Since 1986, the USAPL (formerly ADFPA), has existed and ran a state meet in Missouri. Although 1999 marked the 25th annual Ozark meet, 1999’s meet was also the 14th year we’ve had a drug tested state meet. Let’s take a look at who’s who in state titles going back to 1986. Although I have the results for nearly every meet ran in Missouri, dating back to the late 1970’s, I DO NOT have the 1987 ADFPA state meet. I believe it was held in Ironton, Mo on Feb. 21st of that year. So, the list of state titles won will be off slightly by 1 year. If you have these meet results, contact me at 618-451-4737, I’d love to get a copy of them!
Lifter, Number of Missouri State titles, and years they won it:
Lindsay Sample - 10 (86,88,89,92,93,95,96,97,98,00)
Chad Holmes - 8 (94,95,97,99,02,03, 04, 05)
Leonard Sample - 6 (86,88,91,92,93,94)
George Krockenberger - 6 (86,89,90,93,96,97)
Vae Mafuli - 6 (89,90,92,95,96,97)
Pat Rankin - 6 (93,95,96,97,98,99)
Kevin Clemens - 5 (88,89,90,94,95)
Roger Petzoldt - 5 (89,90,91, 01, 02)
Jerry Pledger - 4 (89,91,00, 02)
John Hunn - 4 (02,03, 04, 05)
Terry Byrd - 3 (90,96,98)
Bob Boyles - 3 (90,02,03)
Sal Mageo - 2 (86,88)
Bill Bridges - 2 (88,89)
Joe Sampson - 2 (88,93)
Mark Madigan - 2 (89,91)
R. Keller - 2 (90,91)
David Ramsey - 2 (91,92)
Irv Obermark - 2 (92,94)
Jay Piper - 2 (93,94)
Jim Clark - 2 (94,95)
Darrin Gilley - 2 (96,97)
Kenny Garrett - 2 (99,00)
Dennis Riney - 2 (02,03)
Tyson Greene - 2 (04,05) Back to back titles in 2004 & 2005 puts him in a place to three-peat in 2006.
Any surprises in the list of past champions? Criteria for making this list is that the lifter must win at least two titles. They are listed as best as they could be, in chronological order. The previous record for dry spell between state titles was held by Jerry Pledger. He won in 1991, then went 9 years before winning again. Roger Petzoldt now has the distinction of the dry spell record. Prior to his 2001 title, his most recent was in 1991 when the meet was held in Wentzville. Interesting, Lindsay Sample who has won a whopping 10 titles, captured his first in the inaugural meet way back in 1986, and his last in 2000’s meet.
Also noteworthy, is the fact that he has won four straight state titles. This is a feat matched only by his brother, Leonard Sample, who bowed out a few years back due to health problems; and topped only by current Missouri Strongman, Pat "Poomba" Rankin. Pat is the only lifter to ever win 5 straight titles. Three-peats were registered by Vae Mafuli, Kevin Clemens, and Roger Petzoldt. Of course, like I said, the list is not totally accurate since I lack the 87 results; but it is close.
Rick Fowler