The 38th Annual USPF California State Powerlifting and
Benchpress Championship was undoubtedly a grand success. We had 71 lifters. 37
bench only and 33 Powerlifters with one deadlift only
competitor and 5 paid no-shows. The Opening ceremonies for the 1st California
Powerlifting Hall of Fame went off without a hitch. We had a Color Guard from
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 40th Infantry Division headed up by
First Sergeant Bradley Warner. This was followed by the Star Spangled Banner
sung by Nicole Manly, daughter of competitor Larry Manly. The opening invocation was given by Dr. Sandra
Herron. The Presentation of the Hall of
Fame ceremony began with Master of Ceremonies: Chuck LaMantia and Presenter:
Major General Jeffrey L. Gidley, 40th Infantry
Division Commander. In alphabetical
order the Inductees were Natalie Kahn Aguilar, Pat Casey, Bill Cavalier, Robert
Cortes, Danni Hartmann Eldridge, Tom Eldridge (deceased), Bill Ennis, Cherie
Ennis (deceased), Roger Estep, Kevin Fisher, George Frenn,
Jill Ganger, Lorna Griffin, Don and Fran Haley, Bill Hartmann, Vicki Gagne Hembree, Enrique Hernandez, Bob Humphreys, Mary Ryan
Jeffrey, Larry Kidney, Mike Lambert, Jim Lem, Terry
McCormick, Gene Mozee, Tom Overholtzer,
Bob Packer, Bud Ravenscroft, Gordon Santee, David
Shaw, Rich Woods, and Bill "Peanuts" West (deceased). These were truly the "Legends of
Strength". It was a great
opportunity to reconnect with so many great Champions of our "Iron
Sport". The ceremony was emotional and uplifting. It was very a memorable
moment for so many being inducted and many in the audience as well. We had well
over 350 people in the audience. I know there are many more well deserving
lifters that could have been and should have been inducted at this time. I plan
on having an induction ceremony each year. I don’t want anyone to feel slighted
for not being inducted in this year’s ceremony and I apologize if anyone feels
like they were overlooked. I look forward to the nominations for next year.
Thanks to all the inductees who made this a truly remarkable event. Special thanks
to Bill Ennis for the hands on effort in coordinating and putting together the
fine commemorative program along with contacting all of the inductees and
getting their biographies and photos. Thanks also to all of our fine referees,
some of whom were inducted in the Hall of Fame ceremony on this day. I
appreciate all your help and efforts to make the State meet a success. Thanks
to Chuck LaMantia for being the MC and for the music he provides for the contest.
Everyone appreciates the fine professional touch that Chuck brings to every
meet. Thanks to Kellie LaMantia for taking care of the
score-keeping duties. Thanks to Lisa Denison for also helping with the
scorekeeping duties. Thanks to Scott
Layman for his assistance at the score table and for expediting on the 2nd
platform. Thanks to our new State
referee, Dr. David Foster, who took his practical exam at the meet with Gordon
Santee as the tester. Thanks to our spotters and
loaders from
Steve Denison, Meet Director,