Weightlifting Team Sponsored and Coached by Mark Rippetoe

[Togniadn17]

Rip,

I just recently read in the "Wake Up Call" thread that you are discussing having a "well-sponsored well-coached" weightlifting team at WFAC. I don't think I'm the only one on this forum who thinks of this as an exciting idea. I have some questions if you don't mind:

1. How are you going to go about finding the necessary talent to fill the team's roster? Do you already have local lifters in mind or do you plan on advertising through forums?

2. Approximately how many lifters can you see yourself being able to support?

3. What specific physical and mental attributes would you look for in candidates during your selection process?

4. Where do I get an application?

[Mark Rippetoe]

1. We will be recruiting by invitation. The difference between our approach and that of some other coaches is that we will actually do all the things we promise to do. There will be a written contract stipulating both our responsibilities and that of the athletes. What I have in mind is a team coached by Jim Moser and myself, with help from Josh Wells. This will be dependent on Jim's availability, and we're still talking about this. I would not attempt this without his help at some level. He knows more about this sport than the VAST majority of Olympic weightlifting coaches in this country will ever know.

2. I can see the resources available for 4-5 lifters.

3. They would need to be proven competitors, not necessarily in weightlifting, but with the athletic ability to pick it up quickly.

4. There will be no application process. We will be selecting the athletes. This will not happen until late this fall.

[Togniadn17]

Great, thanks for the details. My apologies for the reference, I didn't mean that in an offensive way and I have nothing but respect for that individual. Good luck to you and your team. I'm excited to see what you guys will accomplish in the future.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I, on the the other hand, have no respect for that individual. Thanks for your encouragement. We're heading in that direction right now.

[Need2Lift]

Knowing virtually nothing about Olympic weightlifting, but having followed the debate in the other thread, I'm curious as to how long you think it will take before you'll really have a sense of whether your methods are bearing fruit.

It'll be very interesting to see how the "wake up call" thread debate plays out in actual application.

[Mark Rippetoe]

If you mean the pulling mechanics argument, many people are already lifting this way without calling it anything different. If you mean the idea that squat, deadlift, and pressing PR must be required aspects of training for the Olympic lifts, we're going to see what happens here. I have four people training this way since Moser listed his program on the other thread, and all are doing PRs.

[Need2Lift]

If you mean the pulling mechanics argument, many people are already lifting this way without calling it anything different. If you mean the idea that squat, deadlift, and pressing PR must be required aspects of training for the Olympic lifts, we're going to see what happens here. I have four people training this way since Moser listed his program on the other thread, and all are doing PRs.

I guess I meant both. An overarching theme in the other thread is, essentially, other people criticizing you for wanting to coach Oly lifting differently from the way "everyone else" does, and you responding that what "everyone else" is doing is not working. I was wondering how long you think you'll need to train your guys before you can really tell if your methods are making a difference in competition.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Our next meet is July 9. I'll let you know.

[Gymmoser]

I guess I meant both. An overarching theme in the other thread is, essentially, other people criticizing you for wanting to coach Oly lifting differently from the way "everyone else" does, and you responding that what "everyone else" is doing is not working. I was wondering how long you think you'll need to train your guys before you can really tell if your methods are making a difference in competition.

We may not win everything and be setting all kinds of World Records but within a year they will know we are at their doorsteps. What you will not hear is a bunch of excuses.

[stronger]

One thing Cal Strength and Broz have done a good job of is posting lots of lifting videos on Youtube. This helps motivate aspiring lifters and gives fans of weightlifting a reason to hope. I hope this trend of outreach via these types of media continues with a well funded Wichita Falls team