Becky and I drove over to Cape Girardeau last Saturday to a Powerlifting Meet which the Don Rockenbach (AKA Rocky) Foundation helped with funding. There were three young people participating who are Special Olympics lifters and some from our West Plains Gym as well as some from the Cape area.

Rocky’s trophy was presented to Brianne Chavez as the winning lifter for the State of Missouri in her class. It was quite an honor after all her hard work to top her own personal record. We were proud of all three who made a good showing.

One of our regulars from the gym in West Plains (where Rocky trained) has been invited to lift at the Mr. Olympian weekend in Las Vegas. It’s quite an honor and we’re very proud of Jared.

Training and staying in shape makes all the difference to those who perform in these meets. It’s always inspiring to see the dedication and sacrifice the lifters maintain for their sport. With their herculean size and intensity it could be intimidating……but this is not a team sport, each man is competing against his last lift and hoping the next will be his personal best.

The picture is of Rocky in his early days of lifting.


Essentially Esther