The Wisconsin State Open competition on January 17, 2015 was very successful with 144 competitors in eleven different combinations of scoring categories as there was men and women from the age of 14 up to 77 in traditional 3 lift, bench press only and push-pull.  Then they had a choice of competing ‘raw’ or ‘gear’.  The first competitor to arrive, Eric Hess, was patiently waiting for me to get the show started at 6:25 am.  As soon as I worked with three volunteers on what was needed to be done in the registration process, we were rockin’!  All of the competitors were able to get through registration, rack height determination, equipment check and weigh-ins pretty smoothly, majority well before 8:00 am.  It takes a big crew and organization to do so.  The referees jumped into their duties upon arrival and worked continuously throughout the day without much for breaks.

In the competition venue there were four platforms set up as a square configuration and with bleachers on each side of the gym floor, there were fans everywhere.  The gym was packed!  As was the warmup room.  One person stopped me at the end of the end and commented on ‘how exciting it was to watch as there was always something going on, almost too much but it didn’t take away from the experience’.  What was going on?  Tremendous lifts from first timers, teenagers, college students, teachers, doctors, welders, vice presidents, engineers, master lifters and many returning to the platforms after several years away.  There were also five teams at the competition, something we have never had before.  The first place team trophy went to Rebel Powerlifting of Racine, WI and the second place trophy went to the UWL Eagle Barbell Club of LaCrosse, WI.

This competition was again hosted by the Whitnall High School powerlifting team, providing the venue, the staff and equipment setup. They are a fantastic group of people to work with and I couldn’t be any prouder to be a part of this partnership.  I cannot express enough gratitude. Equipment and volunteer support also came from Racine Horlick High School, Oak Creek High School and South Milwaukee High School. This sport is one where you help out your competitor, you pitch in, share ideas, loan out equipment, spend extra time helping someone with their workout and tell stories afterwards.  There are many great stories from this contest.

Any questions on the results or suggestions for next year — do contact me.

Tonya L.

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