-44David Cox365