All American
Bench Press Invitational Championships
April
29th, 2001
Location:
Taylor, PA
Meet
Directors: Bob Granko Sr. and Joe Moceynus
Meet Directors Thanks:
The
Power Gym, Taylor Pa., hosted The All American Bench
Press Invitational Championships. This meet was beyond
the meet directors imagination. Having invited the finest
lifters of Pa., Connecticut, Virginia and New Jersey,
proved that there is literally strength in numbers.
Numerous Pa. State Records were set and broken by some of
these fantastic lifters. The Womens best Lightweight was
awarded to Ms. Paula Kovalchick and Heavyweight Vickyt
Marikonis, both who broke and set a new State records.
Approximately 275 spectators were present. Having been
involved in Powerlifting for over 4 decades, I can say
that this was the finest contest that I had the privilege
of co-directing. Special thanks to Joe (Moe) Moceyunas,
my partner at the Power Gym. What a guy! Great
Powerlifter and beyond an expert putting shirts on, and
especially guiding the young powerlifters to victory... I
can never thank him enough. This met could not have been
held without the expertise of the scoring table.... My
bride Toni G., Cathy Moceyunas and one of the best
statisticians around, Ms. Dot Mcgowan. John (Coach)
Mcgowan, Joe Lutkowski (330 Lb. Bencher @ 148lbs.), Paul
Duffy (420@220lbs.) and of course my son Jamie (Tank) who
incidentally look great in the N.J. Mid Atlantic
Classic... Sure wish that I had his arms and shoulders!!!
He along with my wife and older son Bobby Jr. (Also a
great Powerlifter) Yes! This was a family sport to us.
Along with my wife these guys have seen my good and not
so good of late days in this magnificent sport. Bobby
Legg, spotter/loader, scoring table official and above
all a great powerlifter and dear friend. Yes! I
appreciate Mimmi, Mike and Steve Gavin, Mike Roberts,
Tracy and John Svalina (500 lb. Reverse grip bench @
242lbs) and our new law school graduate, Jason Mattioli,
who will be elevated to contest official status in the
future...(maybe). Best Lightweight Lifter was awarded to
Mr. Terry Dickey (his Brother Cliff and he train in their
basement are and inspiration to watch benching). The
Heavy Weight Best Lifter was close with John Defoor,
gaining the nod over Nate Williams (a fine lifter with
the genes of Mr. Chimsey Williams). To all of my lifters,
yes they were mine, I wish you good luck and God Speed in
your future contests. I have made many true friends and
lost some not so good friends in this sport. Mr. Moe and
I thank you for your support. May God Bless all of you.
Bob Granko Sr.
05/08/2001