Chuck Kasson

The Gus Memorial VII

Another contest in the books, I had a good time at this one, had some friends come and see their first strongman contest and I got to compete with the Steel Jungle boys. Here goes...

We woke up at 4:15 AM and got ready, I was already packed and ready to go so I just showered and make a huge bowl of oatmeal and we jumped in the car and headed down to Troy's place as he was driving to the venue.
The drive took a lot less time than we had anticipated, thanks to significantly less traffic in the morning, and Troy's sensational driving speed/ability. We helped set up some chairs at the venue, then went and found a gas station so some people could change out of their PJs (You know who you are). Then we drove around the booming metropolis that is Belton, MO for a while until it was time for weigh-ins and warmups. I weighed in at 271 and then started to hit the weights to get ready. It was really nice having an actual gym to warm up in.
During rules we got slammed with like 2 feet of rain so everybody was freaking out about events and stuff. I chose to adopt the "come what may" attitude and tried to keep focused on doing as well as I could given whatever circumstances presented themselves.
First event was the Circus dumbell. This was my most frustrating event. I had hit 10 in practice leading up to the show, and was only able to get 9. I knew that I wasn't pressing very efficiently and it was the first event (The first event is always shaky for me...something about nerves I guess). 9 was good enough to tie for 2nd overall, which wasn't bad...but I really wanted 10 or 11.
Next was the farmers. It was supposed to be a farmer's/sled drag, but due to rain they moved it inside and just did farmers. They were O2 tanks and were very awkward to move with. I was worried since so many people were having a very difficult time with them, so when I pulled them for my attempt I really focused on keeping them out wide and had no problems. I just had to start off a bit slower than I usually would have with a normal farmers, until I found a good balance, then I took off. I almost bit it at the end, but that's what happens when you are max out sprinting with weird farmers on a slick floor. 10 seconds and a tie for first.
Conan's wheel was a big ? for me since I had never done one. We trained on the yoke and I was confident on that so I just gave it everything I had. I was in a similar situation last year at the Gus in that of the 3 or 4 top guys in the weight class, I was always first to go, so I had to lay it all out and set the bar high. This was no different and I pretty much maxed my entire being on this event. I ended up with a little over 7 revolutions and DJ said it was one of the sickest things he'd ever seen...high praise right there. I would like to give a big thanks to the loaders and timers who caught me when I nearly dropped after this event was over. I won this one...I'm proud to say, pretty handily
Bus pull was 4th and there isn't much to say except that I'm really glad I brought my climbing shoes. I had no problems with traction at all. I did feel like my start was a bit slow, but come on...it's a BUS! Also won this one.
Keg load. This is my second most disappointing event of the day. I felt that my loading technique had really improved and I was hindered on this event by not having access to a really heavy keg. I know now that my technique for the last 380 keg was all wrong and I could have got it up with no problems. Mac and I loaded it a few times after the contest was over and I'm glad I did. Still...350 is a PR no matter how you slice it, so I can't be too pissadointed.
All together I came up .5 points short of first. Justin Wheeler came up big all day and edged me out on the last event. The first strongman show I ever did I beat him by .5 points, so a little retribution on his part is OK by me I guess.

Congrats to Mac for his 3rd place finish on his first outing as a MW!

I'd like to say thanks to my lady for being there and supporting me. Thanks to Troy for driving and keeping me sane, and thanks to Kelsey, Dan, Joe, and Melissa for showing up and cheering us on. Also, a very special thanks to Jobe's Steel Jungle and all the guys there, I really enjoy training with you guys and we'll keep pushing for a podium sweep one of these days!

On to NAHA Nats!