Rick Hussey Benefit Meet Review
As I tried to write a blurb about the Rick Hussey meet this past weekend, I realized that I didn’t know a whole lot of the details. All I know is that Big Iron Gym (BIG) is the home to some of the top powerlifters, many of whom were competing last weekend.
I asked Jim Grandick, one of the competitors, if he could help me out to get all of the numbers correct for you. Below is a summary, in the words of Jim Grandick:
"BIG had the Rick Hussey benefit meet last weekend and it was a blast and tremendous success. We had lifters from all over turn out. Hardcore Barbell, Team Super, Team Carpenter, and SOS were all represented.
My teammate Shawn Frankl was unbelievable going 2469@198 for the all time record. Shawn is an awesome person and teammate and even came down to the meet early on Thursday and stayed with me to help me cut my weight. Shawn was also one of the main reasons I got my lazy butt back in the gym after a rough year.
BIG is now stacked with 242’s. Mike Taylor, now a 242 master 2 lifter went 2210 for a PR. Mike keeps getting better with age and is one of the the best master lifters in the world. He is also the best knee wrapper I know.
Justin Redding squatted a grand and had a great day totaling 2298@237 he gets better every time he sets foot on the platform. My good friend Tony Acome was bull strong going 981,744,655 for a 2380@236 10x’s bodyweight. Simply awesome Tony.
Our new little buddy Matt Sahlfeld PR’d his total by like 500lbs from his last meet as a 242 junior with a 1945. Congrats to Mike Brown totalling 10 x bodyweight at 181. Great comeback meet!
Onto the Bench Only, Richie Briggs is simply amazing. Only 23 years old, and he grinded out a 848 for a new personal record! Way to go. Becca Swanson ended up with a new all-time world record of 552 (551 + record breakers). She is unreal.
My good buddy Rob Luyando came out and put on a show with a 914 BP and a shot at 943. He never ceases to amaze me! Congrats to all my BIG teammates - you all did awesome.
Now for me. As many of you know, I had a rough year last year. Injury, batched surgery, divorce, financial ruin, etc. Walking back into BIG after 9 months off was the hardest thing I have ever done, but my Big Iron Family welcomed me back with opened arms and gave me something to live for again. I cannot thank them enough. Mike, Tony, Justin, Shawn, Matt, Dan, Becca, Richie, Brad and all the BIG Team, thank you all so much!
I did not expect to do this meet - I only had about 3 months to get ready, but Rick said what the hell we will get you ready. I went 981,761,705,2447@239 For my first 10x’s body weight and 3x’s bench. I could not be happier. A big "Thank You!" to John Inzer for always taking care of me, and making the best gear in the world.
Finally, I have to thank my good friend and coach Rick Hussey. You are the toughest man I have ever met and the best coach ever!! I am so glad this meet was such a huge success for you. I would never be where I am today without you coaching and believing in me. You’re the man!! Thanks!!"
Jim Grandick
Full results at: http://www.bigirongym.com/.
Benefit Meet Raises $15,000 for Hussey:
http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/6461
