To All,
This message follows a AWESOME event, The 2000 USA Powerlifting Mens Open National Championships held in the legendary windy city, Chicago. Dennis and Sandi Brady directed an exceptional, outstanding National Championships. Their skills have been refined with 20 years of experience hosting National level competitions for the ADFPA, now the USAPL. Everyone in attendance has the highest praise for this venerable Championships. BESIDES the incredible athletic prowess demonstrated by USA Powerlifting's top athletes, the following highlights must be recognized.
The Annual "Brother Bennet Award" given in honor of our founder was presented to Johnny Graham.
The Annual "Coach of the Year" award given in honor of Dr. Billy Jack Talton was presented to Dr. Larry Maile.
Re-elected were Mike Overdeer, President; and Dan Lark, Executive Committee. Joining the ranks of the Executive Committee is Ray Benemerito. Ray is a veteran athlete, National Referee, and long-time advocate of drug-free powerlifting. We look forward to his involvement at the EC level.
Elected to Athlete Representative positions were: Pat Anderson, Shawn Cain, Brad Gillingham, Leslie Look and Larry Miller. We perhaps have never had such a wealth of athlete advocacy and experience. We welcome their talents and abilities to the NGB leadership.
The minutes of the meeting will be later forthcoming. However we want to mention a couple of highlights on the actions passed. The NGB recognizes that the presentation of meets is one of our highest priorities, and that we need to cultivate more meet directors. In response to this, a motion was passed to increase the drug-testing reimbursement to 1st time meet directors from the standard 20% to 50%, if a minimum of 20 memberships are sold at the meet. This will definitely help with that 1st meet budget by putting more money back in the Meet Director's pocket. Another exciting development is the newly-published, Official "Meet Director's Guide", authored by Brian Hansen and Dan Lark. This has been over a year in the making, with most of the nation's top meet directors giving their insight to the authors on the text. A very comprehensive manual, this Guide can be purchased through the National Office for $20.00. A good investment for meet directors at every level. Dan Lark has also offered to serve as a mentor to contact for Meet Director questions, and may look to develop Meet Director's Committee to support our competitions. Great Stuff!
This is a brief synopsis, with more to come later. We cannot close without thanking all of those hard working individuals who have given of themselves to make USA Powerlifting what it is today. Rich in history, integrity, athleticism and leadership; USA Powerlifting stands tall as the voice and presence of Powerlifting in the USA.
Your dedicated efforts have made it so.
With Highest Regards,
Michael W. Overdeer
USA Powerlifting President
