AAU BIG IRON-5TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE

The 5th Annual Christmas Challenge was held on December 2nd in Scituate, Massachusetts. The competition was spirited and the energy in the room was fantastic as lifters from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Rhode Island brought their best efforts to the platform. The Chase Powerlifting crew (Mac, Brandon and Mike) out of New Hampshire made a good showing, as usual. Jim Onderdonk brought 2 of his excellent young lifters, Al and Andre, up from New Jersey. Bay State Athletic was represented by young Nick Capodilupo. Centre City Gym, Brockton was represented by Craig Strohmeir and Adam Delancey with support from Sam Pagan and Eric Wright. Bob Buhlman and Steve Bergeron were impressive with some nice lifts on the platform.  Dennis Wall, who competed in October, was back for more as the BIG IRON team cheered him on. Old Friend Darrel Calhoun was back for the deadlift competition as was 1st time competitor, M6, John Leahy. Joanne Shear was back on good form, breaking the American M5 squat record and Lindsay Johnstone won Female best Lifter. Steve Hoff, always very competitive, won Best Lifter honors. The spectators were treated to some fine lifting from Dave Rak, Marcus Laich and Conor Nordengren who barely missed locking out a 600# deadlift. Conor tells me it will go next time, and I have no doubt. Congratulations to all.

The Bay State Athletic Club platform crew was at their usual outstanding efficiency with Mike ably managing the crew. Many thanks to our officials Larry Larsen, Dan Driscoll, Louie Vega, and Justin Sproul for an outstanding job. Thanks to Bay State Athletic Club for hosting the event.