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2012 USAPL Women’s National Powerlifting Championships- Live!

2012 USAPL Women’s National Powerlifting Championships- Scoring

Location: Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood, MA

Athletes please remeber to bring your photo ID for weigh-ins and please review current IPF approved equipment list

Roster (as of 5/15):

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Two local schools recently competed at the 2012 Collegiate Nationals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Despite the time difference and elaborate traveling, both schools saw success. Ultimately the women’s team from Northeastern had the best weekend, placing 3^rd and combined, Northeastern Women’s Team picked up five All-American finishes, with two first place,  one third place, one fourth place and two fifth place finishes.

All Americans Top 5

• Seri Gordon
• Heather Crocker
• Shaina Petit
• Erica Myers
• Allison Almeida

Medalist Top 3

• Heather Crocker
• Shaina Petit

National Champions

• Heather Crocker(3^rd National Championship)
• Shaina Petit

Best Overall Female Lifter

• Heather Crocker

Northeastern Powerlifting Women’s team placed 3^rd behind Louisiana at Lafayette and Texas A&M then a head of LSU and Louisiana Tech

New Collegiate Records

• Heather Crocker (NU)- 132lbs weight class- Squat (408lbs), Deadlift(403lbs) and Total(1,038lbs)
• Shaina Petit (NU) – 148lbs weight class- Bench Press(253lbs)

Northeastern Powerlifting Women’s Team

Seri Gordon a 5^th year PT major placed third in the 114 lb weight class on the first day of lifting (Friday April 14, 2012). Her best lifts of the day included a squat of 102.5 kg (225.5 lbs), bench press of 50 kg (110 lbs), and deadlift of 132.5 kg (291.5 lbs) for a total of 285 kg (627 lbs). She received All-American status as a result of her lifting.

Sarah Danielson, a senior communications major placed sixth in the 132 lb weight class on the first day of lifting (Friday April 14, 2012). Her best lifts of the day included a squat of 110 kg (242 lbs), bench of 55 kg (121 lbs), and deadlift of 122.5 kg (269.5 lbs). Her total for the meet was 287.5 kg (632.5 lbs).

Heather Crocker, a senior nursing major placed first in the 132 lb weight class. Her best lifts of the day included a squat of 185.5 kg (408 lbs), bench of 102.5 kg (225.5 lbs), and a deadlift of 183 kg (402.6 lbs). Her total for the meet was 471 kg (1035 lbs). She was crowned champion of champions of the women competitors, making her the best woman collegiate powerlifter in the country. She received All-American status as a result of her lifting. She now holds the Junior American, collegiate, and national records for the squat, deadlift, and the collegiate and national record in the bench press, all in the 132 lb weight class.

Shaina Petit, a fifth year PT major placed first in the 148 lb weight class. Her best lifts of the day included a squat of 172.5 kg (379.5 lbs), bench of 115 kg (253 lbs), and a deadlift of 175 kg (385 lbs). Her total for the meet was 465.5 kg (1024 lbs). Her 115 kg bench is a national and American meet record. She will be competing in the Junior World Championships in Poland this coming August. She received All-American status as a result of her lifting.

Elizabeth Arpino, a junior civil engineering major placed ninth in the 148 lb weight class. Her best lifts of the day included a squat of 105 kg (231 lbs), bench of 50 kg (110 lbs), and a deadlift of 110 kg (242 lbs). Her total for the meet was 265.5 kg (583 lbs).

Erica Myers, a middler pharmacy major placed fifth in the 165 lb weight class. Her best lifts of the day included a squat of 120 kg (264 lbs), bench of 70 kg (154 lbs), and a deadlift of 150 kg (330 lbs). Her total for the meet was 340 kg (748 lbs). She received All-American status as a result of her lifting.

Allison Almeida, a senior biology major placed fourth in the 165 lb weight class. Her best lifts of the day included a squat of 130 kg (286 lbs), bench of 82.5 kg (181.5 lbs), and a deadlift of 132.5 kg (291.5 lbs). Her total for the meet was 340 kg (748 lbs). She received All-American status as a result of her lifting.

All Americans Top 5

• Anthony Grimaldi
• Luis Jaimes

Medalist Top 3

• Luis Jaimes

Northeastern Powerlifting Men’s Team placed 9^th a head of regional rival Penn State.

New Collegiate Records

• Luis Jaimes – 242lbs weight class- Bench Press(600.8lbs)
  • Luis becomes just the 4^th collegiate lifter to Bench over the 600lbs mark, regardless of weight class, joining Northeastern’s own Joe Cappellino who holds the highest bench of 705lbs)

Northeastern Powerlifting Men’s Team

Anthony Grimaldi, a senior history and philosophy major placed fifth in the 148 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 222.5 kg (489.5 lbs), bench of 137.5 kg (302.5 lbs), and a deadlift of 230 kg (518 lbs). His total for the meet was 595 kg (1309 lbs). He received All-American status as a result of his lifting.

Keon Reed, a senior economics major placed eighteenth in the 165 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 162.5 kg (357.5 lbs), bench of 95 kg (209 lbs), and a deadlift of 232.5 kg (511.5 lbs). His total for the meet was 490 kg (1078 lbs).

Justin Haddadnia, a sophomore mechanical engineering major placed sixteenth in the 165 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 200 kg (440 lbs), bench of 115 kg (253 lbs), and a deadlift of 195 kg (429 lbs). His total for the meet was 510 kg (1124 lbs).

Matt Cassista, a sophomore chemical engineering major placed sixteenth in the 181 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 215 kg (473 lbs), bench of 140 kg (308 lbs), and a deadlift of 227.5 kg (500.5 lbs). His total for the meet was 582.5 kg (1281 lbs).

Kurt Banker, a senior chemical engineering major placed twenty-second in the 181 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 200 kg (440 lbs), bench of 122.5 kg (269.5 lbs), and a deadlift of 215 kg (473 lbs). His total for the meet was 537.5 kg (1181 lbs).

William Pepicelli, a junior criminal justice major placed eighteenth in the 198 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 240 kg (528 lbs), bench of 165 kg (363 lbs), and a deadlift of 215 kg (473 lbs). His total for the meet was 620 kg (1364 lbs).

Alex Baval, a middler mechanical engineering major placed fifteenth in the 198 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 237.5 kg (522.5 lbs), bench of 182.5 kg (401.5 lbs), and a deadlift of 235 kg (517 lbs). His total for the meet was 655 kg (1441 lbs).

Luis Jaimes, a senior economics major placed second in the 242 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 330 kg (726 lbs), bench of 272.5 kg (600.7 lbs), and a deadlift of 240 kg (528 lbs). His total for the meet was 842.5 kg (1853 lbs). He received All-American status as a result of his lifting.

Stephen King, a sophomore political science major placed eighth in the 275 lb weight class. His best lifts of the day included a squat of 232.5 kg (511.5 lbs), bench of 195 kg (429 lbs), and a deadlift of 250 kg (550 lbs). His total for the meet was 677.5 kg (1496 lbs).

Andrew Mastone

Alex Bruno

Joseph Cassaro, a sophomore in his first collegiate nationals hit several personal records in the 165lbs weight class. His best lifts were a 182.5kg (402.3lbs) squat, 117.5kg (259lbs) bench, 185kg (407lbs) deadlift for a 485kg (1069lbs) total. For his efforts Joseph finished 20 out of 25 in his class. Joseph is a local lifter who is an alumni of Xaverian Brothers High School,

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a fifth year Physical Therapy student at Northeastern University—I will be receiving my Doctorate Degree in May of 2013. I was a former Northeastern track and field athlete where I competed in the Heptathlon and all Throwing events.  I am a workout “junky” and have spent almost all my life in a gym.  Growing up I was a competitive gymnast which took up all of my time, but I can honestly say that gymnastics gave me my core strength and is a huge reason for my success.   I also love playing soccer, volleyball, tennis, being outdoors, and doing anything active that will give me a good workout!  I am from Berkley, MA…daughter of Nelia DeStefano and Michael Petit. I have a huge family and couldn’t thank them enough for all the time and support they have given me through the years.

How did you get into the sport of powerlifting?

I have a gym in my basement and all of high school my step-father made me lifting programs to make me stronger for track and field.  My goal was always to be able to bench plates, but after I met that goal my junior year of high school I just became obsessed and wanted to go heavier.  It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I even knew there was a sport called Powerlifting.  Big Mike was my strength coach for track and he was the one who convinced me to do a meet in May 2009.  I had no idea what I was doing but after that competition I was addicted.

What weight class or weight classes to you compete in?

Starting this year my new weight class is 138lbs, but for the majority of my career I have competed in the 148lb weight.  I have also been competitive in the 158lb weight class internationally and the 165lb class once last year.

What are your best lifts?

Equipped: 380lb squat, 254lb bench and deadlift 385lb, 1019 total (148lb weight class/144 actual weight)

Bench Only: 264.5 lbs (148lb weight class/143 actual weight)

Raw: 270 squat, 187 bench and 303 deadlift , 760 total (165lb weight class/149 actual weight)

Raw Gym Numbers: 286 squat, 195 bench, 320 deadlift

What USAPL National meets have you lifted in and how did you place?

1^st- 2011 Raw National Championships

1^st-2011 Bench National Championships

1^st- 2012 Collegiate National Championships

2^nd- 2011 Collegiate National Championships

Have you lifted in any NAPF or IPF meets if so how did you place?

I competed at the 2011 Bench Press Junior World Championships in Solden, Austria where I placed 4^th with a press of 242.5lbs.  I also competed at the 2011 NAPF Bench Press Grand Prix in Atlantic City, NJ where I won with a press of 248 lbs.  I will also be competing at the 2012 Junior World Championships in Poland this September.

Where do you train?

During the school year I train with both the men and women of NUPL at Cabot Gym in Boston, MA.  Throughout the year I spend most of my time training at Baystate Athletic Club in Scituate, MA.

Do you lift with a group/team or by yourself, if so who?

I lift with the Northeastern Powerlifting team.  This past year I was able to start the Women’s NUPL team and in our inaugural season we took 3^rd at Nationals which was a huge accomplishment.  Although we separated from the guys, we still rely on them heavily for their support, advice, and friendship.  We all train together and have formed our own little “family” which is awesome.

When I am not at NUPL I spend all my time at Baystate with my Iron Revolution crew.   Over the last couple of years people have come and gone, but this past year we have formed a solid team.  They have supported me so much in and out of the gym and we have all become great friends.

What current goals are you trying to accomplish?

It is the greatest feeling when you have achieved your goals because you know your hard work has paid off, but also it is a time to create new and harder goals.  Recently, I accomplished almost all my powerlifting goals which were to win collegiate nationals, total over 1000lbs, take the bench press American and National Record, qualify for 3 lift worlds, and them to want my pee tested (as funny as that sounds, I am serious).  Since Nationals a couple weeks ago, I have really been trying to figure out what I want to do next.  My new goals for 2012 include a 400 squat, 300 bench press, and 400 deadlift at 138lb weight class.  I want to be competitive at Worlds and place in the top 3.  As for as Raw powerlifting in 2012 I want a 315 squat, 220 bench press, and 330 pull.

What is your greatest moment in powerlifting?

Powerlifting in general has filled my life with great times and awesome memories, but winning the 2012 Collegiate National Championships has been the greatest of all.  In November 2009 I hurt my back and have been struggling with injuries since.  I have been told I should stop and maybe I should, but I love powerlifting.  July will make it the first full year that I have been able to actually train my squat and deadlift consistently which has really made the difference.  I have worked so hard and have had my eye on the collegiate title since I started competing, so being able to do that when I was told I should stop is an amazing feeling.  The greatest moment at Nationals was not being on the podium, but it was after I pulled my final and personal best deadlift because I knew I had done enough to put the win out of reach.

Can you tell us a little about your training routine?

I have done so many training routines over the last few years, but most of the time I train 4 days per week, pull on Tuesday, bench on Wednesday, squats Friday, and speed bench on Sundays.  I have done your typical 5/3/1 programs, but also combinations of programs and personalized periodization programs under the watchful eye of my coach Big Mike. The last few weeks I have been trying a new program where we train 3 times per week and squat, bench, and deadlift every session.  So far it has been great, but I am only half way through, so stay tuned!

Who are your mentors?

Mike Zawilinski, Big Mike, RMZ, or as I love to call him coachiepoo (but he hates it) has been coaching me since my first meet in Brighton in 2009.  Not only has he been there as my coach and teammate, but also has one of my good friends. No matter where he is or what he’s doing if I need him I know he’ll be there for me.  Leading up to Bench Press Worlds last year he devoted so many hours outside of work and his own training time to help me and I can’t thank him enough.  My best friend Ally Almeida has been there from the beginning and has kept me on track and motivated me even when I wanted to give up on that last set or skip a workout, so thank you.  Joe Caps, thank you for giving me shit every single practice and making me better! Training with NUPL has really motivated me and I couldn’t do it without their support, but one person in particular is Heather Crocker.   Crocker and I began as track teammates at Northeastern, but if there is anyone who motivated me to want to accomplish more it is her.  She is an amazing lifter and I am lucky that I have been able to train beside her.  We have built a great relationship over the last couple years and we push each other to be better.   I learn something from every lifter I meet and I think it is important to remember that something better is always out there so I’d like to thank Chris Vickery, Ben Schlafman, Brian Phillips, Liane Blyn, Eric Kupperstein, and so many others for all your advice and motivation.

Do you have any tips that could help other lifters?

There is no substitute for hard work and this applies to all aspects of life.  If you set a goal, set your mind to achieving it, put the work in, and believe in yourself and you’ll be happily surprised with the outcome. Train hard—Win Easy!

What inspires you to keep training?

There are many things that keep me going, but the most influential is myself.  Training makes me feel good, so why stop something that I love.  So many girls hate the way I look or can’t even imagine spending as much time in the gym as I do, but I like being strong and feeling confident and I definitely love being in the gym.  Powerlifting is a sport you can do forever, so as long as I can be training in a healthy way I will be. Other than that, training with friends, competing against or seeing great lifters compete, being in reach of records, etc keep me wanting to get better.

What is your favorite music to listen too when your training?

I can honestly listen to anything when I train (country, rap, pop, oldies, metal), but when I need to get pumped up or want to lift heavy Eminem /Rap is my go to music.

Do you compete in any other sports?

Currently, the only other sport I play is soccer and I love it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Never give up.  And when you think you have reached the top, always realize that there is someone out there better than you , so train harder.

USAPL Masters Nationals is set for this weekend 5/4-6. Come back her watch the live stream.

Official Website with Schedule and Roster: MASTERS NATIONALS WEBSITE

Live Stream:

Live broadcast by Ustream

Event Website

Video feed:

Free live streaming by Ustream
Here is footage of Liane setting the current masters world record of 175Kg (385.8Lb)

Live broadcasting by Ustream

Video (available starting Friday morning)

The USAPL Collegiate Nationals is one of the loudest, most competitive meets you will ever encounter. With deep classes and large crowds, teams come from around the nation with one goal: Win the team title! There are only two divisions, the men’s division and the women’s division and IPF scoring rules are enforced. Historically, it has taken a minimum of 57 points to win the title.

To achieve this tally, a team will usually have to produce at least 2 first place winners and have 4 other lifters place in the top three of their respective classes. If a team can produce three first-place finishes, they have almost always gone home with the team title.
The 2012 Collegiate National Championships looks to be the most competitive championships to date, as there are 5 teams that appear to have the talent to win it all. The nominations suggest that the following teams are the frontrunners for the coveted title of “national champions”:
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The UL men have won the title two of the past three years, with a dominant performance including 4 first-place finishes and a whopping 63 total points in 2011. After being hit heavily by graduations prior to this season, UL still returns two national champions: Nelson Boutte (132) and Kyle Ramsey (242). If the rest of UL’s (mostly) underclassmen can chime in with the rest of the points, look for UL to repeat.

The UL women finished third last year and were equally hit by graduation. Led by Dana Wallace (97) and Alex Jackson (165), UL’s roster is comprised entirely of freshmen and sophomores.

Louisiana State University
The LSU finished third in the men’s division last year, but return a much improved roster. Led by defending National Champion, Vincent Bradbury (123), the Tigers have reloaded with talent and are sure to be in the mix.
The LSU women have been the most dominant collegiate squad of the past decade. With returning National Champions including Kaitlin Stewart (105), Kiela Badeaux (123, moving up to 132) and Ariel Parker (198), LSU is the heavy favorite for another team national championship.

Louisiana Tech University
After dominating the sport of collegiate powerlifting for over 25 years, Louisiana Tech has been down in numbers in recent years. Nonetheless, they will bring one of the most talented men’s squads to the 2012 National Championships and a quick glance at their roster reveals that the Bulldogs could once again be the premier men’s team in the nation. Led by 3-time champion Ja’Mon Williams (114) and the squatting sensation Jordan Dunn (165), they’ve also got two or three other lifters that could potentially finish in first place as well.

University of Texas at Austin
UTA lays claim to two of the most dominant lifters that collegiate powerlifting has seen in years. Preston Turner (275) and Ian Bell (198) are two of our sports greatest talents, despite their young ages. After finishing in second place last year, the Longhorns return almost their entire roster. Look out!

Texas A&M
The women of Texas A&M won the national team title in 2010 and placed second (53 points) in 2011. Once again, the Aggies are loaded with a talented roster that will likely challenge LSU. Kayla James (123), Olivia Harrington (165) and Bryanna Alba (181) have the ability to win their weight classes. If they do, it could be another team title for the Aggies in 2012.

Other Top Lifters
Of the 300 registered lifters, other front runners include Molley Jaegar (105) of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Michelle Van Dusen (114) of the University of Wisconsin at Waukesha, Heather Crocker (132) of Northeastern University, Suzanne Louque (148) of Nicholls State University, Luciano Torres (148) of Florida Gulf Coast University, Knute Douglass (181) of the University of Southern Mississippi, and Chris Vickery (220) of Sam Houston State University.

( USAPL Collegiate Nationals- Men’s roster )

( USAPL Collegiate Nationals- Women’s roster )