Ron volunteered to upgrade the WABDL website in 2010. The website went from black and white to color and then into the more modern realm of mainstream internet. Ron guided the website from 2010 until 2021. Most of his work was voluntary, he was paid but many hours were donated.

Ron currently resides in the Grand Rapids Michigan area. He was, and is one of WABDL’s top world judges. He will also be inducted into the WABDL Hall of Fame in 2023 at World’s in Wisconsin Dells. He has set world records in the deadlift in the Master’s Division and still holds 7 Michigan Deadlift records and 4 Michigan Bench Press record, as well as one Push-Pull record. He was on the cusp of more World records in the 61-67 age group but a back operation cut his career short. In spite of this Ron is still ranked 11th all time in M47-53 – 242 weight class in Deadlift with 639 lbs. He is ranked 2nd all time in 54-60 – 242 weight class with 658.8 lbs. He is ranked 5th all time in 61-67 -242 weight class with 600.7. In 54-60-259 weight class Ron is ranked 3rd all time with 661.2

He has judged many World Cup meets in Wisconsin Dells and many World Championships, as well as many other meets in Michigan. He won 11 WABDL World Chanpionships in the Master’s Deadlift with a best lift of 661.2, and 1 World Championship in the Bench Press with a 514 lift.

Even after a neck surgery and a back surgery since 2010, as well as a recent should replacement surgery Ron hopes to get back on the competitive platform one day, even if only for a token lift so he can see his WABDL brothers and sisters again.

Ron’s overall presence added to WABDL’s credibility.

Thank you Ron!

Sincerely,
Gus Rethwisch
WABDL President