Pictures From UPA Beasts Of The Bench Press

This is what benchin' in the UPA is all about. BIG and UPA go together like a shot and a beer. You know the BIG boys would never go to another organizational contest with the approval of their coach.

The picture gives an insight into the interest of the event. The bench was located window side off the street and 20 people stopped and peared through the window in awe like kids peeping out the worlds largest display of candy.

Afterwards the weather was unbelievable and Rob Kolberer had a tent outside with bbq and beer. We were grillin and chillin. Like I said before, for men, it's what we do best.

I got to meet Brad Heck and Richie Briggs for the first time, so that was nice. Those dudes are cool man. And it was nice to meet Brian Foster too. There's nothing like meeting people who share the same passion and only live like 30 minutes away at all times. I was impressed by the presence of Brad and Richie. They make good teammates. Brad was just handling, and really looking out for the best interests of his lifter at all times. Richie has incredible focus and intesity for his age. I was shocked to learn he is only 22. He carries himself like a true champion.

I tried to introduce them to the finest strip clubs in East St. Louis but all they wanted to do was go sing karaoke and sip on cosmopolitans, so I let them be.... lol

Putt Houston.... if it doesn't fit, you must aquit

Sounds like the OOPA boys had a great time!

What weekend!!!! Brad and Richie are amazing guys who don't hold out on any one. If you have questions about training, setting up for a big bench, or equipment they will tell you everything they know. Great guys.

A big congrats to Rob Kolberer for popping his "meet directors" cherry with an outstanding meet. He had raffle prizes, food/beer, the God Squad, and much much more.

Putt it was great to finally meet ya. Stay in touch, I would really like to come out to ya'lls gym and get a workout in.

Brian Foster
South St. Louis

Does everyone just spot at these meets? How could anyone see the benching?

The beching wasn't hard to see. It's not the most optimal place for spectators but it wasn't bad by any means either. The lifters safety is first and foremost so that will take precedent. These federations need to adopt the benching safety stands like the USAPL has. If anyone needs them, it's multi-ply lifters with dangerous belly benching and the unorthodox range of motion. There were typically only three spotters unless guys were going for something crazy, then there were four. When Richie lifted there were six.(two on the back and two on each side) Brad Heck had one side, I had the other plus two beefcakes watching the weight, then there was my brother Mike and Pat Rankin in the rear. Richie could have attempted 1500 and it wouldn't have made me nervous one bit. As a matter of fact, Brian Foster lost control of 540? and it soared to his neck and face like a magnet and the crew caught it just in time.(probably within an inch)

This brings up a good point... Does anyone know if Forza or William Strength has any modifications in place to accommodate safety racks on their benches. It's a must have with today's techniques. It's no wonder someone hasn't been killed yet.

I would have to say this was one of the best meets ive been to. This meet definetly did not lack promotion. Everywhere we went people knew about the meet gas stations, restraunts the news did a segment the night before to promote the meet, the day of the meet the news was there filming for the sunday sports segment. There were tables set up with tshirt sales, protien shakes, food being grilled out back Tons of prizes raffled off. The crowd was huge and crazy. I met some of the coolest guys around, Rob, Brian, Putt, Andy, Rick and a bunch more. The God squad thing was a cool addition. I will be real surprised if Rob doesnt get a big money meet he has an awsome ability to promote. I will be at his meets for sure i have never had so much fun.

Thanks Putt! Hey 544 was about to put me in a pine box. Thank God for Pat Rankin and the boys who without question saved my life.

I know for a fact that the judging was spot on. Rob had all three judges that had competed on a national stage and two out of three had competed on the world level. Nobody can question the judges in this meet. All the calls would have pass in any/all federations.

Brad and Richie, us boys down here at Eagle can't wait for you all to come back down. I'm hoping to get away and come to NE within a few months. Rob gave me your number and I'll call your a week or so in advance.

Brian Foster
South St. Louis