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Dear APF/WPO Lifter:

As President I always keep in mind that the APF/WPO is a federation for the lifter. So I have been taking some suggestions/concerns into consideration lately. I know many bench only guys have been asking for a fourth class like the 3 lift. Creating the WPO has permantly altered powerlifting with the element of prize money. Just like everyday life money dictates many factors in powerlifting more than ever now. There are many things that I want to do with the WPO where finances are an obstacle. It was quite difficult just to get the slight increase in prize money for 3 lift. Plus I only have a two hour window to run the Bench Meet at the Arnold Classic. So for money/time sake a fourth class for bench only can't be added to the WPO.

What I will do is expand the 3 classes weight cutoff. From now on the new WPO Bench only classes will be, Lwt 0-181.50, Hwt 181.51-242.50, SHW 242.51+ Over(Mwt is now Hwt).The minimum requirement of, Lwt-451lbs, Hwt-551lbs, and SHW 699 will remain the same for now. Winners only get $1000. World Records will still be $1000. Top 5 get to go to the Arnold Classic. When I see how the numbers fall in Chicago, I will be increasing the minimum requirement after the 2006 Arnold Classic Bench Meet.

I know some benchers will be stoked about the new expanded weight cutoff, and some will not. Keep in mind that the WPO is not supposed to be easy to compete in. The Bench/PL'ing was purposely designed so only the Super Elite could thrive. You had better have tenacity of a rank rodeo bull to be at the top of the food chain in the WPO!! When bull riders are looking for new bulls to break-in the PBR they could go through 100 bulls to find one rank bull. If your that rank bull than the WPO is what your looking for!! But if your thinking the classes aren't fair, than I would suggest staying in the APF, or excercising other competitive options. Good luck!!

KK APF/WPO Prez.