Monday, June 30, 2008
LOOKING FORWARD AS WE LOOK BACK.....
Monday is a time to get a grip on the week ahead. Today will be the first of the week but the last day of June. Where did these last six months go? Becky and I had a varied two-day weekend, each having it’s own special dividends and interests.
Friday night is always pizza night here and time to kick back and decompress. A Powerlifting meet was being held at the gym in Rocky’s honor the next morning and after a busy day there we planned going to Arkansas on Sunday to fill our booths.
The gym was filled with a lot of local folks he worked-out with on the team but there were a lot of guys who came from other States as well. He had competed with many of them and it was nice to hear their recollections of good times with Rocky. There was a strong sense of presence in the gym as the guys related their fondest memories with the “Rock-Star.”
You’ve heard the phrase of “all for one and one for all”…….that is pretty much what it is at a Powerlifting Meet. Each person is working for his “personal best.” There is actually little competing between lifters….. that’s what makes it so unique. The bravado and yelling to psych the next lifter into his best pull is sincere. It is a victory for the crowd as it is for the guys…..many times the crowd noise helps make the difference for a good lift.
Whether guys who trained before or during Rocky’s time at the gym or young men from high school who were competing in their first Meet there was a good crowd and cheering section. They were very impressive for the age bracket and weight. Rocky had mentioned several of them to me and said they would be the next generation of lifters. He was correct as we watched them lift massive weights on Saturday……..he would have been proud of them.
Rocky Memorial Scholarships were given to two boys who graduated the local high school in May. High achievers in grades and sports throughout their 4-years of high school they were also active in extra curricular events. One had trained with Rocky a time or two before he died and the other had only heard stories of him. Because of the devotion and respect Rocky is remembered by at the gym they were pretty much in awe to receive the scholarships provided in his remembrance.
The day was bitter-sweet as you can imagine, yet there was a lot of joy. Knowing Rocky competed the last year as he fought colon cancer he left a great legacy for others. He was a gentle giant who loved the sport and the guys he left behind. I imagine he is still urging his team to greater success as he lifted those of us who watched his great achievements along the way………….
Essentially Esther
Friday night is always pizza night here and time to kick back and decompress. A Powerlifting meet was being held at the gym in Rocky’s honor the next morning and after a busy day there we planned going to Arkansas on Sunday to fill our booths.
The gym was filled with a lot of local folks he worked-out with on the team but there were a lot of guys who came from other States as well. He had competed with many of them and it was nice to hear their recollections of good times with Rocky. There was a strong sense of presence in the gym as the guys related their fondest memories with the “Rock-Star.”
You’ve heard the phrase of “all for one and one for all”…….that is pretty much what it is at a Powerlifting Meet. Each person is working for his “personal best.” There is actually little competing between lifters….. that’s what makes it so unique. The bravado and yelling to psych the next lifter into his best pull is sincere. It is a victory for the crowd as it is for the guys…..many times the crowd noise helps make the difference for a good lift.
Whether guys who trained before or during Rocky’s time at the gym or young men from high school who were competing in their first Meet there was a good crowd and cheering section. They were very impressive for the age bracket and weight. Rocky had mentioned several of them to me and said they would be the next generation of lifters. He was correct as we watched them lift massive weights on Saturday……..he would have been proud of them.
Rocky Memorial Scholarships were given to two boys who graduated the local high school in May. High achievers in grades and sports throughout their 4-years of high school they were also active in extra curricular events. One had trained with Rocky a time or two before he died and the other had only heard stories of him. Because of the devotion and respect Rocky is remembered by at the gym they were pretty much in awe to receive the scholarships provided in his remembrance.
The day was bitter-sweet as you can imagine, yet there was a lot of joy. Knowing Rocky competed the last year as he fought colon cancer he left a great legacy for others. He was a gentle giant who loved the sport and the guys he left behind. I imagine he is still urging his team to greater success as he lifted those of us who watched his great achievements along the way………….
Essentially Esther
