Glenn wins 2nd World title; Moon sets American records, finishes 3rd

LAUCHHAMMER, GERMANY -- Oakwood�s R. Garry Glenn decided to make the trip to Germany only a couple of weeks ago after a special invitation from the President of the American Powerlifting Committee

L.B. Baker had asked Glenn to attend the WUAP World Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships to represent team USA. Turns out it was a good idea. Glenn won his second World Bench Press Championship in a row Thursday, beating out a lifter from the host country, Thomas Wagner of Germany to take the Master�s Men�s 50-54 year old 82.5 Kg (181.8795 lbs.) championship.

Glenn finished the day with his second best competition lift of the year at 151 kilograms (332.8946 lbs.) He had weighed in the day before at a little over 180 lbs. Glenn tried a personal record (PR) lift of 157.5 Kg for his 3rd lift, but could not quite lock it out.

Gainesville�s Tim (�T�) Moon was the only other bench-only member of the American team, and finished 3rd overall in the Master�s 40-44 year old 110 Kg. (242.506 lb.) class while setting (APC) American records in the Master�s and Open weight classes.

Moon had weighed in the day before at just over 242 lbs. He finished with a personal-best competition lift of 217.5 Kg. (479.5005 lbs.) He fell a bit shy on his third attempt: 227.5 Kg. (501.5465 lbs.) Moon beat out Slovakia�s Boris Svirec for the third place cup. Peter Vacho of Slovakia finished in second place after successfully lifting 227.5 Kg. The new World Champion at that age and weight is Gyula Szatmari of Hungary who finished with a world record of 251 Kg. (553.3546 lbs.)

�I�m tired, �Moon said with a smile.

�T and I had a great time in Germany. We made some new friends as well,� Glenn said. �The fact that we both had some success in representing our country is just gravy on the biscuits. We both wish we had gotten those third attempts, but it gives us something to keep training for. I�m especially proud of T, who just began serious competition lifting this year. To finish third in the world with two American records is amazing.�

Earlier this year, Moon won at the North Georgia Bench Press Championships, the Georgia Games, and the American Powerlifting Federation State Meet. Glenn went six for six this year in winning those same titles while adding the State American Powerlifting Committee (APC) Championship, the APC National Championship and Master�s Best Bench-Only Lifter Award; and now the WUAP (World United Amateur Powerlifters) title to go with his Global Powerlifting Committee World Championship he won in Calgary, Canada last year. Glenn has made a comeback from both prostate cancer surgery in 2007; and having a heart stent implanted last year. He also has four National Championships and two national records to his credit.

�Every day I wake up on the green grass side of the dirt is a gift from God,� Glenn said. �To be able to compete like this- to use a much abused term-is indeed awesome.�

Moon summed it up for both men when he said, �I�m proud to be able to represent my country; proud to place; and blessed by the whole experience.�

Glenn and Moon would like to thank sponsors for the trip which include the American Powerlifting Committee; Glenn's in-laws, Harold and Sue Puckett; The United Methodist Men and the Pages Sunday School Class of McEver Road United Methodist Church; Archie's Sporting Goods; The Lion's Den Hair Care in Oakwood; Butch Miller and Milton Martin Honda; Moon's parents; and travel coordinator, George Bell.

Moon is a former varsity athlete at Peachtree High in Dunwoody and a 1982 graduate of Jefferson High. Glenn was a varsity letterman in football and wrestling for the Dragons and a 1972 graduate of Jefferson; where he later served as a middle school football and wrestling coach. He is also a former wrestling and football coach at Johnson High; and an award-winning sports journalist who got his start at the Jackson Herald in Jefferson; and WRFC radio in Athens.

Glenn currently is the host for the television show, �Hall County Sports." Moon, Glenn and highlights from their trip and competition may be seen this week on the show which airs on Charter Communications Channel 23 this Thursday at 9 PM; with repeats Saturday at 10 AM and Sunday at 9 PM.

The competition in Lauchhammer winds up Sunday after four days of competition involving hundreds of lifters from around the world.

Glenn and Moon would also like to thank sponsors Sheriff Steve Cronic, State Rep. James Mills, Moon Grading and Hauling, and Belmont Baptist Church for helping the duo make the trek to Germany.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/10/213944