Rite of Passage 2017

Human achievement in modern times is often measured in technology, medicine, and cultural progression. 2000 years ago however, nations measured their greatness by the power of their swords. The kingdom with the mightiest and most numerous warriors was perceived to be the greatest. To join the ranks of these warriors was the goal of many a young man, and even young women. These aspiring champions would often have to prove their mettle in tests of combat prowess, toughness, and strength. To triumph over these challenges was a rite of passage; those that rose above the rest were poised for greatness and glory.
We live in a day and age where participation trophies tell us that just showing up makes you a champion, and when some “gyms” will ask you to leave if you train too hard. Are you ready to hearken back to days of old and battle through extreme challenges to earn your place in the king’s guard? Who will answer the call knowing that victory is not guaranteed, and that the cold hand of defeat will be pawing at your heels? Are you brave enough to risk it all for the glory of standing among the greats and etching your name in the hall of legends?

The challenge awaits!
Rite of passage
Strongman/Woman Challenge
Gold Level Contest
(United States Strongman membership REQUIRED of all competitors)

Promoter- John Mouser

Date/Time- Saturday, Dec 2nd . Action begins at noon sharp

Location- Crossfit Morgantown, 1065 Greenbag Rd, Ste A, Morgantown, WV, 26508
Weigh-ins- 8:00am – 8:30am.

Rules/Safety Briefing- 11:00am. This meeting is mandatory. Any athlete not present by this time may be omitted from the contest without refund.

Weight Classes–

Women’s: LW – 0-123, 124-132, MW – 133-148, 149-165, HW – 166-181, 182-198, SHW – 199+

Men’s Open: LW – 0-148, 149-165, 166-181, MW – 182-198, 199-220, HW – 221-242, 243-275, SHW – 276-308, 308+

Divisons –

Open,    Masters,    Newcomers,    Teen

Consolidation of some classes is possible. I will also do my best to let you know a week prior if your class is being consolidated so you don’t cut weight if you don’t have to. See? I’m not as mean as they say… sometimes.

Awards- awards for 1st-3rd

Entry- $52. Must have USS membership card present. Entries must be post marked by NO LATER THAN Friday November 17th,. $25 late charge. Includes t-shirt. Late entries are not guaranteed a shirt. Day of entries are $77 and include a stern talking to and pamphlet about decision making. Additional shirts will be available for purchase.

No late fee for teens – TEENS entry fee is $25

Checks and entry forms to- John Mouser, 317 Butler Dr, Morgantown, WV 26508
Contact Info– John Mouser, 304 516 3423

The Events Are (subject to change and no particular order):

Max Axle Zercher –

• Axle is lifted from the ground in the crook of the elbows to a standing position; or deadlifted to the lap first, then hoisted in the crook of the elbows. Starting height is around 13 inches or so (tires are loaded on the axle)
• Wessels Rule – 3 attempts, when you fail a lift you’re out.
• 30sec will be given to complete each lift. As many attempts may be made within that 30sec as you wish.
• Must wait for down signal to receive credit for lift

Progressive Frame Carry

• Athlete will have 90sec to complete as many laps as possible (while the frame gets heavier).
• Each time an athlete reaches the end of the course, he/she must set down the frame, and wait for the loaders to toss more plates on. Once the plates are added, the athlete will be given a “lift” command.
• Any drops before the finish line end your run. Credit will be given for distance with weight achieved.
• Straps and sleeves legal. No suits, no doubled up belts.

Max Strict Press

• Athletes with have 30sec to clean and press a barbell from the floor. PLEASE DO NOT DROP the implements from overhead. Make some attempt to control the descent or you may be disqualified.
• 3 attempts, Wessels rule.
• Must wait for “press” signal after clean. Athlete will receive press command when the athlete and the bar have stopped moving following the clean. No bend or extension of the knees or thrust of the hips is allowed after the press command.
• Must wait for down signal. To receive a down signal, athlete must press object to full extension of the elbows, standing erect, with feet not more than shoulder width apart, and not staggered. Knees must be extended, and implement and lifter must be motionless.

Sandbag Throw and Duck Walk

• 90sec time limit to throw and carry as far as possible.
• Two throwing bags will be tossed as far as possible prior to doing a heavy duck walk.
• The duck walk will be carried as far as possible.
• Your run is over when the bag touches the ground or time runs out.
• The distance of both throws will be added to the distance of the carry for a total distance. Highest total distance wins.

Hands of Steel Grip Medley

• Athlete will have 60sec to complete all challenges in any order the athlete chooses.
• Saxon Deadlift, Hammer Lever, Double Overhand Deadlift, Anvil lift & possibly more

Equipment allowed: wrist wraps (using them to cover the forearm is OK too), one belt, elbow sleeves with no fastening mechanisms, same for knee sleeves

I’m a jerk and I don’t like tacky, knee wraps, and super suits. These will not be allowed on any event that we happen to do here. Send your angry letters to the email listed above. Please keep death threats to a minimum.

General Rules/Usual Mouser Stuff

• In the event of a tie in the final standings, 1^st place finishes will decide the winner. If there is still a tie, then 2^nd place finishes will be the determinant, and so on. If a tie cannot be broken this way, athletes will compete in a tie breaker.
• Sportsmanship is expected and required. This is the greatest sport in the world, let’s keep it that way.
• There will be a pre-event prayer. No one is expected to participate, so please do not feel obligated. All we ask is to be respectful of those that do or do not wish to participate.
• This is a drug free contest. If you are juiced feel free to come cheer on your buddies but please do not bother to sign up.
• If you have a question, please ask! I would rather take a minute to clarify something than to see someone have a poor showing due to a misunderstanding.

Events (subject to change):

***Newcomer/Masters/Teen use weight one level lighter on chart than open class equivalent***

In consideration of your acceptance of this entry, I hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and my assignees, waive and release all rights and damages I may have against United States Strongman, Inc., Willie Wessels, John Mouser, Crossfit Morgantown, Jeff Giosi,  any and all sponsors of the event, their representatives and assigns, for any and all injuries incurred by me in conjunction with these championships and in traveling to and from the event. And in further consideration of permission being granted to me to participate in the United States Strongman, Inc. CONTEST and its related events, I hereby grant United States Strongman, Inc., and/or any other approved video or entertainment organization and all of their agents, successors, licensees and assigns, the right to photograph or otherwise reproduce (whether by film, tape, still photography or otherwise) my voice, appearance and name, and to exhibit, distribute, transmit, and/or otherwise exploit any and all media, including without limitation, by means of still photography, motion pictures, radio, television, television motion pictures, video, printing or any other medium now known or hereafter devised, including with respect also to any merchandising, advertising and/or publicity, and the right to use my name and information about me in any connection with any of the foregoing. The rights granted by me hereunder are granted for the entire universe and shall endure in perpetuity and no further compensation shall be payable to me at anytime in connection therewith. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to obligate United States Strongman, Inc., and/or any other approved video or entertainment organization, to photograph or otherwise reproduce my voice, appearance or name, or to make use of any rights granted herein. I also understand that the aforementioned rights may be reassigned at any time without further consent. I understand that United States Strongman, Inc. and/or any other approved video or entertainment organization, are videotaping and photographing the Event in express reliance upon the foregoing, and I represent and agree that I am free to grant the rights granted to United States Strongman, Inc.. and/or any other approved video or entertainment organization hereunder. Therefore I affix my signature below: