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GOHEAVY.COM Debates Forum
Re: WABDL enough is enough
Posted By: B.L.Biddle (12.200.237.55)
In Response To: WABDL enough is enough (Dr. Don Bell)
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2009, @ 12:04 a.m.
Having been active in the world of powerlifting for many years, I usually sit in the “back” staying out of harms way, however I feel compelled to answer a few of these fallacies mentioned here by “Dr.” Don and others about Gus Reithwich.
Don and you other critics, if anyone would have the right to complain about volunteering and the associated sacrifices made at WABDL meets-the Worlds in particular, it would be me.
My entire family works this meet. All my girls work on the schedule everyday, my wife pulls 2 shifts or more each day and each year we average 10 days total at this venue. She and I will be at the Peppermill on the 24th…got that?…that is a full 4 days prior to the meet even starting. What...you show up for 2-3 days will only do one job and its a big sacrifice?
As a family we average 35+ days between the 4 of us just for that alone. Professionally for our living, we work for ourselves…not for someone else…so translated that means we get no vacation time… we don’t work…we don’t get paid… so taking 10 days out of our year is an expensive proposition…worth every dime. (Since 2004)
We will be celebrating our Silver 25th Wedding Anniversary marking score cards, holding spit cups at weigh ins and scrambling to find that elusive record someone wants to break just 2 minutes prior to taking the platform.
We dedicated ourselves to help powerlifting and more specifically the individual powerlifter. I don’t agree with everything Gus says and does…but in the end: 1. He is in charge. 2. I never lose sight of the fact I am not doing it for him alone…I do it for all those lifters who bust their backsides each year --12-87 years of age who want to come to a wonderful venue and do their best. Not so I can be the M. C. and be the center of attention or solicit pats on the back… it is NOT ABOUT ME…and it is certainly not about you.
Our family has participated in meets run by Kierian Kidder AWPC, Dr. Maile USAPL, Martin Drake AAU,Scott Taylor WPA and many many others as both participants, officials, score keepers and the last guy that picks up the empty water bottles and turns out the light.
Whether it is Gus or the fine folks I mentioned above.There is one thing that is crystal clear: Each Federation or meet they have promoted-- THEY ARE IN CHARGE- period. None of them run it as a democracy. They built it, signed the hotel & ballroom contracts leaving themselves open to huge financial obligations all on an unknown. In my personal dealings with each of these individuals they all without exception are passionate,consumate professionals…not saints. Each of those I have mentioned put on fantastic meets...but none ever better that what Gus does for the lifters at a WABDL meet. You want to criticize… you sign a $30,000 dollar no cut contract whether you have 3 lifters or 3000. Gus makes a living at this?...whoa imagine that Comrad?
The thing that makes me the most angry is those that use forums like this as some phallus measuring contest...I am back in Jr. High gym class. Ph.d. should carry some professional demeanor…not stand for Piled Higher and Deeper. The lack of understanding and compassion is shameful…Gus almost died at years beginning had bypass surgery less than 7 months ago and now he has to deal with this kind of cowardice. Grow up. You suffer from Veritcal Pronoun Disorder….you worry about “I” too much.
Gus Reithwich was there at the very beginning when this whole phenomenon called powerlifting started. Doyle Kennedy, Lamar Gant, Larry Pacifico along with an endless list have had their days in the sun and have retired in honor or gone onto their eternal rewards and Gus is still here….standing….promoting this sport. Driving 10,000’s of miles each year doing the meets. He is a living heritage in this sport and what do we have?…what have we seen?…a bunch of cowards an ungrates whine on a public forum and dishonor this man.
Yeah... I posted this on Powerliftingwatch too....so EVERYONE could get "the rest of the story"
B.L. Biddle
WABDL Indiana Chair
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