Southern Galifornia Iron Grip Decathlon Challenge

[THOR]

Well guys i dont know about you, but i had alot of fun... and alot of pain this morning. Bill is walking around like a zombi and BOTH of our hands hurt like a mother, but we still had alot of fun were going to watch the video of the meet later today, im looking forward to that.

oh and i saw druids towl and i didnt even think to say anything sorry

[ironwarrior]

Who's that Berlanger guy anyway?

I heard a rumor that he was a down-and-out former porn star living on the streets; can anyone confirm this? Pretty damn strong wrists (and grip) though...(maybe from prying lids off trash cans to get a meal???)

Oh, and thanx again for your support Steve!!! Good to see you back in action!

[THOR]

AAhh haaa you almost got away with it kevin (meskew) i still need my certificate from the curl contest, i totally forgot about and forgot to ask you for it... ill be waiting for you...

[Mikael Siversson]

Well done everyone. Any video clips coming?

[Hubgeezer]

After some thought about the competition yesterday, I want to write for a bit concerning the contest yesterday. Please excuse the editorial comments mixed in with the facts.

Earlier today I posted what I thought were some relatively objective comments on the Vertical Bar Lift, seeing as it was the debut of this event in a contest produced by Kevin Meskew. I started a new thread in the general Gripboard section, and called it "Americans and the Vertical Bar Lift". Because I used the word "Americans", the thread now has the makings of World War III. The amount of venom spewing out was enough to poison a whale, so I better keep my comments to this obscure section that only Californians seem to care about.

First of all, Kevin Meskew once again produced a fun and unique event that was enjoyed by all. A friend of my brother's, a workout buddy of his from the 1970s, came by for an hour, and the 50-year-old commented that he wished there was stuff like this happening when he was a kid. Hell, I turn 52 in less than 3 weeks, and I am happy it is happening today. Thanks Kevin.

I said I had some editorial comments. Yeah, after it was over yesterday, I was a little bummed. Kevin Bussi was a little bummed as well. He won the contest. Out of 10 events, I had 3 PRs, as well as 5 contest records. I got as many gold medals as anyone, as well as the award for the heaviest Rolling Thunder lifted. What gives?

In Kevin's case, I think he was bummed because he did not perform as well as he could have, he "only" won by a few hundred points, and he candidly told me that a Geezer beating him in an event where he has respectable strength was no fun. Likewise, I commented to him with Adam Demnowicz sitting right there that I was bummed that "20-year-old Adam Demnowicz beat me". Adam (Thor on the Board) sheepishly shrugged his shoulders and grinned.

You know, what is really cool about this sport is that there is always going to be someone coming up on you or at you from all directions. It is a new sport, it is not immensely popular, and there are going to be people with better genes, intense competitive mindsets, as well as better training methods to challenge you. The reality is that most of us are competing against ourselves, and these "contests" are simply a forum to challenge us to do our best and bring out our best. If we bring that to other areas of our lives, then we are better people for it. If we don't, well, we have a good time in our own little world.

I came in third. The way Meskew scores his meets, it is practically impossible for a #2 closer to win. The solution is:

1. Deal with it, accept it.

2. Convince him to have an in-between gripper (like a Super Master) to be "more fair".

3. Close a Number 3.

I think choosing the modern American Solution (there's that word again, uh oh) would be to be "more fair". Personally, I think taking the path of the second choice above is the coward's way out. So, through action or inaction I choose the first or third alternatives.

So, that is my bit of philosophy, now for comments on the contest and contestants:

Kevin Bussi. I pointed out Kevin to my brother's friend, who knew nothing of Grip, that Kevin was the only one in the room that was a World Class level grip guy. Kevin is still I believe only 19. I held my quarter in between the gripper handles for over 6 seconds longer than Kevin. Only problem was, Kevin held a #3 and I held a #2. He also won the IM Block Pinch with 60 pounds of plates on the device, and he did a plate pinch of 190 pounds fairly easily. Did he have the best day? No. However, he is only 19, and his grip strength has MANY years to improve, as grip does not even get cranking at age 19. Great guy, very serious about the sport, and I hope that he eventually goes all the way in the sport, as he is capable of doing so.

Adam Demnowicz. Here is a guy who is 20, has not trained grip very long, and does not LOOK to be a strength talent. In 5 months, he went from finishing a couple hundred behind me to finishing a couple hundred points ahead of me. He had so many bronze medals I lost count, as he was RIGHT THERE on most events, quietely creeping up as the individual events unfolded. At the end, he would be in the top 3. He performed at the top of his range in just about every event, had good weight selections every step of the way, is very observant, and is eager to learn, an excellent listener. If all competitors performed at the top of their range the way he does, they would always be happy with their performances. He WON the trap bar hold, the event after 9 hours of competition. Although you could argue 30.5 seconds is not a "world class" strenght feat, there were guys there with world class strength who did not do that. Like I said, top of his range, and his determination is second to none when he is in his zone.

Steve Martinez. Steve is new to grip, and looks like a power lifter. Deep chest, huge arms, wide back. He never touched an A Axle in his life and won it with 355 pounds. And, HE HAS SMALL HANDS. Holy smokes, that is impossible, isn't it? How small? I would put them at 7 5/8ths of an inch. No, not 7 inches, but he would be in the 7.75 and under in the GGC. He didn't seem to care that much as to how he did in the different events, and was a little too casual in his weight selections. He lifted the same weight that Clay Edgin did a year ago on a 3 3/8s inch dumbbell. By the way, that too is impossible. If he wants to be a grip guy, the sky is the limit. I know nothing of his training methods.

Ronnie Castro. Ronnie is on this board so much I am afraid to say anything about him. Ronnie needs a weight selection consultant in these contests. If he had one, he would kick arse. Great fun guy. He is a power lifter by heart, and if he wants to be a grip guy, he can be the best.

Steve Berlanger. We should call this guy the Wrist Geezer. He won the wrist roll, but is overcoming some painful injuries that tend to plague the over-45 crowd. He is one year shy of official Geezer status, but I couldn't resist. Very knowledgeable and experienced fellow, great guy. I think he even liked my son, who jabbered away at him for a good hour. If my kid ever reads this, just kidding buddy.

Rick Haenel aka Urban Druid. His second contest. I believe he tied his best in one event, and improved in the other 9. Like Adam, excellent weight selection, and operating at the top of his range. He is 22, and seemed happy with his performance. He did over 300 on the Axle, and did the wrist roll under 9 seconds. He should be happy. He went from 1 second in the Trap Bar Deadlift hold last year to 21.94 seconds this year. He should be proud too.

Bill McCaslin. I met Bill at my first contest 2 years ago. He could barely close the #1 at the time. NOW HE HELD THE 3 CLOSED FOR 8.82 SECONDS AND I AM STILL ON THE 2. Yep, Bill is the Jester of the group, and he keeps getting stronger while making jokes about his hand size. Bill could be in the movies. If they wanted a guy to meet up against Tom Cruise in a biker bar without putting Cruise on an orange crate, Bill is the man. If they only knew, Bill could be a millionaire with roles like that...

Mike Corlett. Well, Hubgeezer got his Hub Crown back from Kevin Meskew. He pulled 65.5 pounds in it for 1st place. What should he be complaining about? That is all that weird geezer cares about isn't it?

Thank you everyone, it was fun. I had a blast.

Hubgeezer

[THOR]

After some thought about the competition yesterday, I want to write for a bit concerning the contest yesterday. Please excuse the editorial comments mixed in with the facts.

Earlier today I posted what I thought were some relatively objective comments on the Vertical Bar Lift, seeing as it was the debut of this event in a contest produced by Kevin Meskew. I started a new thread in the general Gripboard section, and called it "Americans and the Vertical Bar Lift". Because I used the word "Americans", the thread now has the makings of World War III. The amount of venom spewing out was enough to poison a whale, so I better keep my comments to this obscure section that only Californians seem to care about.

First of all, Kevin Meskew once again produced a fun and unique event that was enjoyed by all. A friend of my brother's, a workout buddy of his from the 1970s, came by for an hour, and the 50-year-old commented that he wished there was stuff like this happening when he was a kid. Hell, I turn 52 in less than 3 weeks, and I am happy it is happening today. Thanks Kevin.

I said I had some editorial comments. Yeah, after it was over yesterday, I was a little bummed. Kevin Bussi was a little bummed as well. He won the contest. Out of 10 events, I had 3 PRs, as well as 5 contest records. I got as many gold medals as anyone, as well as the award for the heaviest Rolling Thunder lifted. What gives?

In Kevin's case, I think he was bummed because he did not perform as well as he could have, he "only" won by a few hundred points, and he candidly told me that a Geezer beating him in an event where he has respectable strength was no fun. Likewise, I commented to him with Adam Demnowicz sitting right there that I was bummed that "20-year-old Adam Demnowicz beat me". Adam (Thor on the Board) sheepishly shrugged his shoulders and grinned.

You know, what is really cool about this sport is that there is always going to be someone coming up on you or at you from all directions. It is a new sport, it is not immensely popular, and there are going to be people with better genes, intense competitive mindsets, as well as better training methods to challenge you. The reality is that most of us are competing against ourselves, and these "contests" are simply a forum to challenge us to do our best and bring out our best. If we bring that to other areas of our lives, then we are better people for it. If we don't, well, we have a good time in our own little world.

I came in third. The way Meskew scores his meets, it is practically impossible for a #2 closer to win. The solution is:

1. Deal with it, accept it.

2. Convince him to have an in-between gripper (like a Super Master) to be "more fair".

3. Close a Number 3.

I think choosing the modern American Solution (there's that word again, uh oh) would be to be "more fair". Personally, I think taking the path of the second choice above is the coward's way out. So, through action or inaction I choose the first or third alternatives.

So, that is my bit of philosophy, now for comments on the contest and contestants:

Kevin Bussi. I pointed out Kevin to my brother's friend, who knew nothing of Grip, that Kevin was the only one in the room that was a World Class level grip guy. Kevin is still I believe only 19. I held my quarter in between the gripper handles for over 6 seconds longer than Kevin. Only problem was, Kevin held a #3 and I held a #2. He also won the IM Block Pinch with 60 pounds of plates on the device, and he did a plate pinch of 190 pounds fairly easily. Did he have the best day? No. However, he is only 19, and his grip strength has MANY years to improve, as grip does not even get cranking at age 19. Great guy, very serious about the sport, and I hope that he eventually goes all the way in the sport, as he is capable of doing so.

Adam Demnowicz. Here is a guy who is 20, has not trained grip very long, and does not LOOK to be a strength talent. In 5 months, he went from finishing a couple hundred behind me to finishing a couple hundred points ahead of me. He had so many bronze medals I lost count, as he was RIGHT THERE on most events, quietely creeping up as the individual events unfolded. At the end, he would be in the top 3. He performed at the top of his range in just about every event, had good weight selections every step of the way, is very observant, and is eager to learn, an excellent listener. If all competitors performed at the top of their range the way he does, they would always be happy with their performances. He WON the trap bar hold, the event after 9 hours of competition. Although you could argue 30.5 seconds is not a "world class" strenght feat, there were guys there with world class strength who did not do that. Like I said, top of his range, and his determination is second to none when he is in his zone.

Steve Martinez. Steve is new to grip, and looks like a power lifter. Deep chest, huge arms, wide back. He never touched an A Axle in his life and won it with 355 pounds. And, HE HAS SMALL HANDS. Holy smokes, that is impossible, isn't it? How small? I would put them at 7 5/8ths of an inch. No, not 7 inches, but he would be in the 7.75 and under in the GGC. He didn't seem to care that much as to how he did in the different events, and was a little too casual in his weight selections. He lifted the same weight that Clay Edgin did a year ago on a 3 3/8s inch dumbbell. By the way, that too is impossible. If he wants to be a grip guy, the sky is the limit. I know nothing of his training methods.

Ronnie Castro. Ronnie is on this board so much I am afraid to say anything about him. Ronnie needs a weight selection consultant in these contests. If he had one, he would kick arse. Great fun guy. He is a power lifter by heart, and if he wants to be a grip guy, he can be the best.

Steve Berlanger. We should call this guy the Wrist Geezer. He won the wrist roll, but is overcoming some painful injuries that tend to plague the over-45 crowd. He is one year shy of official Geezer status, but I couldn't resist. Very knowledgeable and experienced fellow, great guy. I think he even liked my son, who jabbered away at him for a good hour. If my kid ever reads this, just kidding buddy.

Rick Haenel aka Urban Druid. His second contest. I believe he tied his best in one event, and improved in the other 9. Like Adam, excellent weight selection, and operating at the top of his range. He is 22, and seemed happy with his performance. He did over 300 on the Axle, and did the wrist roll under 9 seconds. He should be happy. He went from 1 second in the Trap Bar Deadlift hold last year to 21.94 seconds this year. He should be proud too.

Bill McCaslin. I met Bill at my first contest 2 years ago. He could barely close the #1 at the time. NOW HE HELD THE 3 CLOSED FOR 8.82 SECONDS AND I AM STILL ON THE 2. Yep, Bill is the Jester of the group, and he keeps getting stronger while making jokes about his hand size. Bill could be in the movies. If they wanted a guy to meet up against Tom Cruise in a biker bar without putting Cruise on an orange crate, Bill is the man. If they only knew, Bill could be a millionaire with roles like that...

Mike Corlett. Well, Hubgeezer got his Hub Crown back from Kevin Meskew. He pulled 65.5 pounds in it for 1st place. What should he be complaining about? That is all that weird geezer cares about isn't it?

Thank you everyone, it was fun. I had a blast.

Hubgeezer

Wow that was quite a speach, well put. im honored just to be mentioned again, unfortunately i dont remember when you mentioned the, "I commented to him with Adam Demnowicz sitting right there that I was bummed that "20-year-old Adam Demnowicz beat me". Adam (Thor on the Board) sheepishly shrugged his shoulders and grinned. " im not sure if that is a bad thing or a good thing ... , but in any case i thank you for the comments and the vote of achievement and i look forward to competing with you again

[Steve B.]

Well said Mike.

Now i'll give you a perspective of Mike(hub geezer) from my point of view.

First off he's right about competeing for yourself trying to pr in events because if you were really worried about who your going to compete against a lot of us would of just stayed home.

I have know excuse for my poor performance other that my grip training took a back seat to my PL trainig up to about a month ago.You aint going to greatly improve your grip greatly in a month.

Now back to Mike.I guess i could to give the comparison to superman.He's unassumeing like Clark Kent.If you didn't now him and saw him you'd think he's an average middle age guy that might be into jogging or lawn bowling,something less physical.Get him together for grip feats he is very impressive and spanks most of our young bucks asses. Like he said i talked to his son and got a little inside info on his pop.He trains his grip seriously and looks foward to events like this to show case his skills.He trains in his garage and does rep after rep on what ever he is doing and dosen't give up on trying a weight when most of us would give up after a couple of attempts.It is truly a inspiration to watch him do his thing.He is very explosive when lifting.He will keep trying untill the time limit is up and usually gets the lift.Mike inspires me that the older you get does'nt mean you have to settle for being an also run.I am right behind him age wise so that gives me alot hope to greatly improve my lifts. My hats off to you Hub Geezer hoooorah!

[urbandruid]

I came in third. The way Meskew scores his meets, it is practically impossible for a #2 closer to win.

Is this right? Then I'll have to close the three next year. No more screwin around with the two.

Rick Haenel aka Urban Druid. His second contest. I believe he tied his best in one event, and improved in the other 9. Like Adam, excellent weight selection, and operating at the top of his range. He is 22, and seemed happy with his performance. He did over 300 on the Axle, and did the wrist roll under 9 seconds. He should be happy. He went from 1 second in the Trap Bar Deadlift hold last year to 21.94 seconds this year. He should be proud too.

I just wanted to quote that section cause I like it when people say nice things about me. That was a nice writeup Hub. And again, it was a lot of fun lifting with all you guys. anticipate another 800 points from me the next go around. Next year i want a medal or two and to better represent the americans on the v-bar *stokes flames*

[mobsterone]

[FatBoy]

Hey what about a mention for the videographer? With out me you guys wouldn't get your o-so-cool DVD and video for certs. I won't even mention the fact that I sat in that gym with you stinky men (and we won't even mention the TV viewing choices), for 12 hrs!

I'm really just giving you guys a hard time, you all did fabulously. Your videos will be a little late in coming as I am in the middle of my last exams/papers for law school - but you'll get 'em.

From:

Fatboy's wife and support team.

P.S. Yeah-yeah, I know, I'm not a member, but my post is still longer than Ronnie's!

[Steve B.]

I won't even mention the fact that I sat in that gym with you stinky men for 12 hrs!

What about the ladys.They sat there with no problem.You have to give them credit.

Oh yah thanks again for that card tearing tip Bill.

[ironwarrior]

Hey what about a mention for the videographer? With out me you guys wouldn't get your o-so-cool DVD and video for certs. I won't even mention the fact that I sat in that gym with you stinky men (and we won't even mention the TV viewing choices), for 12 hrs!

I'm really just giving you guys a hard time, you all did fabulously. Your videos will be a little late in coming as I am in the middle of my last exams/papers for law school - but you'll get 'em.

From:

Fatboy's wife and support team.

P.S. Yeah-yeah, I know, I'm not a member, but my post is still longer than Ronnie's!

You GO Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ironwarrior]

Hey what about a mention for the videographer? With out me you guys wouldn't get your o-so-cool DVD and video for certs. I won't even mention the fact that I sat in that gym with you stinky men (and we won't even mention the TV viewing choices), for 12 hrs!

I'm really just giving you guys a hard time, you all did fabulously. Your videos will be a little late in coming as I am in the middle of my last exams/papers for law school - but you'll get 'em.

From:

Fatboy's wife and support team.

P.S. Yeah-yeah, I know, I'm not a member, but my post is still longer than Ronnie's!

You GO Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There, how's that for a Ronnie-esque post????

Oh, and this makes post #50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Cel-l-l-lebrate Good Times, c'mon....!!!!!"

Rick, with the females in the audience making gooo-gooo eyes at you, makes me jealous I'm not young, 6' tall, and blond.

[Hubgeezer]

Hey what about a mention for the videographer? With out me you guys wouldn't get your o-so-cool DVD and video for certs. I won't even mention the fact that I sat in that gym with you stinky men (and we won't even mention the TV viewing choices), for 12 hrs!

I'm really just giving you guys a hard time, you all did fabulously. Your videos will be a little late in coming as I am in the middle of my last exams/papers for law school - but you'll get 'em.

From:

Fatboy's wife and support team.

P.S. Yeah-yeah, I know, I'm not a member, but my post is still longer than Ronnie's!

Dear Mrs. Fatboy's Wife and Support Team,

Thank you very much for sitting through almost 12 hours of stinky filthy weird men.

I never formally thanked you for the very nice video you sent out after the last contest. Thank you for that as well.

There are several thousand other stinky men who may have an additional request of you. Many of them complain that there are no "clips" of some contests posted on the Gripboard. There are others who do not even believe some of us exist. Perhaps, some day, an associate of yours could post a few clips. As far as I know, the most amazing one would be of Steve Martinez, age 18, deadlifting 355 pounds on a 2 inch axle. That would have been his last attempt.

Also, Steve Belanger won the wrist roll event, and seeing as he is in his 50th year, board members could both marvel at his ability to roll the device with blinding speed, and they could also see what this unconventional apparatus looks like.

Whatever you can do would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Michael Corlett

Hubgeezer

[supermagnamon]

Hey what about a mention for the videographer? With out me you guys wouldn't get your o-so-cool DVD and video for certs. I won't even mention the fact that I sat in that gym with you stinky men (and we won't even mention the TV viewing choices), for 12 hrs!

I'm really just giving you guys a hard time, you all did fabulously. Your videos will be a little late in coming as I am in the middle of my last exams/papers for law school - but you'll get 'em.

From:

Fatboy's wife and support team.

P.S. Yeah-yeah, I know, I'm not a member, but my post is still longer than Ronnie's!

Nice!!!

[oldtimer]

Kevin, sounds like you put on another great contest. Hubgeezer another great writeup and performance from you. Congratulations to all you guys. I feel like I know your capabilities pretty well after reading the Geezer's comments.

[supermagnamon]

Kevin, sounds like you put on another great contest. Hubgeezer another great writeup and performance from you. Congratulations to all you guys. I feel like I know your capabilities pretty well after reading the Geezer's comments.

Damn. I don't know my own capabilities before, during and after the contest.

[THOR]

Whoo... hehehe

[supermagnamon]

Ronnie Castro. Ronnie is on this board so much I am afraid to say anything about him. Ronnie needs a weight selection consultant in these contests. If he had one, he would kick arse. Great fun guy. He is a power lifter by heart, and if he wants to be a grip guy, he can be the best.

It's cool, Mike. I know that I'm weak on all the events. You can say as much as you want about me. I don't mind criticism. I know my strengths and weaknesses. I was sleepy and weak-hearted at best at the meet. Kevin's porn vid after the World's Strongest Man vid was a surprise. SteveB told me to look at the screen. The World's Strongest Penis was on. I was like what. I thought he meant the World's Strongest Man comp was on, but he was right. After everyone watched in awe for a couple of minutes, the ref, Ironwarrior, finally caught on and after that everyone was distracted. Anyways, my weight selection consultant at the next contest will be Kevin, probably. I can blame my performance on the heavy squats and front squats before the contest even started and not even training for the contest as well.

[Bob Lipinski]

Added the results to my US Handstrength site!

[supermagnamon]

Added the results to my US Handstrength site!

Sweet. Thanks, Bob.

[THOR]

I DEMAND A RECOUNT!!! Kevin got certified one the vbar with the 326 (congrats, and im comming after U ) pull and i was only put down as getting the 301, granted that was my last pull for my fourth attempt while kevins last pull was also under the 326 he still got certed for it, so i would like to be reposted with my best pull of 316 and that is on film. i know that they go in 25 lbs increments so the 316 is in the same category as the 301 but that isnt my best number and i would greatly appreciate my best being posted. Thank You Thor.

[Hubgeezer]

I DEMAND A RECOUNT!!! Kevin got certified one the vbar with the 326 (congrats, and im comming after U ) pull and i was only put down as getting the 301, granted that was my last pull for my fourth attempt while kevins last pull was also under the 326 he still got certed for it, so i would like to be reposted with my best pull of 316 and that is on film. i know that they go in 25 lbs increments so the 316 is in the same category as the 301 but that isnt my best number and i would greatly appreciate my best being posted. Thank You Thor.

All kidding aside, I took my very detailed notes, and I included your feat under the controversial piece, "Americans and the Vertical Bar" under the general "Gripboard" section. I even mentioned how close your 326 was, so yes, it was solid at 316. Even though the only person you will be bumping is ME, I agree with you. Mention this to John Beatty, and I am sure he will take care of it for you Adam.

Hubgeezer

[supermagnamon]

Mention this to John Beatty, and I am sure he will take care of it for you Adam.

Hubgeezer

See Adam, like I told you earlier.

Edited May 4, 2006 by supermagnamon

[THOR]

I DEMAND A RECOUNT!!! Kevin got certified one the vbar with the 326 (congrats, and im comming after U ) pull and i was only put down as getting the 301, granted that was my last pull for my fourth attempt while kevins last pull was also under the 326 he still got certed for it, so i would like to be reposted with my best pull of 316 and that is on film. i know that they go in 25 lbs increments so the 316 is in the same category as the 301 but that isnt my best number and i would greatly appreciate my best being posted. Thank You Thor.

All kidding aside, I took my very detailed notes, and I included your feat under the controversial piece, "Americans and the Vertical Bar" under the general "Gripboard" section. I even mentioned how close your 326 was, so yes, it was solid at 316. Even though the only person you will be bumping is ME, I agree with you. Mention this to John Beatty, and I am sure he will take care of it for you Adam.

Hubgeezer

Thank you, i was on fatbastard and i saw that and i just wanted my best to be posted, besides you beat me anyways