Dr Larry Maile

Dr Larry Maile

Women's Hall of Fame - 2009

Dr Larry Maile - Photo Slide Show Presentation

Inducted as a coach and USAPL Administrator who has been dedicated to seeing the Women's Program grow in the USAPL by not only coaching his own personal lifters (Alaska Iron Maidens), but also the Head Coach of the Women's World Team.

Dr Maile is big advocate for Women's Powerlifting and continues to promote the success of Women's Nationals and strives to keep it separate from being combined with any other Nationals so that the women can have their time in the spotlight.

Dr Maile has been instrumental in helping women who have had a desire to powerlift, not only learn how to lift and do some meets, but has encouraged them through the years to take their lifting to the highest level possible. He has extended his personal coaching from the local level of the Alaska Iron Maidens and now reaches out to a good handful of lifters throughout the States that he lifts via Internet and video uploads. He then encourages these women to get out of their comfort zone and take their lifting to the National and International level whenever the opportunity is there. For example, in 2006, he took 3 of his lifters to the North American Championships in Puerto Rico. These women are fairly new to the sport, but have now successfully gone on to taste the International level of lifting and it has been an experience they won't forget. It has also helped raise their own expectations.

One man can and has made a difference. – Pete Alaniz - Titan Support Systems

From all the lifters you have influenced throughout the years.. THANK YOU!

Overview of Dr Maile:

Powerlifting Career

• Began Powerlifting in 1977
• 2001 IPF Master World Champion
• 2003 US Team Member - Guests at Norway's Nationals
• 2003 Open Nationals Bronze Medalist
• 2007 Pan-American Master Champion of Champions

First coach to lead the Women to an Open IPF World Team Championship - 2006 Stavanger Norway

Coaching Career

• Coaching individuals for over 27 years
• National level Coach over 21 years
• International Coach over 11 years
• Women's World Team Head Coach since 1998 until present
• Women's NAPF Head Coach – 2004
• Women's Head Coach for the 2001, 2006 & 2009 World Games
• Coach US Team to Brazil 2004
• Jr. World Team Coach, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
• Bench World Team Coach, 1998, 1999
• Coached U.S. Team at Russian Nationals, 2001

Administrative Career

• Referee Since 1986
• 1987 WDPF International Referee (now a IPF Cat I)
• USAPL President (2003-present)
• USAPL Vice President: (2000-2003)
• USAPL Executive Committee Member: (Not sure: 1998 -2000?)
• NAPF President (2001 to present)
• IPF Vice President - North America: (2000 to present)
• State Chair: Alaska: (1984 to 1987); Wyoming (1987 to 1989); Colorado (1988-1989)
• Armed Forces Chair (1990-1994)
• Coaching Committee Chair: (1999(?) - 2004)
• Drug Testing Committee (1985 to 1993 or 1994)

Notable Honors:

• First coach to lead the Women to an Open IPF World Team Championship.
• Brother Bennett Award (2001)
• Coach of the Year (2000 & 2007)
• "Trainer Champion" Russian National Championships (2001)

In addition, he has coached WOMEN to ...

• 100+ National Individual Champions
• 8 Team National Championships
• 12+ IPF World Champions
• IPF World Records a total of 60+ times

2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Interview:

What is your personal background?

I am a Clinical Psychologist but my practice is focused on forensics: I evaluate defendants for the Court system here in Alaska. I have done somewhat more than 1100 criminal cases.
I grew up in Alaska. I sail, ride motorcycles and downhill ski for fun.

Educational Experience:

I have a Ph.D. in Psychology, Master's in Counseling, B.S. in Psychology.

What is your athletic background?

I ran track and cross country, cross country and downhill skied, wrestled as a kid. I picked up powerlifting in my first year of college.

How did you get into Powerlifting?

I started my college career at the College of Idaho. I ended up getting assigned to the dorm (and wing) that all the football players lived in. About mid-year, I started going to the gym in the evenings with them, and the rest as they say, is history.

You were involved with the ADFPA ( American Drug Free Powerlifting Association), tell us about it.

I started lifting in the middle 70's. At that time, there was only the AAU, then the USPF. When I finally decided to lift competitively (vs. playing around) I did a couple of meets (four or five) but was disappointed by the numbers of people using anabolics. In fact, virtually everyone that I trained with was “on.” I was a subscriber to PLUSA, and saw an ad for membership in the American Drug Free Powerlifting Assoc. I called the number and Brother Bennet answered. We talked a long time and I ended up being the Alaska State Chair. We held our first meet at a joint production with the USPF State Chair to allow any lifters who wanted to lift drug free to do so. There were four of us that first year. The next year, we were almost half the meet, and the following year, the ADFPA held the State meet alone. After that, we were the only federation in Alaska.

My first ADFPA nationals was in Wilkes Barre, PA in 1985. I went alone and bummed help from Al Seigel. I found I like the people. They were open, friendly and dedicated to the mission.
In following years, I returned to the Nationals several times, winning the lifetime meet in 1989.

I have been the State Chair in Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado. I have also served as the first Armed Forces Chair, the Chair of the Coaching Committee, on the Drug Testing Committee, on the Executive, and as Vice President and now President.

Highlights/Memorable Events:

It is really hard to say. There have been so many. I guess if I were to pick a few, the first one would be when my daughter, Jennifer won her first IPF World Championship in Chia Yi, Taiwan in 2000. Playing the national anthem with your child at the top of the podium is really one of the greatest experiences possible I think.

Ironically, winning the Master World Championships the same year was a little bit less exciting at least. I had returned from Taiwan (juniors) with Pneumonia, and got on the plane for the Czech Republic less than three weeks later. I had intended to withdraw from the team but the Coach, Alex Galant convinced me to just hang in there. I slept most of the time when I got there and had to rest several times walking up the hill to the venue. I lifted in a fog and didn't know where I was in the standings until after the last lift. I won on the last pull and was surprised to even be in the medals. I was so tired I fell asleep in the doping control room and celebrated by going back to the hotel to sleep.

Dr Maile with son Justin and daughter Jennifer at 1999 Junior Worlds (photo: Christy Newman)

Next event that was significant to me was Priscilla Ribic winning the Open World Championships in France in 2004. It was the first time that one of my lifters won an open world championships, and she won going head to head with the Russian World Champion. One of the memorable things about it was that I knew, and Vladimir Bogatchev knew after the second squat that the meet was over. Looking at the numbers, Priscilla gained a lead with her squat that would prove to be insurmountable.

Another memorable time was winning the Open World Team Championships in Stavanger, Norway. The U.S. had never fielded a team that won the Open before. But it required consistent performances on the part of all the lifters, and they did all lift up to their potential. Even at that, we needed a strong placing by our heavy lifters and they delivered. We had a running joke on the team after the worlds in Reisa, Germany when our team award said “Relatively Best Nation.” The next year we were the runners up (almost best nation?), but it made it all worthwhile to get to accept the award on behalf of the lifters and the U.S.A. and get to say, “This year, we are the BEST NATION.”

Who influenced you in Powerlifting?

I am not really sure who had the greatest influence, there have been so many really. I guess I would have to give credit first to Brother Bennet who believed in me as an administrator, and whom I spent many hours with, discussing powerlifting, life, drug use, etc. He really left huge shoes to fill in the powerlifting world that no one since has been able to fill. His inspired me with a vision of clean lifting and an healthy alternative to lifting as it had been. I hope that I have carried on his vision in my involvement in powerlifting.

I have been fortunate to have worked with a number of gifted athletes and coaches over the years. Some of them I have coached directly, some I have just helped at meets. I have learned something from each of them.

In terms of competitors, I always hoped to be as strong and as successful as Martin Beavers. I never made it though. He set the bar very, very high. He was an excellent technician, and a skilled strategist. I tried to emulate that in my own lifting.

Who mentored you as a coach?

I guess I would have to say that I learned a lot from Alex Galant, Jim Ford, and Tod Miller. Alex Galant left no detail undone, and knew each of his lifters, and everyone else's as well. He knew what their bests were, what they could do on any given day, and what we all needed to do to move up. Jim showed me that you must be interested and dedicated to your teams and no matter how tired or how long the meet is you have to keep your eye on the ball. The lifters deserve that. And from Tod I learned how to manage huge teams. I stole his meet paperwork and still use it for the lifters. In fact a variation of it is included in the USAPL Coaches Manual.

Finally, I think I progressed the fastest watching and being helped along by Vladimir Bogatchev from Russia. There is no better coach in the world and if I had to choose someone to coach me in a tight battle, it would be Vladimir. He is the best coach in the world, and in the history of powerlifting. No one comes close.

Coaching experience:

I guess I first started coaching lifters in the early 80's, taking them to local level competitions. Since then I have coached athletes (primarily women) in more than 20 natioanal meets, about 20 internationals (don't remember exactly), and at least one local/state level contest a year. My team and I currently work with a Special Olympics athlete, and he has competed at the State and World level.

This is my 12th year of coaching the Women's Open Team. I was the Junior Head Coach for 3 years and assistant for several years after that. I coached the Men's team twice (that was enough), and the Bench Team for three years (way more than enough). I have coached the North American several times (three I think), the Pan Am Team twice, and the World Games Team three times (including 2009).

Most memorable lifters in you career:

At the risk of offending anyone, because they have all be important, the following lifters stand out:

Jenn Maile: As I mentioned above, there really is no greater experience for a parent than to see your kid win a world championships. Jenn set the Open World record in the deadlift when she was 17 and her record stood for 8 years until this year.

Harriet Hall: Harriet is 60 this year (2009) and her 575 kg. total shows that you can continue to be world class into your 50's, 60's, and in Harriet's case, probably forever. Harriet has set more than 50 IPF World records. I think that may be a record that will never be broken.
In terms of longevity, I have to say that Kate Dingle-Craig has hung in there for about two and a half careers. This year's nationals (2009) marked my 25th year of working with her.

Priscilla Ribic: Priscilla, as I mentioned, was the first Open World Champion I coached. What is remarkable about her is that she shows that a normal, drug free person can compete on the world stage with anyone. She also reminds us that there are people out there who can be the best in the world if we just find them. Priscilla's untrained “walking around strength” is way beyond what most people can ever reach.

There are two people who I would like to mention who aren't lifters but whose contribution to USA Powerlifting often goes unnoticed and without whom we would be much worse off:

The first is Barbara Born, our Office Manager. Barb agreed to stay on at the National Office when I was elected President even though she is retirement age and really would rather be working on her paintings (she is an accomplished artist). She agreed to stay on “for a couple of years” and remains as really the person that keeps the organization together. We are now in our sixth year of working together and it is an understatement to say that we wouldn't be here without Barb's hard work.

Pete (and the late Pete Sr.) Alaniz of Titan Support Systems has grown from an equipment supplier, to a sponsor, to a friend. The Alaniz family have become “our family” to many of us in powerlifting. Their advice on business and on lifting have guided our organization. What puts Pete above the crowd is that he argues for things that are good for the USA Powerlifting even if they are harmful to his business. He even contributes generously to things that hurt his business in the long run. The Alaniz family taught me that you can be ethical businessmen without giving up your own goals and plans.

As your name goes down in history, what would you like to be most remembered for:

That has kind of a funny sound. I don't think I am finished as I have more to contribute and still have a vision for powerlifting's growth, both financially and in terms of popularity. But if there is anything that I would like to be remembered for it is continuing Brother Bennet's vision of drug free lifting. I hope that the ideals that we have stood on in USA Powerlifting continue to grow on an international basis.

What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to the future female powerlifters:

I would tell them that you should chase your dreams. Powerlifting can never be an end in itself, but it can be the vehicle to help you meet new friends, travel, accomplish your goals and to have a well rounded life. I would also say that you should never accept others' opinions on your limitations. In lifting you can go as far as you want to if you work hard enough, smart enough, and stick with it.

Powerlifting Honors:

I have been fortunate to have won the Coach of the Year Award two times. I have also received the Brother Bennet Award. Those have been the most important pieces of recognition for me. They reflect service to and the ideals of our organzation. I am also honored to be inducted into the Women's Powerlifting Hall of Fame. The lifters and administrators who preceeded me into the Hall reflect the best athletes and most dedicated and successful of administrators in our history. To be counted among them is a greater honor that I would have hoped for.

Powerlifting Publications:

Consider this a sample of writings. I have written a regular column in Powerlifting USA Magazine, Powerlines, USAPL Newsletter, and Purepower. I have also presented my findings on psychological variables in powerlifting at conferences and seminars. My Master's Thesis involved application of self-efficacy modification techniques with powerlifters.

Publications
Maile, L.J. (2004). Characteristics of elite athletes and their coaches. Powerlines, 19.

Maile, L.J. (2004). Therapeutic Use Exemptions. Powerlines, 18.

Maile, L.J. (2003). Convincingly deep, revisited. Powerlines, 16.

Maile, L.J. (2003). Philosophy of refereeing. Powerlines, 15.

Maile, L.J. (2003). Coaching Notes. Powerlines, 12.

Maile, L.J. (2003). Norwegian Powerlifting Nationals. Powerlines, 12.

Maile, L.J. (2003). On fundraising. Powerlines, 9.

Maile, L.J. & Rodacker, M. (2002). Psychological aspects of drug use: Part 2. Powerlines, 7.

Rodacker, M, & Maile, L.J. (2002). Physiological derangements in anabolic steroid abuse: Part 2. Powerlines, 7.

Maile, L.J. & Rodacker, M. (2002). Psychological aspects of drug use: Part 1. Powerlines, 6.

Rodacker, M, & Maile, L.J. (2002). Physiological derangements in anabolic steroid abuse: Part 1. Powerlines, 6.

Maile, L.J. (2001). Technique Training. Powerlines, 4.

Galant, A. & Maile, L.J. (2001). Coaching Primer. Columbia City, IN: USA Powerlifting.

Maile, L.J. (2000). How often should I compete? Coaching Committee Page. Columbia City, IN: USA Powerlifting.

Maile, L.J. (1999). Convincingly Deep. Coaching Committee Page. Columbia City, IN: USA Powerlifting.

Franks, I.M., & Maile, L.J. (1991). The use of video in sport skill acquisition. In P.W. Dowrick (Ed.). A Practical Guide to Video in the Behavioral Sciences. New York: John Wiley.

2009 Women's Hall of Fame Sponsors:

USA Powerlifting
Titan Support Systems
PLGearOnline
Con-Cret
Robert Keller
George Marts
Christy Newman

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