SENIOR NATIONALS 6/8/03-UNIVERSAL CITY, CA 

This was my opener at 953.  Very easy and deep.  Felt funny at the top coming up so I played it safe on my 2nd attempt.  Good thing I did. Do you know who the bald head is in half the picture?

Introducing one of my new  training partners, Matt Ludwig, an assistant strength coach at WSU in Pullman, WA with his opener of 848.   

Sat in the hole on this one instead of dropping into it and this 1014 almost buried me.  I finished it but it was tough.  I need to add the spot and load crew was outstanding at this meet.  Good job guys!!

My last attempt at 1036.  Weight was actually very easy.  We were having camera problems all day so this one got taken late as I'm coming up.  Like to thank Scott Safe from Safe Shoes for my new squat shoes.  I'm still getting use to them.  this was one of those lifts where you know you should have went for more.  

Here's Matt knocking out a 479 PR bench.  

Just missed my last attempt bench at 611.  This would have been a meet pr.  (Three inches short).  I don't have a shot of my shirtless 451 or my 2nd attempt with 589.  

Introducing Jason Patrick-a 242er who is tough as nails.  A miscalculation cost him 2nd place in this meet.  This is his 5th pull of the meet, (re-took 2nd and third attempts due to misloads).  Here Jason, a.k.a. "Paint chips" locks out 771 for 3rd place.

Matt, locking out 661 to take 4th in the 308's in only his 2nd meet and to break the 2000 barrier. "Rugrat" has a lot of potential and should find himself going 1000, 500, 700 very soon. 

This was my opener at 711.  So easy if not for my damn grip. 

A split second before 804 goes for a ride.  I dropped this thing one inch before I locked it out-otherwise it was a goner. I'll keep dreaming that someday I'll be able to use  a strap and yank 850+. 

Ah, still the smallest heavyweight of the bunch.  It's a good feeling to finally stand on top of this damn thing instead of looking up to Garry Frank every year.  

An extra one for remembrance. 

The crew after the meet: me, Matt, Luke and Pat.  Luke won't be training for a while as he took a slide later after this  picture down an escalator on a seat cushion and blew his knee out.  I didn't check, but I think the three of us that competed from Spokane could have placed second in the team competition. 

A second picture of the crew with Matt showing his gun.  This might be the last picture we get together . Dang it Jason, why did you have to move away?  There's always a place for you to train if you come back.  I'll miss training with you. 

Kara and I after the meet.  What a great lifter and a great gal.  She kicked hiny at this meet.  Look for bigger things from her.

Me at the post contest bar party.  I'm a ball of fire at midnight. I got kicked off the cushion for falling asleep by the hotel staff.  Apparently it's ok to sit there all night and drink their drinks, but when you fall asleep you have to leave. 

Contact Brent: BRENT_MIKESELL@HOTMAIL.COM