R.A.W. UNITED SANCTIONS ITS FIRST MEET
Space Coast Barbell (Merritt Island, Florida) lifter Anthony DiBiase (18-19, SHW) coming up with a 600 pound
squat
The first meet sanctioned by R.A.W. United, Inc. was an overwhelming success! Despite the fact that fifteen registered
lifters (several of whom are among the sport’s top athletes) were unable to participate as a result of injury, illness, etc., the
contest posted several incredible lifts and rose over $700.00 to fund R.A.W. United-sanctioned events in Iraq! Thanks to all
the lifters for supporting our country’s finest, and congratulations on your efforts and accomplishments on the platform!
Women’s Division
Teenage sensation Amanda Graham led the women’s charge, taking Best Lifter honors and nailing a record 157 pound squat
in the 105s. Wildcat teammate Samantha Shores registered the biggest lifts of the day (175, 90, 245, 510) in the 132s, and
submasters Denise Graham of “Power in the Blood” and Australia’s Anne Gabrielsen registered record lifts across the board.
Men’s 77 & 123
Eleven year-old hockey stud Jonathan Cassario performed double-duty over the weekend, leading his hockey squad to
victory and registering record lifts, to include a nearly double-bodyweight deadlift, in the 77s. Teenage phenomenon Tyler
Mohammed shattered the record books as well, nailed awesome lifts of 325, 185, and 440 in the 123s. Tyler, who lifts for
“Higher Ground” and is sponsored by Shawn “Bud” Lyte’s BMF Sports, totaled over seven times his bodyweight and
captured Best Lifter honors in the RAW Teenage 114-165 category. Masters World Champion Glenn Murphy of Ridgley,
Maryland was scheduled to round out the 123s, but he got sick the week before the contest and was not able to compete (you
need to move to sunny Florida, brother!).
Men’s 132
Middleburg, Florida’s Daniel Carpenter, coming off his recent victory at the 100% RAW Worlds hosted by Dan Corridean
and Kevin Prosser, totaled over eight times his bodyweight with incredible lifts of 330, 250, and 480 to capture Best Lifter
honors in the RAW 114-165 category. Steve Smith of Oveido, Florida, lifting strong at seventy-six years young, set records
across the board, and Esaa Samarah, representing his father’s homeland of Palestine, followed Steve’s lead to include a
successful fourth attempt in the bench at 100 pounds. Thirteen year-old Patrick Moran moved into the 132s for the first time,
and nailed a record deadlift at 177 pounds.
Men’s 148
Two veteran lifters – Shawn O’Grady of Satellite Beach, Florida and Richard Murphy of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania – were
unable to compete; Shawn injured his shoulder at an APF meet in November (he’s healing well and is looking forward to the
2009 season) and Richard elected to wait for the recently scheduled Mid-Atlantic Open (March 7-8 in Greencastle) that he
and Doc Junkins will be hosting at The Sports Inn.
High school senior Anthony Miller of Wildcat Powerlifting registered the class’s biggest total at 785 pounds. Wildcat parent
Steve Shores, lifting in his first meet, pulled a personal best 225 pound deadlift and Anthony’s brother Michael, also lifting in
his first meet, rounded out the class.
Men’s 165
Submaster Rolando Manso, a Raw Unity contender, captured Best Lifter honors in the Push/Pull category and totaled nearly
eight times his bodyweight in the Full Power category. Teenage World Champion Robbie Fay, another BMF sponsored
athlete who will be entering the United States Air Force next year, finished strong with a 515 pound deadlift and posted the
largest teenage total (1125) in the 114-165 category. Yanni Tshontikidis worked the platform and lifted both days, and took
home the Ironman Best Lifter award in the 114-165 category. Al “The Legend” Annunziato was the meet’s top Grandmaster
lifter (114-165), and eighth grader Joel Wadzinski of Wildcat Powerlifting continued to improve with lifts of 245, 180, and
305 to win the 14-15 year old age group.
Men’s 181
Danny Aguirre, the third BMF-sponsored lifter and team leader of “Higher Ground,” posted an impressive 1285 pound total
with lifts of 440, 295, and 550 to win the 181s. Tim O’Brien, lifting for World’s Gym out of Port Saint Lucie, Florida,
continued to improve on all three lifts; Tim captured Best Lifters honors in the Master’s RAW category, 181-SHW, and
Danny took the overall honors. Contest director Spero Tshontikidis and training partner Wolfgang Kermer (representing his
home country of Germany) worked the platform and lifted both days, with Wolfgang registering the 1000 pound total he had
set out to achieve. Craig Butler and Patraic Currey, coached by Dan Matthews of World’s Gym in Fort Lauderdale, had
solid performances. Craig was competing in his first meet, and exhibited excellent technique and poise on the platform,
setting records across the board in the 30-34 year old age group, and Pat’s 965 total earned him Best Lifter honors in the
Grandmasters 181-SHW category. Jayson Wadzinski of Wildcat Powerlifting nailed personal bests in all three lifts,
capturing Ironman Best Lifter honors in the teenage division.
Men’s 198
With six lifters, including Master lifters Bob Gaynor, Doc Junkins, and Ted Langlais, unable to compete, the 198s went from
twelve to six on contest day. Danilo Najera, lifting for Universal Power and Fitness Gym in Orlando, Florida, posted a 1265
pound total to win the class. Dominic Fullington also posted strong numbers en route to his 1090 pound total, and teenage
lifter Darion Barnett of Crossfit Gym in Fort Myers, Florida set records across the board, to include a 430 pound deadlift.
Ross Semplice, who will be hosting the South Florida Open at Tropical Fitness Gym in Deerfield Beach, Florida in March,
set a Masters record in the deadlift, and Trinidad’s Noble Carr posted an 835 pound total at seventy-six years young!
Men’s 220
Veteran Masters lifter Bill Beekley, contest director of the annual Beau Moore Classic (March 21 in Tampa, Florida) and
member of the Florida RAW Dogs, took the class with lifts of 445, 300, and 500. Kevin Phillipson of the Melbourne Athletic
Club in Melbourne, Florida lifted extremely well in his debut contest, totaling 1165 in the 25-29 year old age group. Teenage
lifter Daniel Reiff of World’s Gym (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) broke the 1000 pound barrier, as did Chaplain Paul Simmons
on both days! Unfortunately, Zied Hichri (who was scheduled to represent his home country of France) and Power in the
Blood’s Steve Ryder were both unable to compete. Zied injured his knee squatting three weeks prior to the contest, and
Steve’s grandfather-in-law was rushed to the hospital Friday evening. Zied’s knee is healing, and he is looking forward to
competing early next year (and hosting a R.A.W. United meet at his gym – Universal Power and Fitness in Orlando, Florida),
and Steve’s grandfather-in-law is back at home.
Men’s 242, 275, & SHW
The ageless Larry Bucchioni, despite shoulder, hip, and total body aches and pains, pulled an awesome 515 pound deadlift en
route to his 1125 total in the 242s. Larry was joined by Air Force veteran Derrick Reiff (Daniel’s dad), who posted personal
bests across the board in his second meet. Submasters lifter JD Gaynor (back injury) and teenage athlete Andrew Tully were
both unable to compete.
Tim Burns of the Florida RAW Dogs captured the top place in the 275s with lifts of 505, 355, and 515. Master lifters Fred
Goldberg of World’s Gym in Port Saint Lucie, Florida and Richard Cerrato of Tampa, Florida were close behind at 1300 and
1280, respectively. Curtis Stellfox, who learned about R.A.W. United from a post on Powerlifting Watch, joined us on the
platform and posted a 1045 pound total in the juniors. Teenager William Fudge, lifting in his first meet, went nine for nine,
and is looking forward to a 1000 pound total in March. Military veteran Dave Hardic and teenage lifter Tom Walter were
both unable to compete as a result of injuries; Dave will be joining us at the Mid-Atlantic Open (March 7 in Greencastle,
Pennsylvania) and Tom will be back on the platform at the South Florida Open.
Anthony DiBiase, coached by George Montgomery and Joe Degiovine of Space Coast Barbell in Merritt Island, Florida, had
an incredible day with lifts of 600, 360, and 600. Although junior Cody Yager was unable to compete, Anthony truly held
his own, bringing the crowd to its feet with every lift and humbly returning on Sunday to spot and load the entire day – true
class, period.
Push/Pull & Master’s Bench
Several lifters opted to enter the Push/Pull or Master’s Bench divisions. Brothers Jake and Brett Benedix, whose father Bob
owns Worlds Gym in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, showed great potential on the platform in their competitive debut.
Jacksonville, Florida’s Tim McCoy was unable to squat (Tim was fighting the flu all weekend), but managed to post very
respectable numbers (315 and 405) in the 148s. Sebastian, Florida’s Kenneth Brennan registered the top Push/Pull in the
181-SHW category with lifts of 350 and 485 in the 198s, while Master lifter Lynn Stedham (Fort Pierce, Florida) and
teenager Tom Carden (Jacksonville, Florida) battled it out in the 220s. Steve Ferris of Universal Power and Fitness Gym in
Orlando, Florida rounded out the Push/Pull division with a strong 710 pound total in the 242s.
United States Army veteran Jimmy May of Saint Simon’s Island, Georgia pushed a strong 240 pound bench in the 65-69 year
old, 198s, and George Poole of Crossfit Gym in Fort Myers, Florida hit a 230 pound bench in the Submasters, 198s. Finally,
Rocky Vickers, a former prize fighter, hit a 225 pound bench in the 45-49, 220s.
Thanks!
Thanks to John Hernandez and William Fudge (equipment staging); Amanda Graham, Denise Graham, Steve Shores, Kevin
Moran, Jonathan Simmons, Paul Simmons, and the members of Wildcat Powerlifting (set up); Denise Graham (announcing)
and Sam Gough (scoring); Bob Gaynor, JD Gaynor, Caryn Tshontikidis, Yanni Tshontikidis, Paul Simmons, Larry
Bucchioni, Danny Aguirre, and Eric Talmant (judging); Bobby Impt, Wolfgang Kermer, Anthony DiBiase, Yanni
Tshontikidis, Danny Aguirre, Robbie Fay, Jayson Wadzinski, Joel Wadzinski, and Anthony Miller (spotting/loading); Tori
Simmons (expediting); and the entire Power in Blood contest staff, Wildcat Powerlifting, and parents (clean-up).
More thanks to Sir Charles Venturella (plaques and eagle sculptures); Shannon West and Mike Seiaudone for the
AWESOME 25 FOOT R.A.W. UNITED BANNER; Georg Baker for the outstanding photographs she took throughout the
weekend (Georg not only shot photos of every lift, she sent pictures to all competitors that requested them at no charge); Paul
Bossi and Dianne Perry of Elizabeth City Trophy (awards and plates); Mike Roebuck of Good Impressions (certificates);
Mike Lambert of PL USA Magazine (magazines); Brigid and the folks at Sandpiper Sportswear (contest shirts); Terra
Hudnall, Evan Hudnall, and Sava Tshontikidis (concessions); Sandy Rice and Caryn Tshontikidis (Premeir Jewelry booth);
and Chaplain Paul Simmons (worship service and prayer).
And the most important thanks go to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their sacrifice,
selflessness, and courage! And to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who showed on the Cross that He is the living example of
TRUE STRENGTH!
God Bless, Spero
Women’s Division:
88
Colleen Kermer
85
60
25
145
105
Amanda Graham
Moriah Douglas
157
105
90
65
210
170
457
340
114
Kathleen Audet
120
72
165
357
132
Samantha Shores
175
90
245
510
Denise Graham
122
75
200
397
Anne Gabrielsen (AUS)
155
85
190
430
Men’s Division:
77
Jonathan Cassario
95
60
135
290
123
Tyler Mohammed
Glenn Murphy
325
185
440
950
132
Daniel Carpenter
Steve Smith
Esaa Samarah (PAL)
330
130
145
250
165
92
1060
560
462
Patrick Moran
Steve Soukup
160
70
480
265
225
4th 100
177
148
Anthony Miller
Steve Shores
Michael Miller
Richard Murphy
Shawn O’Grady
270
165
150
195
170
125
320
225
155
785
560
430
165
Rolando Manso
Robert Fay
Yanni Tshontikidis (sat)
Yanni Tshontikidis (sun)
Al Annunziato
Joel Wadzinski
Joshua Douglas
Gabriel West
Chance Baker
Matt Vickers
Evan Hudnall
Riley Audet
425
355
335
335
265
245
175
150
160
130
100
100
295
255
225
205
225
180
115
110
100
95
72
75
475
515
445
450
450
305
260
260
205
185
140
135
1195
1125
1005
990
940
730
550
520
465
410
312
310
181
Danny Aguirre
Tim O’Brien
Spero Tshontikidis (sun)
Spero Tshontikidis (sat)
Craig Butler
Wolfgang Kermer (GER/sat)
Wolfgang Kermer (GER/sun)
Patraic Currey
Jayson Wadzinski
Carlos Maldonado (DOM)
Jonathan Simmons (DAL)
440
405
375
375
385
325
325
325
335
245
255
295
285
250
250
225
235
220
265
215
165
140
550
460
475
445
425
440
410
375
400
360
300
4th 335
1285
1150
1100
1070
1035
1000
955
965
950
770
695
198
Danilo Najera
Dominic Fullington
Darian Barnett
405
400
340
340
260
235
520
430
415
Ross Semplice
Noble Carr (TRI)
Timmy Laskovich
300
265
95
185
240
75
350
330
155
1265
1090
990
4th 430
835
835
325
165
407
Christopher Hopkins
Bob Gaynor
Doc Junkins
Ted Langlais
Albert Velez
220
Bill Beekely
Kevin Phillipson
Daniel Reiff
Paul Simmons (sun)
Paul Simmons (sat)
Zied Hichri (FRA)
Steve Ryder
445
335
325
350
350
300
330
325
215
215
500
500
400
455
445
1245
1165
1050
1020
1010
242
Larry Bucchioni
Derrick Reiff
JD Gaynor
Andrew Tully
375
300
235
225
515
400
1125
925
275
Tim Burns
Fred Goldberg
Richard Cerrato
Curtis Stellfox
William Fudge
Dave Hardic
Tom Walter
505
405
475
365
255
355
430
300
275
215
515
465
505
405
335
1345
1300
1280
1045
805
SHW
Anthony DiBiase
Cody Yager
600
360
600
1560
Men’s Push/Pull Division:
114
Jake Benedix
120
215
335
123
Brett Benedix
105
225
330
148
Tim McCoy
315
405
720
198
Kenneth Brennan
350
485
835
220
Lynn Stedham
Tom Carden
300
300
455
385
755
685
242
Steve Ferris
325
385
710
Master’s Bench Only Division:
198
Jimmy May
George Poole
240
230
220
225
Rocky Vickers