Alberta Powerlifting Union
Hall of Fame

In 2013 the APU Hall of Fame was created to honor athletes, volunteers, and members, past or present, who have shown a dedication to the sport of powerlifting in Alberta.  While individuals may be recognized because of their skill in the sport, we also want to show respect to those members who have committed their time, energy, and resources to bettering powerlifting for others.  The three main considerations that potential inductees undergo are:

  • Skill in competition

  • Furthering the expansion and growth of powerlifting within Alberta

  • Length of time that the individual has shown unwavering support for the Alberta Powerlifting Union
Each year, members of APU Executive Council nominate potential inductees at the Annual General Meeting.  After a discussion of the various candidates in the context of the considerations above, a majority vote takes place, where the nominees may or may not be inducted into the Hall of Fame.  As such, the APU is not obligated to induct members to the Hall of Fame on an annual basis; however, we thoughtfully and considerately elect members as they present themselves worthy. 

2024 Inductee: shane martin

Bio coming soon!

2022 inductee: avi silverberg

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       Bio coming soon!

​2019 INDUCTEE: JAMES BARTLETT

​James Bartlett was awarded the APU highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame this year. James’ day job is as a corporate lawyer.  And I can tell you right now, for certain, that James single-handedly saved Alberta Powerlifting through our transitional time some years ago.  He drafted new bylaws from scratch, which were later accepted by our members, he got our organization in compliance with the Alberta Societies Act.  He set up new bank accounts and worked with our treasurer to maintain the most transparent financial policies out of the entire CPU. And, furthermore, he proposed new policies and processes, including how our meets are sanctioned and organized, how complaints are received and dealt with, how committees are formed and operate, and has been a huge proponent of creating a doping free atmosphere within the APU.  

James has been a high level competitor during his competition career amassing provincial, western, and National Champion titles. He has medalled at 4 National Championships. Over his career, he broke a total of 10 National records. And most impressively, he was the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival Champion.

James Bartlett is a member who exemplifies our core values and community. We are very excited to be able to award him this honor and have his contributions be recognized for the efforts he put forth. You will see James refereeing in Calgary, going on hikes with his pup, Arwen, and we hope time heals his injuries so we may see him back on the platform as a Master in years to come!

2017 INDUCTEE: Kevin Breiter

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This year’s newest inductee to the APU hall of fame is Kevin Breiter. It gives us great pleasure to induct one of the most influential members of the APU behind the scenes into this prestigious group. Kevin Breiter has been a vital part in APU officiating for over 10 years and an athlete in the APU for close to 18 years. Kevin was the 2013 Commonwealth M2 Champion and has multiple Provincial Championship titles under his belt. Kevin referees at almost every APU competition and without his dedication to the community and sport, the APU would be unable to grow and foster as many events as we do. You will see Kevin at most events assisting newer lifters with rules and how to succeed on the platform with his day of advice, you will hear hear his big chuckle throughout the venue.  Kevin is an accomplished National referee officiating over 50+ events in Alberta. He is a valuable individual for our community with his big heart and passion for the sport. It is a huge honor to have Kevin in our hall of fame and we look forward to many more years with him. 

2016 Inductee: Lewis Noppers
This year’s newest inductee to the APU hall of fame is Lewis Noppers. It gives us great pleasure to induct one of the many influential members of the APU into this prestigious group. Lewis Noppers has been an international level athlete in the APU for close to 18 years and has multiple World Medals. Lewis’ greatest accomplishment thus far was his 281kg deadlift (classic) at 64.7kg giving him the best deadlift of all time with a 224 wilks.  Lewis also is an accomplished meet director where he hosts the annual Bay Noppers Memorial each summer in Edmonton. This meet is used as a fundraiser for Parkinson disease to honor his late family member, Bay Noppers. He is a valuable individual for up and coming athlete to learn from. His vast international experience gives great insight into competing, weight cuts, and training.
 
Lewis is one of the most decorated athletes having gone to 16 World Championships and counting. He has 2 Open World medals (2003,2008) deadlift, 10 Open Nationals Gold medals, 4 Master Nationals Gold medals, 4 Master World Gold Medals, Highest wilks for deadlift in CPU history - [email protected] (achieved unequipped), and is Ranked first in All-Time Classic Men's Master Top 100.

2015 Inductee: Hector Aguilar
This year we induct another APU member into the hall of fame. It gives me great pleasure to be able to induct one of the many influential members of the APU into this prestigious group. Hector Aguilar has been involved in the APU for over ten years and has assisted in administration of the APU by volunteering as the Vice-President and President. Hectors greatest contribution to the promotion and growth of powerlifting in Alberta has been made through his involvement with the University of Alberta Powerlifting Association the UAPA.  Hector served as president of the UAPA from 2005 till 2009 and was one of the five founding members who established the club the in 2005. Shortly after its formation the UAPA became involved in promoting Powerlifting in Alberta and hosted their first meet, which they called Power at the Plant. It was Hectors goal to acquire top end equipment both for the everyday training activities of the club and to allow the UAPA become a self sufficient club that was capable of hosting high quality events.  During Hectors tenure as president this goal was achieved. The UAPA acquired a sufficient number of competition quality racks, bars and calibrated plates to allow them to host large competitions with a fully equipped competition platform and a warm up room with several equipped platforms.  The equipment that Hector and the 1st executive comity of the UAPA purchased with CREF grants allowed for the establishment of fully equipped powerlifting facilities at the University of Alberta. The noticeable presence of the UAPA has made top level equipment accessible to the student body as a whole and has fostered interest in Powerlifting at the U of A. The UAPA training facilities have been home many athletes who have competed at national, international, and world powerlifting competitions.  The APU would be a completely different organization without the contributions of UAPA and more importantly, Hectors passion for powerlifting.

Hector won the first ever IPF powerlifting competition at the Arnold Sports festival in 2008 with a 840kg total at 98.8kg bw, 513 wilks.  In 2013 he won the 93kg Classic Open class at the CPU Nationals in Richmond BC. He accomplished this without the aid of a belt or knee sleeves. He also had his best equipped meet there with an 847.5kg total at 92.8kg garnering a 533 wilks. In 2005 and 2008, he placed top ten at the World Open Powerlifting Championships. Hector has a deep list of provincial records, national records, and retired national records.

2014 Inductee:  Mike Armstrong

Mike Armstrong played an integral part in shaping what the Alberta Powerlifting Union (APU) is today.  Mike competed in his first powerlifting competition in 1983, the same year that the APU was officially registered as a Society.   At that time, there weren’t many athletes involved, and the organization lacked structure.  However, Mike wanted to see powerlifting grow, and in 1987, he took over as the APU President.  Following that role, he served eight years as the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) President, and two years as the Assistant Secretary for the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).  As part of his tenure in these leadership roles, Mike played a major contribution in creating the constitutional changes necessary to include amputee lifters in the sport of powerlifting.  Furthermore, Mike was pivotal in bringing the sport of powerlifting online, and in the late 1990s, he served as the first Webmaster for the APU, CPU, and IPF.  While Mike still continues as the Webmaster for the CPU today, there are many additional roles he is currently involved with, including acting as the:  Executive Secretary for the CPU, Records Chairman for the CPU and APU, Officiating Chairman for the APU, and Head Coach for the Canadian Masters Powerlifting Team.  Furthermore, Mike is an accomplished Meet Director, hosting local, provincial, and national events within Alberta, and he can always be seen volunteering, whether as an International Class-I referee, scorekeeper, or platform manager.   Mike always puts the needs of the sport before his own, and given his expertise at every level of powerlifting, the APU is lucky to have his continuous involvement and leadership.   While this summary only includes Mike's work as an administrator, he is also a very accomplished athlete.  In 2013, Mike placed 3rd at the IPF World Master Powerlifting Championships.  As well, in 2014, Mike set the National Bench Press Record lifting 230.5k;  a life-time personal best as an M2 athlete. 

2013  Inaugural  Hall  Of  Fame  Inductee:  Joe Stockinger

Joe Stockinger has been in the Alberta Powerlifting Union (APU) since its inception in 1983. He competed in Olympic weightlifting before moving into powerlifting where he is a welcome sight at any contest. Joe is an International level referee, gym owner, multiple national champion, previous world record holder, and overall nicest man you will meet. You will see Joe at many meets around Alberta with a smile on his face and a hug for the ladies. He deserved the inaugural induction into the Alberta Powerlifting Union (APU) because of his commitment to powerlifting, his volunteerism spirit, his enthusiasm for sport, and his long rewarding career as an athlete.  Some of Joe's athletic highlights was deadlifting 205kg at a body weight of 67.5kg at 79 years young and squatting 137.5kg at a body weight of 69.3kg at 84 years young. Inspirational.