How Bad do YOU want a meet?

I helped out at Steve Denison's USPA meet this past weekend.  Steve had 6 flights of roughly 15 lifters spread out over 2 platforms.  When I got there word was that we were going to have 8 spotters total between the two platforms.  As luck would have it, and I have experienced this myself, some of the confirmed spotters no-showed on Steve.  This can ruin any meet let alone a 2 platform meet.  After some gruff pushing we finally were able to find enough spotters to continue using two platforms and finished around 5:30 or so.  The point of this post is this, if you are a Powerlifter, coach of a Powerlifter, training partner of a Powerlifter, or family member of a Powerlifter the next time you find yourself at a meet with a spotter shortage, step up and help out.  We are a small community of athletes with little support outside our family, friends, and training partners.  Hell, even some of them don't even understand what it means.  So if you ever find yourself at a meet where the Meet Director finds himself in a pinch and you want that meet to continue don't be afraid to step up to the plate and help out if it is needed.  The Meet Director, lifters, and fans will be happy that you did.

State Referees

I am encouraging anyone wanting to get involved in the sport of Powerlifting to also consider becoming a State Referee.  As other federations continue to emerge there will be no doubt more and more cross over from one federation to the next.  As this happens it can/will make it hard to find refs for certain meets if they happen to fall on the same weekend.  The more refs we have to pull from the better.  I plan on taking the State Referee test in August at the State Games of America in San Diego, CA. 

State Games of America

For those of you competing in the State Games of America the schedule of events has been released.  You can find the schedule and more information at http://www.calstategames.org/sga-powerlifting.html.  This meet has grown significantly over the years and with California being the host state for the State Games of America this will probably be the largetst turnout in the three year history of Powerlifting being a part of the California State Games.

Equipment Move

Moved all the Powerlifting equipment from the main storage room to the rear storage room today.  Not exactly news, but it was a pain in the ass and I don't have much else to report at this time. 

CA Summertime Push/Pull and BBQ

The date for the USAPL Summertime Push/Pull and BBQ has been changed to June 25th.  This was the initial meet that kicked off the string of successful meets at Velocity Sports Performance over the past few years and I am happy to have it back again.  You can find the entry form and more info at www.usapl-ca.org/events.html. 

Erik Kasabuske at Arnold Classic

Just want to say congratulations to Erik Kasabuske for his PR performance at the Arnold Classic this past weekend.  Erik just recently relocated to the state of Washington from California where still holds the 198 Raw Squat Record.  Knowing Erik the way I do I know he would have liked to place higher than he did, but as expected Erik pulled to win with his final DL and just didn't have it in him.  Look for him to come out and put up some huge numbers in June at Men's Nationals.

New email address

I have created a new email address for anyone needing to contact me regarding any Powerlifting questions.  That email address is usapl.ca@gmail.com.  I will check this email on a weekly basis until we get closer to meet days then will check on a daily basis.  You may still call me as well with any questions you may have about upcoming meets or other questions.

USAPL California Blog

I am starting this blog as another way to keep lifters in California updated on what is happening through out the year.  Lance has kept the Facebook page and twitter accounts up to date.  I am not much of a social networker and will do a better job of updating a blog than posting on Facebook or Twitter.  I hope that all lifters will find this useful in some way or another.  I will give it a try and see where it goes.