Congratulations to all 25 lifters who competed in the Solcana Beginners Meet this past weekend. Four lifters (William Henry, Haley Lenz, Paige Zidek, and Chloe Redfield) set MN state records which can be viewed here. As always, I am extremely impressed with how Mike Sampson directs a meet. He has created a meet with its own unique “personality” and I urge you all to attend this meet next year if you can. The day was filled with enthusiastic newcomers, many successful lifts (not a single lifter bombed out), and a barbecue for all in attendance. Mike has created an event with an environment that is supportive of new lifters (which is a requirement to enter the meet) and one that is fun and welcoming to all (lifters, helpers, and spectators). Hopefully many of these new lifters will become “regulars” at our MN USAPL events for years to come. We now shift gears to another new meet coming up in two weeks (October 10) in Alexandria. The Noonan Barbell Raw Open is run by Steve Reishus and will be hosted by Noonan Sports Specialists. The entry deadline has passed but lifters may still be able to enter so please contact Steve if you want to compete in this event.