NAPF North Americans

[priscilla]

First I have to say the negativity of the post below is saddening, it amazes me that one lifter can post something and then everyone jump on board with the bashing. Speaking for my own experience down here, it was great. The venue is was hot, but we all adapted, lifted and most of us had a great time. It is what it is, I have lifted in worse, I have lifted in better, but the platform is always top notch and so are the people. Anyone who has had the opportunity to come to one of the North American events can relate to the fun, friendly times with the other countries. Each country who has hosted this event is growing to do a better job (not much different than any new meet director with wrinkles to iron out in their show). If Aruba puts on another in the future, I hope to have an honor to attend.

For the results, don't have any of the details, but at a high level, Sioux-z rocked the platform with 3 World records, The US Open Team took home gold in each weight category other than the 90+kg, which went to Puerto Rico, I believe the Sub Jr and Jrs also took the same. Best lifters were Erin Zinker- Sub jr, Sioux-z - Master, Sioux-z 3rd, Liane 2nd, myself 1st - Open best lifter. Team awards, the US Women did a sweep for Sub Jrs, Jrs, Open and Masters!!!

The Men's team was a little shy on lifters due to Men's Nationals the weekend before, but did a good showing as well. I didn't see the awards ceremonies for the men's, but the US took 2nd in the Open team, 1st in the Master, Subr & Jr. Best lifters went to Tim Smith - Sub Jr, Jim Brown - Master and Big Brad for the Open.

Brad put on an awesome show once again, going 6 for 9 with a questionable depth call on his 2nd squat. His bench seemed a little out of the groove for him this meet, only getting his opener and being the deadlifter that he is, pulled an easy 854 at the end, ending with a 1027kg total.

Huge thanks to our coaches and extra help during the meet. Jim Brown (women's team coach) and Matt Gary (Men's team coach) did an outstanding job!!!!! The first day we had one session with 2 flights and 21 US women to coach and they did it without skipping a beat! It was wonderful to have additional help of the men lifters (and visa versa when the men lifted) who stepped in and lent a helping hand, skin and sweat to each of the lifters. There are really too many to thank who stepped up and helped. Personal thanks to Larry for taking care of us Iron Maidens in Aruba.

Rob Keller,, Bill the cookie man Clayton did an great job with the referees and spent countless hours preparing the event. Jim (whose last name escapes me) did an AWESOME job spotting the entire meet. He even was the unlucky recipient of catching several squats that lifters dumped on him. Thanks Jim!

I would also like to give a huge congrats to Disa for becoming a 148er this meet! Yep, you heard it right, Miss Disa weighed in at a slim 67.3kgs. I am proud of you girl!

Until next time, I will miss the fruity tropical drinks by the beach!

[Harriet Hall]

Thanks Priscilla. It sounds like a good time. I hope to be able to do the North Americans again someday. There was an article in the Anchorage news paper today about what a nice place Aruba is to vacation. Congrats to you all and Disa congrats on your weight loss. The USA rocks again. Harriet Hall

[Gillingham]

Great Report Priscilla and Congratulations on your lifting!

Congratulations to all of the lifters! It was great to be part of the team.

Yeah, It was hot and humid! There were tough conditions but they were the same conditions for everyone. There are alot of positive things going on in the NAPF. Rob Keller and several others are working hard to make the NAPF grow. I have competed in 5 of these events now and I have had a positive experience in all of them. I will definitelly be back to compete in several more if I am healthy and I qualify.

A big Thanks to Matt and Siouxz Gary, Jim Brown, Bill Clayton, Bill Ennis, Jim the spotter, Mike W, Larry Maile, Disa Hatfield, Melinda Baum, Rob Keller, William Woodley and all of the volunteers from Aruba and the NAPF for your hard work as coaches, helpers, spotters, loaders, officials, ect!

Brad

[Rich Edinger]

Great job qualifying for the World Games again, Brad!!!!!!!!!!!

[chris_calvano@yahoo.com]

To all: congrats to everyone who attended. like it is often said, "if you weren't there, then you don't know".

Tough conditions are part of international competition. So we all lower our openers and adjust accordingly.
Personally, any "issues" have been dealt with by the appropriate people and every meet is a learning experience for all involved. Actually showing up at the meet is key so we can see what needs to be done next time and I thank everyone again who made the trip - coaches, lifters, family, refs. Like any family we can have it out in private to get things straight, but public bashing is pointless.

I can't wait to get to Costa Rica in the fall for the next NAPF meet where I have a shot at redemption on the BP!

have a great summer to all