SAMSON-POWER...ONE OF THE LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING STRONGMAN WEB SITES IN THE USA! SINCE JUNE OF 1999!

Updated:04/19/10 11:49:17 -0400

7-5-09  the Liberty Strongman Classic 2009 Turned the 4th Holliday into a Great Success! John Conner won the championship. Over 12,000 people saw our event's first two stages easily making us the top fan event in North America and one of the largest in the world. Philadelphia Police told us over 5,000 people checked us out at Welcome America!

8-8-08   The Rumor Mill: This Years World's in the USA?? I don't know how official it is but There is a very strong rumor of the 2008 World's Strongest Man being held in "God's Country"... Charleston, West Virginia starting the second week of September 2008. I hope to be there!

8-2-08  Remember Chris Tucker 1st Annual Strongman Exhibition, August 2nd, 2008...  Right now just photos... commentary to come soon!

6-30-08    July 5th will be the Central USA Strongman Championships...15 years running! I should have first hand accounts, scores and photos for you!

6-30-08    June 28th and 29th, The Liberty Strongman Classic was a hit again! Held in scenic down town Philadelphia Pa, at the base of the Steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. Phil Pfister won. I will have the scores and photos up soon.

2-5-08 Contest results...Kandahar Holds 'Strongest Man' Competition Story by Staff Sgt. Tony Spain

2-2-08 Training Article Discipline and Regret, by Matt Gary, CSCS

1-27-08 I Have started updates on Samson-Power.com... and will start adding articles!

So Check back Soon!!!!
 

1-2-08 Two more Historic Strength web sites back up! World Strength Legends and Power Building.
 

3-28-07 I Have Brought The World Famous and Historic Website Back... American Strength Legends! at StrengthLegends.com... and will be also bringing back the WSL site to!
 

1-27-08I Have started updates on Samson-Power.com... and will start adding articles!

So Check back Soon!!!!

3-28-07 I Have Brought The World Famous and Historic Website Back... American Strength Legends! at StrengthLegends.com... and will be also bringing back the WSL site to!

9-24-06  Phil Pfister wins the World's Strongest Man! Phil is the first American to win since 1982, when Bill Kazmire won his third title. Phil, as some of you avis fans might remember, from a few years ago, while at the World's, and wile on the Hurculese Hold, stated that He was going to bring the trophy back to the United States! Congrats to Phil! You have worked long and hard for this!

7-7-06 Iceland's Strongest Viking 2006 (with a few pic's)

6/3/06 Pacifico Liberty Strongman Classic 2006 June 30 - July 1st(waiting for pic's)

6/3/06 Iceland strongest man 2006(with a few pic's)

3-8-06  ARNOLD CLASSIC PHOTOS!!!!!

10-6-05  Men's Fitness Magazine Article with quotes from Mark Philippi on training ... check it out!

3-7-05    Photos from the Arnold Strongest Man contest!

8-17-04     2004 MARYLAND STRONGESTMAN CONTEST AUGUST 7^th ,  2004 Results!

 7-5-04     
STEVE KIRIT IS THE 2004 STRONGEST MAN ALIVE®! For Lots of Photos Click here!

SEEN HERE ACCEPTING THE FIRST PLACE CHECK FROM OUR FRIENDS AT PACIFICO FORD

About 10,000 fans watched the three segments that made up the Pacifico Ford Strongest Man Alive Championship.
Steve Kirit won first place finishing first in the Stones Challenge in front of 7,000 fans that packed Daniel S. Fawley Stadium in Wilmington, Delaware.
Many athletes such as Magnus Ver Magnusson, Walt Gogola and Jesse Marunde had their first names chanted by the focused audience during their runs.
Jon Anderson suffered a quad injury in the truck dead lift and could not participate in the stones.
Marunde turned the event into a mini-WWE show when, after his run, flattened Rocky Moose, the Blue Rocks mascot, in what was really an exaggerated high five...Rocky was OK but refused to be in the picture like he did last year.
A big part of the crowd booed Marunde as he flexed in the middle of the infield. You really, really had to be there.
They did cheer later when Robby, the PA guy, got Marunde to kiss Rocky and make up.
In all, including the Phillies promotion (say what you want about it), 54,000 people saw strongman live and countless millions more on TV.
Gary Mitchell was incredible as the ref and Bryan Neese was great talking to the crowd. Robby, the other announcer, was hired by the Blue Rocks as their announcer because of the job he did.
The order of finish:

1.     Steve Kirit

2.     Jesse Marunde

3.     Karl Gillingham

4.     Jon Anderson

5.     Chad Coy

6.     Walt Gogola

7.     Magnus Ver Magnusson

8.     Mark Keshishian

Log Lift winner: Jon Anderson
Conan's Wheel: Jesse Marunde
Truck pull: Jon Anderson
Truck Dead Lift: Chad Coy
Stones: Steve Kirit

6-22-04     TV dates for Pacifico Ford Strongest Man Alive Championship

6-3-04   Entry Form for The Wise Fitness Center STRONGMAN CHALLENGE ,Grove City, PA. 2004 WISE FITNESS CENTER STRONGMAN CHALLENGE APPLICATION Saturday, July 31st, 2004 * Wise Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Complex * Grove City, PA

5-3-04    Life Fitness BATTLE OF MUSCLE BEACH 2004 American Championship Series...Video expected to be available 4 to 6 weeks!

5-3-04   Vegas Strongman Challenge... on the net for sale! We will also be video taping the Battle of Venice Beach May 1st ...so Stay tuned in!...4 weeks!

4-2-04  Final Lineup for Strongest Man Alive® Atlas Stones Challenge July 2nd & 3rd - Delaware County, Pa & Wilmington, DE
Alphabetical order (starting with first name):

Chad Coy
Jesse Marunde
Jon Anderson
Karl Gillingham
Magnus Ver Magnusson
Mark Keshishian
Steve Kirit
Walt Gogola

4-1-04  Magnus to compete at Blue Rocks event July 2 & 3

Four-time World's Strongest Man champion Magnus Ver Magnusson will compete in the Strongest Man Alive® Atlas Stones Challenge July 2 & July 3 in the Philadelphia area.
Kudos to Mark K. for his efforts in getting this done.
 

The lineup so far:
Magnus Ver Magnusson
Steve Kirit
Jesse Maurnde
Walt Gogola
Chad Coy
Mark Keshishian
Jon Anderson

3-23-04  Samson-Power.com & Kicnjab.com will be releasing a contest video of the Vegas Strongman Challenge... The final editing will be done in the next few weeks and should be up on the net for sale soon! We will also be video tapeing the Battle of Venice Beach May 1st ...so Stay tuned in!

3-23-04  More updates on the Strongest Man Alive® Atlas Stones Challenge July 2 & 3, 2004

3-23-04   and it's official..."Strongest Man Alive" goes from "™" to "®"! Now a fully registered trademark!
 

2-27-04    STRONGEST MAN ALIVE™ AND STRONGEST WOMAN ALIVE™ will be a sponsor for the Atlas Stones Challenge July 2nd and 3rd, 2004!

·       The Lagoon entertainment and hotel complex in Essington, Pa (just south of Philadelphia airport and sports complex) will host the Atlas Stones Challenge and Strongman Showcase with two events on Friday night, July 2nd.

·       The Wilmington Blue Rocks are hosting the final three events Saturday, July 3 -- two in the parking lot (late afternoon) before the game -- and the Atlas Stones event after the game (about 9:30 p.m.) in front of an expected crowd of 7,000 fans.

·       Two events will be held at the complex in The Lagoon's outdoor arena. This area has been used for pro boxing in the past and has a spotlight and PA system, a large area (perfect for a Conan's Wheel) to perform and has three bars. There is enough space for over 1,000 fans to watch the event. We expect a full house.

The night club routinely draws over 2,000 fans every Friday and Saturday night. I will continue to update everyone as more details unfold.
Competitors confirmed to compete:
Steve Kirit
Walt Gogola
Mark Keshishian
Steve Pulcinella
Chad Coy

There will be three more spots offered after a title sponsor is named and a purse amount confirmed.

Thank you,

Al Thompson
Meet Promoter
gymtalk@yahoo.com

2-17-04 The new rankings are up.... www.ifsausa.com  as well as the final rankings for 2003...by the points. Pfister placed 1st even though Kirit won the nationals. So it was by the points...no disrespect intended for anyone who feels the belong higher up than some one else. Thanks!

2-2-04  NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD "STRONGMAN" is not your average training video. Top of the World Films Presents: with the participation of The National Film Board of Canada's Filmmaker Assistance Programme "Strongman" Featuring: Hugo Girard
With: Jessen Paulin and Travis Lyndon Music by: M. Ward and Cyclesomething Directors of Photography: Allan Shifman and Yale Massey Produced, Edited and Directed by: Alan Black ..."STRONGMAN" is a personal, intimate, and unique look at Hugo Girard, one of the strongest men on the planet. It reveals Hugo's deepest motivations, desires, and secrets. We follow Hugo from the gym, to his training compound, and finally to Louisiana where he competes to become "North America's Strongest Man". Along the way, we get a glimpse of Hugo's relationships with his wife, with his fellow athletes, and with the sport that he is determined to conquer. "STRONGMAN" is a film about passion, determination, hard work, and strength. It is a movie about a strongman the likes of which we have never seen before; and may never see again. The movie is in English and the running time is approxiamately 45 minuntes.

1-6-04   California 2004 Pro-Am, May 15th 2004, Riverside Ca.

1-2-04    Happy New Year! Jim Davis has posted a tentative schedule for the 2004 season: See more at http://x-tremestrongman.com/

12-26-03 4  NEW CONTESTS FOR 2004 IN MARYLAND!
2004 MID-ATLANTIC STRONGMAN CONTEST  DATE: SATURDAY APRIL 3rd, 2004
2004 ‘QUALIFIER’ STRONGMAN CONTEST of Maryland  MENS’ MASTERS & OPEN WOMEN ONLY!  MAY 8^th , 2004
2004 MARYLAND STRONGESTMAN CONTEST AUGUST 7^th ,  2004 
2004  FALL CHALLENGE STRONGMAN CONTEST OCTOBER 23^rd , 2004

12-2-03  Julie Scanlon hits some big numbers! 550 squat, 402 Bench 4th attempt and 525 Deadlift 4th attempt!

12-2-03 Shannon Hartnett, 8 time world highland champ make cover of Milo www.shannonHartnett.com

Reprinted with permission.  Photo by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D. 
MILO®: A Journal For Serious Strength Athletes  is published by
IronMind Enterprises, Inc.  Go to www.ironmind.com for subscription
information and to see the full line of IronMind® products.

12-1-03   NASS will be featured on the "Fox 2 in the Morning" with Tim Ezell on Tuesday 12/02/03. Willie and Dione will be demonstrating events, talking about the organization, and promoting The Monster's of the Midwest competition. NASS will be featured on 4 different segments at 6:45 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 7:40 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. This will be local Fox 2, but is available via satellite.
Dione Wessels
NASS Vice-President
www.nastrongman.com

11-10-03    Press Release!!!!

10-29-03   SNOWMAN CHALLENGE 2004 PRO/AM STRONGMAN COMPETITION January 17 2003 Entry form

10-12-03 2004 Azalea Festival Strongman Challenge, A Salute to NATO, Honoring Italy. April 25, 2004, Town Point Park, Norfolk, Virginia

10/5/03  The entry form is up for Art McDermott's 2003 X-Treme Strongman Showdown  February 8^th, Shriner’s Auditorium – Wilmington, MA

9/10/03   on 9-9-03 @ 8:52am Mark Samson Keshishian II was born! 7lbs 14oz, and 22.5 inches...and has all 10 fingers! (unlike Dad ;-) Mother and Baby doing great!

9/3/03 The Iranian Grand-Prix...November 26-30, 2003 Tehran, Iran. This will be the first international contest of it's type in Iran! The Iranian StrongestMen Association ,ISA, is putting the show on. Stay tuned as I get more info!

8/24/03 As of now, I do not have a shopping cart...nor do I have credit card services. All orders must be mailed in. Cashers checks and money orders will be processed quicker, personal checks will wait for checks to clear. Send checks to: Samson Power, 18608 Flower Hill Way, Gaithersburg MD 20879....Plus Shipping and Handling Charges:

"Normal, Priority Mail, allow 5 to 10 Business Days;$5"
"Canada, Ground US Mail (1 to 3 weeks);$10"
"Canada 2 day UPS, allow 24hr processing time;$25"
"2nd Day UPS, allow 24hr processing;$15"
"International (Non Canada) US Mail, allow 1 to 4 weeks;$35"
"Hawaii 2nd day UPS (only choice for HI) allow 24hr processing;$25"
MD residents 5% sales tax

Call (301) 538-3001 
or e-mail with your questions

8/21/03  Product News! Some Good News! Samson-Power has teamed up with T-Shirts.com...We now have T-Shirts again!...Some new designs and variations on some old ones...and I will be adding more! 

and The Sleeves are gone...But, I am in negotiations to license my sleeves and have them produced by another company...so stay tuned!

8/11/03 The Nationals! Kirit, Pfister, Philippi, Marundie & Pope...Walter G as alternate...way to go guys!

8/8/03 Good Luck and Safe Contest This Weekend Guys at The Nationals!  

8/8/03 “STRONGMAN" does for strongmen what "PUMPING IRON" did for bodybuilders" In October 2002, a film crew followed mighty Hugo Girard as he prepared for the North American Strongman Championship. The product is the exciting new documentary "STRONGMAN".
"STRONGMAN" chronicles Hugo's hard work, passion, and determination. It follows him from his home in Gatineau, Quebec to the Louisiana bayou as he goes on his quest to become "The World's Strongest Man". The movie gives the viewer a rare and unique glimpse into the life of one of the world's premiere strength athletes. If you would like to find out more, please go to the official "STRONGMAN" website at: http://www.topoftheworldfilms.com/strongmanmovie The site contains a full movie description, the film poster, links to the athletes and filmmakers, exciting never-before-seen pictures, and a downloadable movie trailer.

7/26/03  Some very big news...another brother goes down for the count!...Well...but its a good thing! Mr. Walt Gogola is engaged! Congratulations you two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I know all of Walt's groupies will be very disappointed.....So Walt...when is the bachelor party?????

7/26/03    I have been doing the weekend work outs again!...with my new playground!....I will be tiring to put photos up each week

7/5/03  Happy 4th Everyone! For those who didn't see it, Odd Haugen was interviewed on the Fox Sport Net show "The Best Dam Sports Show Period". He did the famous "Inch Dumbbell", shouldered a 265lb stone, cleaned and pressed a 265lb log for several reps. They use video clips when introducing the segment from www.Kicnjab.com, a company (my brother-in-law) I paid to film the Vegas contest to be used as a demo video for a future contest for TV. I hope to have some excerpts from Odds interview up in the coming weeks.

7/9/03   Iceland strongest Viking - the qualifier for WSM:  9 events over a period of 3 days. 9 competitors. Winning 6 events and getting no 2 in the other 3 events

No 1 Magnús Ver Magnússon. - 78 points.(not bad for an old man)
No 2 Jon Valgeir Williams - 60,5 points
No 3 Aðunn Jonsson - 54 points.

7/5/03 The Battle of the Beasts in Ventura California took place, (a mile from my cousins house...but I still couldn't go!), a very pretty part of the world. Go to www.X-treamstrongman.com for results

6/21/03     Check out the Contest Coverage page...I have put up a few new entries!

6/21/03    Photos up for www.Vegasstrongmanchallenge.com

6/3/03  The Vegas Strongman Challenge...Pfister wins...Kirit takes 2nd by a point! I should have some photos in the next few days here or on the Vegas site... Turned out to be a great show...I had a blast...a great diversion...Even coming in 8th on the 830lb weight walk! I don't know where I pulled that one from??? I guess my grip was better than I thought...or the month off of work-outs????Naah...;-)

5/28/03  Congrats to Sioux-Z Hartwig! She won the 114 lb class at the IPF Powerlifting World Championships!!!!
Sioux-Z did 363 on her second squat and the third squat of 380 was turned down
on depth.  She did 214 on the second bench and missed a 231 when her lower
back cramped and couldn't power it out. It came down to the last deadlift.  "My back was feeling really tired but
I would not give in or give up.  My coaches loaded 369 on the bar and slowly but surely I pulled it up.  Wow, what a feeling.  What a great experience!!!" "I have so many people to thank.  My family and friends for their love
and support.  The coaches of team USA, especially Tod who did my numbers and Matt and Mike who where my hands on coaches.  I would also like to thank my sponsors who help make this possible.  I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life and for all my hard work and dedication to pay off in the end. Here are a few photos at the banquet.  Matt is my training partner.  I
will have about 200 photos on my site next week http://www.siouxzhartwig.com , Sioux-z"

5/25/03   Wilmington Blue Rocks Atlas Stone Challenge Exhibition a success! Al pulled it off. I have a few photos taken from the T-Shirt table by "Da Wife" 

5/22/03  Atlas Stone Challenge Exhibition! May 24th

Defending U.S. Champion Steve Kirit will throw out the first pitch at the Wilmington Blue Rocks-Lynchburg Hillcats Single A game Saturday night, May 24 (7:05 p.m.) According to a team official the game is a sellout. After the game and before a fireworks display, over 6,100 fans will watch Kirit, Walt Gogola, Mark Samson Keshishian and Steve Pulcinella take part in the "Atlas Stones Challenge" making it one of the largest crowds to watch a strongman event in the United States. The logo for the shirts for the night was designed by Jake Jones, formerly of PowerMag Magazine. If anyone is interested in purchasing a t-shirt (l-3XL) from the event, please write me at gymtalk@yahoo.com for details ($20 each). Pictures will be posted at www.footballstories.com Samson-Power.com and on www.ironsport.com next week.

5/21/03 For those who don't know, my father passed away May 15th 6:30am. He had been battling Pancreatic Cancer since November. Here is a link to a little memorial page I threw together. Please take a look James Mark Keshishian 1925-2003

4/22/03 Congratulations to Mike and Lisa Kromer....Xavier Alexander Kromer, 8lbs 12oz/ 19 inches, Born on Friday, April 18th at 6:28pm, Built just like his dad, but with more hair.

4/12/03   Vegas Strongman Challenge / USA World's Qualifier # 3. OK guys ...its up! First 30 entrants make it!

click here

4/12/03 Entry form:   Central U.S.A. Strongman Contest   July 5, 2003    Kokomo, Indiana

4/2/03  Newspaper coverage of Miami! of course, one of last years photos (looks like one of mine)

4/2/03   Johnny Perry Memorial Strongman Contest May 31 2003 Elizabeth City NC This will be a NASS gold level contest. For more info go to nastrongman.com or contact Tim Stallings ncstrongman2002@yahoo.com ,or phone (h)252-264-3008(c)252-337-5031

3/29/03  ....the website is up...more info to come!

3/29/03  Just got word from a relative in Florida...X-Tream Strongman is in all the newspapers...He said "there's some guy with a patch on his eye"...LOL

3/16/03   Posted by george farren on March 16, 2003 at 09:03:15 on The Diesel Power Forum: J.V. ASKEM, FRIEND,COACH,WEIGHTLIFTER,AUTHOR.) died in his sleep this morning of a brain tumor. John died of a brain tumor He was 56 years old. He held the Washington state record DL in his age group (560lbs.)and pulled 405x5 as recently as 2 months ago. But he will be most remembered for his no nonsense advice on this and other forums. And his articles in Milo.

3/16/03   4th Annual Jackson Weightlifting Club Strongman Contest May 3, 2003

3/12/03 3/27-3/30,X-TREME STRONGMAN Viking Challenge,South Miami Beach, FL, Kristjan Kristjansson Promoter.....There are spots still open guys! Most of the guys are already qualified who are going...this could be your chance ;-) A total of over $23 Grand will be won! The XTREME STRONGMAN Qualifier will be aired nationally on Fox Sports, and will be seen by over 88 million

 3/1/03  Travis Lyndon has updated his web site to indicate a deadline date for ordering 2003 Trading cards. Unfortunately the response for orders has not been as good as it was last year. So people know the cost is based on total of 25,000 or more cards printed. Beyond this the cost increase is very minimal. So far I have 4 requests for trading cards. If I do not get enough orders I will have to cancel this years cards. Travis Lyndon 2003 Trading Cards    SO GET OUR ORDERS IN!!!!

2/17/03  The 2003 Rankings are up after last weekends Boston contest

2/16/03 Hay All you West Coasters....Here's a Ca. contest! SPARTAN STRENGTH CLASSIC Sunday, May 18^th, 2003 Granada Hills, Calif.

2/13/03   More Bad and Sad Strongman news...Marc Iliffe UK's Strongest Man is dead.....see article
Bodybuilder(Strongman!)found dead

Britain's strongest man Marc Iliffe has been found hanged in the purpose-built gym of his Northamptonshire home.

Britain's strongest man Marc Iliffe has been found dead in the purpose-built gym of his home in Wellingborough.
Mr Iliffe, 30, was found hanged at his home in Vivian Road on Tuesday.
Shocked friends and family are said to be mystified by the death of the man who has competed in two World's Strongest Man events, televised by the BBC. No suicide note has been found and there had been no indication he had any problems.............
 

2/11/03   Photos and top placings for Pro Men and Women 2003 X-Treme Strongman Showdown February 8^th

2/6/03    Good Luck in Boston this weekend everyone....hope to see you there!

2/6/03    Just in from Iceland...Magnus Ver just broke the Iceland bench press record last Saturday, 270 kg (595.08lbs)

2/2/03   I was going through some links...so for all you who saw, and for who didn't see...here is the Strongest Man Bud Commercial

1/31/03   Congrats to our friend Sioux-Z Hartwig Winning the 114lb class at USAPL Nationals, 369 lbs in the squat a personal best and a new American and national record. 209 in the bench press,"I missed 220 (but was happy with that since my bench has been tough lately) and 358 in the deadlift.  my total was 936, a new national record."

1/22/03  IFSA NEWS!  First, IFSA has adopted a drug testing policy beginning for the 2003 competitive season for all IFSA athletes across the world.  The only thing Douglas specifically mentioned was that IFSA will be testing for steroids and amphetamines. He was not specific, but will provide more information in a few months. The testing will be minimal for 2003 but will become more elaborate and evolve over the next few years.
In addition, athletes must complete an annual medical form (to be completed by each athlete's respective family doctor). Doctor's will certify that athletes are in good health and physically able to compete in the sport of strongman for the upcoming year. This form will require a full blood count, a liver function test, and a renal function test, among other things. The purpose of these tests is to ensure the health of all strongman athletes. We will release more information as Douglas reveals it to us. This form must be completed and mailed to me by April 1, 2003. Any athletes who do not have their forms completed and sent by April 1, 2003 will not be allowed to compete in any IFSA or IFSA/USA sanctioned competition.
Second, professional membership fees for 2003 will be $30.00 for athletes, and sanctioning fees for promoters in 2003 will be $1,000.00. Half of all funds will go to IFSA, the remaining half will go to IFSA/USA.
Finally, athletes will be required to sign an IFSA contract. These forms must be signed before any athlete can compete in any IFSA or IFSA/USA sanctioned show. Those competing in Boston should bring their contracts with them. I will collect them and distribute 2003 IFSA/USA cards in Boston.
 

 1/20/03 Due to a family Illness, I will be winding down Samson-Power Products. As I sell out, I will not be restocking. This might be a temporary situation, but for this years season, I will be out of the Strongman supply business, as well as the competing arena.(Boston will be probably be my last contest for a while)

I want to thank everyone who visited Samson-Power.com and kept it going for 4 years now
the News and photos and score will still be here and updated pretty regularly...and I will still be accepting any contest coverage you send me (Photos and scores)

God Bless you all,

Mark Samson Keshishian

1/17/03 Last Mondays Philly Car Flip...when the Eagles won...Steve Pulcinella, Walter and crew....did some flipping for the local radio...and if the Eagles win this Sunday, they'll do it again on Monday morning...but not a fully loaded S-10 like before...but a Freaking Cadillac Hearse!...This I gotta see! (I'll have photos up soon)

1/6/03  Very Bad and sad Strongman news....On Friday, Willie Wessels was diagnosed with A.L.L. (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). He will be undergoing intense chemotherapy treatments for two months. Willie feels fine, and does not feel sick. NASS will be ran the same as always. I will be doing most of the NASS business and traveling with the help of our state chairmen/women until March. Willie can still be contacted via his cell phone. He needs positive remarks only though when talking to him. Willie has been given a good prognosis by the doctors because of his athletic condition. I may be contacted at 314-770-9279 or 314-609-5894.
Dione Wessels

12/24/02  Merry X-Mass all you X-Tream Strongmen (& women)! Here's one from Svend and Rene'

12/10/02  Congrats to Magnus Ver Magnusson and Asta! On December 5th 2002, Asta gave birth to a 3630 grams, 53.3 centimeter Baby Girl! (you do the conversion)...but we are still waiting on a name! ;-)

12/07/02   Thank you....everyone who has sent in photos of Johnny.....if you want to include captions please do..."JP 375"  Memorial Page

11/29/02 I have set up a Memorial page for Johnny, so if anyone has photos they would like to be included on this page, please email them to me      "JP 375" A Memorial Page

11/21/02 Very Sad News...last night, our good friend Johnny Perry, passed in his sleep. This was verified to me from a close friend who had just got off the phone with Johnny's household.

Johnny was a great person, full of life...and anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with him knows of what I speak. Our condolences go out to his family. JP375 will be missed...and "Johnny Watch" is over and may he rest in Peace. MSK

11/6/02  POWER & STRENGTH'S STRONGMAN & POWERLIFTING CALENDAR 2003:

March 15, 2003        USPF Virginia State Powerlifting Open & Bench Press Championship            Chincoteague, VA                     Chincoteague Convention Center

April 26, 2003            NASS  Azalea Festival Strongman Challenge                                                        Norfolk, VA                                Town Point Park   

June 14, 2003            East Coast X-Treme Strongman Challenge [pro qualifier]                                    Chesapeake, VA             Chesapeake City Park        NEW DATE & VENUE       

 October 11, 2003      NASS   East Coast Strongman Championship                                                        Virginia Beach, VA                    NAS     Oceana,       Fleet Week

11/6/02    Julie Scanlon update from this past weekend.
The APA Nationals were held in Roanoke, VA. And she finished the contest with the following:
Squat: 460, 505, 530 (miss), 530 (good 4th attempt)
Bench: 315, 340, 360 (miss)
Deadlift: 450 (miss), 450, 480 (miss)
Total: 1320 personal record.
Way to go Jules!
 

11/2/02 Roanoke County Strongman 2002 results

10/16/02   2003 X-Treme Strongman Showdown February 8^th, Shriner’s Auditorium – Wilmington, MA Entry Form

10/13/02 NASS NEWS! Nick Courtad of Aurora, OH won the NASS Amateur Nationals, Saturday October 5th in St. Louis, MO. The competition featured the nation's top amateur strongmen in a competition hosted by Willie & Dione Wessels. Nick Courtad's performance not only gave him the victory, but with it came his Pro Strongman card and eligibility into the major league of Strongman competitions.

10/10/02 USA STRONGMAN'S Official Web site!!!!

10/10/02 2002 MARYLAND STRONGESTMAN CONTEST Results are up!

10/10/02 Entry Form for the 2nd Annual Maryland State Police Strongman Contest, Sat November 23rd, 2002 Easton MD State Police Barracks - Easton MD

10/2/02 Here is a  Quick Time clip for the Training Videos!

10/1/02 Just in from IFSA_USA:

From Jim Reese: I spoke to Jim and Gayle today. They have decided to move Gayle's qualifier to the spring (probably at the Azalea in April) due to a lack of interest and poor scheduling on the part of the organization. This will allow the athletes to rest their bodies and work on core strength to prepare for the new first qualifier which will be Art's show in Boston. This will also allow me to have more time to sell sponsorship so we will feel less rushed for the 2003 season. I spoke to Fox national and TNN in the last few days and they are both interested in airing our series for 2003. I just have to get them into a bidding war so we get the best deal. Still haven't heard back from ESPN or NBC. That's it for now. Gayle will give us more details about the reschedule when they are available. I will
keep you all posted.

9/28/02 Just In on Samson-Power!!! From Total Performance Sports Strongman Training Videos!
                                                                  
.....Functional Strongman Training for Athletes and Competitors. These are great training videos...with some guest appearances from Svend Karlson WSM2001

9/25/02 Congrats to Johnny Perry...4th Place WSM 2002 1st Pudzianowski 58,2nd Savickas, 3rd 50 Bergmanis 47.5, 4th Perry 42, 5th Karlsen 39. Apparently Johnny, wile not the only American to Place 4th in the last few years, did finish with higher point standings...So he's been the closest!

9/25/02 Congrats To Jill Mills WSW... 2 in a row !!!! and Congrats to Shannon Hartnett for 5th!!!!

9/16/02 Just in from Malaysia! Samson-Power Makes it Big! Just got these photos from Marc Iliffe BSM...he is apparently suffering from a pinched nerve, affecting one leg, so he's doing to well :-( 

9/6/02 Coming Soon! From Total Performance Sports Strongman Training Videos! Keep tuned in! I should have them within the next week!

9/2/02 St. Louis County Air Fair...Strongman Exhibition! I will have some photos and highlights up in the next week or so as I get the photos in!...One Highlight: Whit Baskin, I his first Pro Show since his Accident, won the Bud Girl Squat with over 1100lbs!

8/23/02 Well I did it again!

8/21/02 Hay East Coast Guys! The North American Strongman Society is sanctioning two contests in Maryland in the next few months! September : 1^st ANNUAL MID-ATLANTIC STRONGMAN CONTEST  & October : 2002 MARYLAND STRONGESTMAN CONTEST  

8/21/02  2002 Virginia's Strongest Man! Scorching hot day at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Sponsored by:  MET-RX & WORLD WIDE NUTRITION.Sanctioned:  NASS. Promoted by:  Gayle Schroeder, Va State NASS Chairwoman and 
Troy Ramsey. Head judge:  Johnny Perry. NASS:  Dione Wessels. Sspecial Guests:  Bill Kazmaier and Jimmy "the iron bull"  Pellichia
Standings:
lwt:  Kevin Nowak, 1st;  Kirk Nowak, 2nd; Michael Rossellini. 3rd
hwt:  Brian amundsen, 1st;  john petryszak, 2nd; Scott O'Connor, 3rd

8/18/02 Coming Soon! Marc ILIFFE's Official Web-Site!

8/12/02 More Sleeves in! Sizes 4 and 10, in the "Standard" version (still waiting for more zippers).

8/4/02 The rest of the IFSA Nationals  Photos are Up!

8/4/02 Here By Popular Demand! Introducing Samson's Kilts! Wallace and Stewart Tartans in a machine washable poly-blend material with an embroidered Samson-Power Logo on the front!

8/4/02 I just up Graded my Shopping Cart! e-mail me if you experience any problems!

7/28/02 IFSA-USA Nationals Scores and some photos...with A Lot More to come!

7/28/02 HDT Central Photos! Scores to come

7/26/02 Finally...on on my new computer...things should happen a little faster around here!

Next up will be the HDT Central, the IFSA-USA Nationals...and some product info...so stay tuned!

6/30/02 Big Tony is having the Northeast Wisconsin Strongman again!

6/16/02 The NO2 American Hercules Strongman Championship scores! photos!

6/3/02 Congrats to Marc Iliffe Britain's Strongestman 2002!

(Nice Sleeves)

5/18/02  The NO2 American Hercules Strongman Championship Entry Form!

5/18/02 Virginias Strongest Man [VSM]:  Sanctioned by NASS;  date:  Sat.  Aug. 17, 2002,; Venue: Great Neck Community Recreation Center, Va. Beach, VA; for information contact Gayle Schroeder, NASS VA State Chair; strength@exis.net METRX is including the Virginias Strongest Man as a part of their METRX/WORLD WIDE EXTRAVAGANZA AND we will be having Bill Kazamier and jimmy the bull as special guests Johnny Perry is scheduled to be meet referee.

5/18/02

4/29/02 Azalea Fest , 2002 : Pfister, Gogola, Magus Ver, & Perry in 4th....photos and scores!

4/24/02 BIG SKY’S STRONGEST MAN CONTEST JUNE 15, 2002

4/24/02 NASS KANKAKEE CO. STRONGMAN CHALLENGE 2002 RESULTS

4/24/02 The Newest!...The Freak Shirt! Freak Logo on front with a new Samson Power logo on back

Hains Beefy T's 

XLarge, 2XLarge & 3XLarge

4/2/02 Azalea Fest Events!:

1. fire truck:  harness and rope.  80 feet
2. tire flip:  800 lbs
3. tire deadlift:  bar sits 20" off ground;  805lbs.; reps
4. log lift:   250lbs; reps
5. stone load:  260, 280, 310, 340, 360.   lightest stone 15 feet from platform to heaviest at 3 feet.
6. medley:  carry:  stone 260lbs;  farmers walk: 240lb tanks

4/1/02 Back from FLA! USA wins! The Viking Challenge

3/28/02 Off to Miami 9:30 am ! I have purchased a new digital video camera, so I should get some real good coverage!

3/28/02 OLYMPUS STRONGMAN ENTRY FORM, OLYMPUS GYM – RTE 4 – DUNKIRK, MD SATURDAY JUNE 22nd 2002 Sanctioned by the Maryland Chapter of NASS!

3/10/02 “The Viking challenge” takes off with 20 television stations airing the show,

and what a show it will be.

Contracts have been closed with well known U.S. and Italian companies for the introduction and marketing of the strongmen contest The Viking Challenge on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Upcoming this year are 3 big scale strongmen contests attended by up to 1 million expected viewers and dozens of million TV viewers.

“The Viking Challenge” are series of international strongmen contests with the first one taking place at Miami Beach, Florida between the 29^th and 31^st of March this year. In cooperation with the Italian marketing firm Progetti there are 2 other large competitions this year in Rimini Italy, and Madrid Spain.  The American Television giant Fox produces 2 TV shows about the Miami challenge which will be shown around the USA as well as in Europe and Iceland.

The Icelandic West Viking company conducts the strongmen competition in cooperation with the Italian Progetti International which for the last 4 years has held the Fitness Festival in Miami attended by over 100.000 spectators.  After Miami comes the Rimini Fitness Festival in June. There, over 350.000 people are expected from all around Europe.  Madrid will be the last destination this year with similar attendance expected. 

“We are talking about an invasion of the Vikings in America and then South Europe”.  Says Kristjan Karl Kristjansson, director of West Viking LTD, owner of the ”The Viking Challenge”.  He ads, “Icelandic strongmen are getting a great change to be known in a competitive surrounding where big money is involved”.  “We can expect this years competitions to be only a start with at least 12 events scheduled to be conducted by West Viking next year Kristjan ads”.  It is safe to say that strongmen contests of this magnitude will take our athletes up to a world class level with opportunities that so far have only been available to our professional soccer players. One should also be aware of the huge publicity that the nation of Iceland is receiving. 

competitors are for USA: Gary Mitchell, Brian Neese, Walter Gogola, Johnny Perry, Shawn Smith, Mark Keshishian

The Icelandic team: Magnus Ver Magnuson, Gudmundur OTRI Sigurdsson,190 cm 125 kg , Torfi Olafsson,202 cm 185 kg, Jon Valgeir Williams,196 cm 145 kg, Ingvar J Ingvarsson,184 cm 108 kg, Olafur K Eyjolfsson, 192 cm 125 kg, Gretar Gudmundsson, 196 cm 163 kg.

Also see : www.thevikingchallenge.com

3/4/02 Gram Bartholomew is announcing a contest tentatively for June this year: OLYMPUS GYM DUNKIRK CONTEST AT THE OLYMPUS GYM IN DUNKIRK,MD SATURDAY JUNE 22ND

3/1/02 Well the Rankings are out! I have the "Popular Vote" and I am introducing a more real life Ranking. This ranking will be based on athlete performances in "Qualified contests". These contests will consist of NASS/IFSA Qualifiers and Nationals contests.

3/1/02 The Arnold Classic this past weekend with a "Strongman Contest"...well it turned out to be a very good publicity stunt for WWF wrestler Markus Henry. Markus won the contest and now clams to be the "Strongest Man in the World" ..but we know better ;-)

2/21/02 DAY ONE PHOTOS ARE UP!!!! North East Show Down

2/20/02 Karl Gillingham wins!  North East Show Down Results!!! I have almost 300 photos to down load and sift through...so come back soon!!!

1/30/02 Just In From Jim Davis!

   "The American qualifying series will be sanctioned by IFSA-USA. All participating athletes will be subject to a $20.00 sanctioned fee. This is a one time annual fee, good for all IFSA competitions.

               Jim Davis"

1/29/02Not only is he the strongest but now the Happiest Viking in the Land!

And the Honey Moon will be in Boston...

1/29/02 North East Showdown 2002 Rules

1/29/02 2002 azalea festival strongman challenge April 27th

events:, vehicle pull, Log lift [power cleans for reps], keg load, tire deadlift, tire flip, carry & drag

 competitors: Magnus Ver Magnusson, Anastasias Kazolis (representing Greece, the Guest Country), Gary Mitchell, Mark Keshishian, Jim Henry, Walt Gogola, Steve Kirit, John Perry, Chad coy.

 prize money:

1st:  $2000, 2nd:    1500,3rd     1000 & 4th       500

1/28/02 Another Weekend Work-Out!

1/27/02 Snowman Challenge - results

Here's the first meet of the year-

2002 Snowman Challenge was held at T.K. Wendl's in Urbana, IL Sat Jan 19, 2002. Five events: Tire flip, Max log, Max dead (silver dollar style), forward hold (one handed), and stones. Ten competitors started the day: Brian Schoonveld, Shawn Smith, Tony Scrivens, Abdul Wesolowski, John Beatty, Jeremy King, Travis Russell, Willie Wessels, Danny Bennett, and Jon Riggs. We had a good crowd and good local media coverage.

Tire flip started the day 800+ lbs for 80 feet (40 feet with a turn).

1st - John Beatty - 38 sec. 2nd - Brian Schoonveld - 45 sec, 3rd Shawn Smith - 47 sec, 4th - Abdul Wesolowski - 49 sec, 5th - Willie Wessels - 54 sec, 6th - Tony Scrivens - 61 sec, 7th - Jon Riggs - 75 sec., 8th - Jeremy King - 79 sec., 9th Danny Bennett - 79' 8", 10th - Travis Russell - 60'

Following the tire flip, Danny Bennett was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Max Log - 1st (surprise) Brian Schoonveld  - 360 lbs (and a near miss with 390), 2nd Shawn Smith - 330lbs, 3rd - (tie) Tony Scrivens/John Beatty - 320lbs., 5th - Abdul Wesolowski - 310lbs, 6th - Willie Wessels - 300lbs, 7th - Jon Riggs - 290lbs, 8th - (tie) Travis Russell/Jeremy King - 230 lbs.

Max Dead (from 16") - 1st - Scrivens 835lbs (with room for at least 100lbs more), 2nd - Wessels - 815lbs, 3rd - Wesolowski  - 795lbs, 4th - Beatty - 755lbs, 5th - Schoonveld/Smith - 715lbs(SCARY ugly for Schoonie), 7th - Riggs - 675lbs, 8th - King - 595lbs, 9th - Russell - 555lbs.

One-handed Forward Hold (empty Keg) - 1st - Schoonveld - 59.50 sec., 2nd Scrivens - 43.13 sec., 3rd Smith - 40.34 sec., 4th - King - 32.91 sec., 5th Riggs - 31.69 sec, 6th - Wessels - 28.44 sec., 7th Beatty - 28.32 sec., 8th - Wesolowski - 26.13sec., 9th Russell - 17.03 sec.

Stones - (1st 3 to 54"platform, 4 & 5 to 51.5" platform) - 1st Schoonveld (5) -75 sec., 2nd - Beatty (4) - 13.37 sec., 3rd - Smith (4) 13.76 sec., 4th - Wesolowski (4) - 21.4 sec., 5th (4) - Wessels - 55.53 sec., 6th (4) Scrivens - 55.95 sec., 7th - (3) Riggs - 21.75 sec., 8th (3) King - 29.41 sec., 9th (2)Russell - 17.63 sec.

Overall: 1st - Schoonveld - 44.5 pts, 2nd - Smith - 38.5, 3rd - Beatty - 37.5, 4th - Scrivens - 36.5, 5th (tie) - Wessels/Wesolowski - 31, 7th - Riggs - 22, 8th - King - 18.5, 9th - Russell - 10.5

A good time was had by all!

1/12/02 New Products! Samson-Power's Power Straps The Nylon Webbing I used in these straps are rated to a 4000lbs test strength! ...I don't think anyone will be breaking these!

1/12/02 I now have 2X-tra Larges in my Compression Shorts!

1/06/02 Sad news this past week, Grizzly Brown passed away. Former World's Strongest Man competitor.

Richard "Grizzly" Brown
04/04/1960 -01/02/2002

Known for his massive stature, as well as the size of his heart, Richard "Grizzly" Brown, also recognized by his Muslim name, Saad Muhammad, of Berkeley left this life January 2, 2002. He was 41 years old. Born to Carolynn and Eugene Brown on April 4, 1960 he was raised in Berkeley and attended Berkeley and Albany schools. Upon leaving high school he pursued a career as a weight lifter and strongman. For two consecutive years, 1985, and 1986, he competed in the World’s Strongest Man Contest as a representative of the United States. He held a place in the Guinness World Book of Records for the largest biceps, over 25 inches (cold, not pumped). After retiring from the sport of strongman in 1987, he secured a position with the Berkeley Unified School District as a campus monitor and later a school safety officer where he served as a mentor, counselor and father figure to hundreds of students first at Berkeley High School in 1987. In 1989 he transferred to Willard Middle School, where he served students and the school community for eleven years. In 1991, he began his study of Islam and later converted. In 1994, he met his wife, Jennifer, at Willard Middle School where they were both employed; in 1997 they joined in marriage at the "Wedding Court" at Willard Middle School. He was the proud father of three young sons, Timothy, 10, Donnell, 6, and Aadam, 3. Preceeded by his father in death, he is survived by his wife, Jennifer, three sons, Timothy, Donnell and Aadam, his mother Carolynn Bell-Brown, his grandparents Eli and Mattie Bell (all of Berkeley), two half brothers, Eugene and Brandon, as well numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, January 12, 2002, 11:00 AM at Willard Middle School, 2425 Stuart Street, Berkeley, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the family home for his boy’s education fund: The Vital-Browns account # 74219430.

A reprint from the DeislePower Forum

 Wednesday, April 28, 2010 05:09:41 PM

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