Joe Pyra                            1999

Joe Pyra asked me (Jay Siegel) to forward this note to some in the AAUPL
organization:
My mother and I echo his sentiments - thank you!

AAU Strength Sports Committee,
 

As for myself, I entered my first meet, the AAU NJ WT Champ
in 1963, winning second as a teen and setting a standing
press record in the 132 teen cl (yes, I was that light
once). The next year, 1964, I entered the first AAU
sanctioned PL meet, the NJ Champ, and began a life long
friendship with Tony Nicolini, who still coaches and advises
me. Lifting in gym shorts and hi top sneakers, I entered the
132 cl at BWT of 129 and lifted 215 (bench first back then),
305 sqt and 460 Dl for a 980 total at I believe 19 years of
age. All were records except for the bench which went to
another life long friend, Jules Pelligrino, still a great bencher
even today.

Over the course of my career I lifted in six wt classes, at
least five age groups, and set over 350 DRUG FREE WT & PL
records. During that time I held just about every position
in a PL organization including International referee
status. This includes running over 200 meets, (as many a 11
in a year on different occasions), competed in over 200
meets including the first World Champ in 1971, and assisted
in some official capacity at over 500 meets. My career
ended when I was rear ended in 1992 (five surgeries) and
again in 1994 (ten more). With the support of my wife of 40
years, Gloria, close friends and family, especially Al Siegel and
wife Brenda, I persevered. Moving to FL in 2005 for health
reasons, I began to exercise and eventually work out again,
In time I was able to compete in a limited fashion, which
God willing I will continue to do next year when I turn 70.

From the beginning I met many men: Frank Bates, Len Bosland,
Rudy Sablo, Tom Snelgrove, Mr. Zillian, Ed Smith and others
who taught me the true value in sports, not winning but
doing your best, striving to constantly improve and taking
pride in your achievements. Mr. Bates also taught me how to be
a man, taking responsibility for my actions and training in
life, and not to blame others for failures in life or missed
lifts in competition. Train smart, hard and live honestly.

Again,

Thank you for this distinction,

Jumpin Jersey Joe Pyra