Mark Valenti speaks...
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URL: http://www.nasgaweb.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16288
Printed Date: 3/26/26 at 10:26pm
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Topic: Mark Valenti speaks...
Posted By: C. Smith
Subject: Mark Valenti speaks...
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 10:44am
|
These videos were taken by KO on the way home from Valenti's last game, after 22 years of throwing highland games. http://youtu.be/JznAmo1rwOo" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/JznAmo1rwOo http://youtu.be/-jGaV8RTzj8" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/-jGaV8RTzj8 http://youtu.be/SbFxE7prMSc" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/SbFxE7prMSc http://youtu.be/DFIx2MDAqWQ" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/DFIx2MDAqWQ http://youtu.be/agcEu1cPbrs" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/agcEu1cPbrs http://youtu.be/fS1YsJW3H7Y" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/fS1YsJW3H7Y http://youtu.be/xcvmUjF3Tb8" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/xcvmUjF3Tb8 http://youtu.be/unIP3OUncvk" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/unIP3OUncvk These are the first 8 videos, I'm told there are over 25 in total. Adding the rest as they come in: http://youtu.be/r636jw2v05U" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/r636jw2v05U http://youtu.be/u0BIINEO2O4" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/u0BIINEO2O4 http://youtu.be/ZATnrPzTTac" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/ZATnrPzTTac http://youtu.be/rs4id39-JG8" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/rs4id39-JG8 http://youtu.be/kgyTZLGPX1Y" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/kgyTZLGPX1Y http://youtu.be/N1Heli99pzI" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/N1Heli99pzI http://youtu.be/7psoDRiRcaE" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/7psoDRiRcaE http://youtu.be/fRSnqhRwtRk" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/fRSnqhRwtRk http://youtu.be/NEi89LNdPd0" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/NEi89LNdPd0 |
Replies:
Posted By: MJurkoic
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 10:59am
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I have a new HG hero! ------------- Loki: I have an army. Tony Stark: We have a Hulk. |
Posted By: Sean
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 11:42am
| Honestly, we can probably lock the board down now. I think he hit all the high points. |
Posted By: Jeff Ingram
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 12:30pm
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if there's more, I really need them to be put up. This is worse than waiting for another season of Arrested Development. |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 1:30pm
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There are many more. I will put them here when posted.
------------- |
Posted By: McBain1975
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 2:22pm
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Must suck to feel washed up and weak at 40. As for his opinions, they are feeble and meaningless. He means nothing to me. Frankly, the only reason I am even spending this much time writing something on them is because he personally insulted pretty much every one of my friends. He doesn't get it. The games are fun for some of us, they are a release for us, or a way to connect to our families and make some good friends. To him, it is just a competition. So, because he can't cut getting older, he retired. That's pathetic. But, in the big picture, so what? The games are better off without people like this. I have no time for that attitude. ------------- N�l m� ag duine le daoine. |
Posted By: Detroitpete
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 2:35pm
In agreement with McBain. Although I need to admit that I garnered some inspiration from the videos. I have re-named my sheaf bag, valenti. It will help my senior-roll-in-the-mud-lightweight-not-a-real-Master-should-be-paying-$15.00-to-buy-a-ticket-and-watch-Valenti-throw-while-giving-$-to-the-pros-who-don't-get-anything-because-I-pay-someone-to-go-out-and-throw-with-the-crowd-not-wanting-to-see-me-or-my-friends-compete, ass to get just a little more rip in that bag.
------------- Mark Peterson. Pissing off bullies since 1965 |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 2:51pm
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I'm not gonna defend or condemn Valenti's opinions on Highland Games, but I will say that he didn't retire because he "can't cut getting older". I also think after spending 22 years in the "sport" and doing hundreds of games, he's entitled to that opinion. And I feel washed up and weak at 37, and it does suck. Congrats to any of you guys who actually feel strong (and the few that actually are strong) into your 40's. If you're offended by his opinions, then I don't know what to tell you other than you probably shouldn't watch the rest of 'em when they are posted. ------------- |
Posted By: mcdonl
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 3:14pm
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"If that guy is on drugs he needs to get his FFFFFing money back...."
THAT was funny. ------------- Leroy McDonough |
Posted By: Borges
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 3:32pm
Valenti (and KO)  ------------- Cheers, Carlos "Live free or die" |
Posted By: Detroitpete
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 3:44pm
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Hey, no offense here. He's free to say what he wants and I'm free to call it bullshit. ------------- Mark Peterson. Pissing off bullies since 1965 |
Posted By: The Queen
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 3:47pm
Classic Valenti! I was honored to have him at my games several times, and he understands giving the crowd a great show. I don't have to agree with his opinions to like that he is clear and consistent with how he feels on certain topics, and he'll tell you straight up. Nothing PC about him, and never an ass-kisser, I respect that. With Valenti retired, the Bear community is in mourning, and on the hunt for a new Highland Games Bear Idol! |
C. Smith wrote:Posted By: 17/20
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 3:56pm
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Keep em coming Craig. ------------- I MAY BE BIG , BUT I'M FAST |
Posted By: jsully
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 4:38pm
gillingham
spencer
stewart
Top 3 imo
|
Posted By: phatmiked
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 4:58pm
------------- |
Posted By: Soul Eater
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 8:00pm
| Craig please post the rest of the video's or tell us where we can go (basically Mark has already told us where to go) to see the rest of these short films. I'm interested to watch all of them. After 22 year's that he gave to this sport the least we can do is hear him out as a community. Then you have all the pieces before making a comment. And Craig, Please don't shut this down if it gets ugly the door has been opened. I think this is going to go Category 5 Sh*t storm real soon. |
Posted By: WALLY.OLECIK
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 8:51pm
------------- 16lb-hammer(at)sshga.org "Try not. Do or do not. There is no 'try!'" Yoda |
Posted By: Jim Glover
Date Posted: 7/30/13 at 11:09pm
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I don't understand the hate for multiple classes, light weights, masters, etc, or why he thinks the only reason to do the games is to be a pro. But I agree with him on just about everything else. And if its not fun anymore then there's no reason to do it. And the Bluto comment about Matso was pure gold. ------------- "A single one of us can defeat your whole army. If you do not believe it, you may try, only please order your army to stop shooting with firearms." - Mameluke Chieftain Kurtbay |
Posted By: Ali.G
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 2:16am
| Love to hear the one about the PACKAGE again Mark lol. |
Posted By: TomLawrence
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 7:22am
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Speaking as an over 40, under 200 pound, bottom of the B grades amateur with a training log on NASGA -- I figured the videos were a joke. I found them funny anyway. Maybe I'm naive because I don't know Mark, but what I saw what this guy ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3eAtX1AaQdM&t=198" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3eAtX1AaQdM&t=198 ) interviewing a man in a Crossfit hat, bashing his own sport. I just didn't automatically take it seriously. ------------- Aim high. Stay hungry. |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:48am
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New video: http://youtu.be/r636jw2v05U" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/r636jw2v05U ------------- |
Posted By: MAT$O
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:49am
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This sport has no room for sour grapes and blatantly attacking a current champion is not only in bad taste but hurtful. I know I come across as a stone cold killer on the field but I bleed and cry just like you guys. ------------- USPlabs Conquest Nutrition SPORT KILT Clevenger Sheaves http://www.mattvincent.net/store-3/training-lab-2/" rel="nofollow - Training LAB ebook "Strength Training for The Highland Games |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:51am
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I didn't see anything in the videos about Scott Rider...
------------- |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:56am
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Two new ones today: http://youtu.be/r636jw2v05U" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/r636jw2v05U http://youtu.be/u0BIINEO2O4" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/u0BIINEO2O4 ------------- |
Posted By: jhbucy
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:02am
| Last video won't play correctly sir. |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:10am
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Try again, works fine for me.
------------- |
Posted By: jhbucy
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:21am
Thanks That was the best advice I've seen anyone give in a long time. "Get in the gym and do something"
|
Posted By: Borges
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 10:55am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AihvuZiDhsg" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AihvuZiDhsg
------------- Cheers, Carlos "Live free or die" |
Posted By: Calamari
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 12:33pm
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Very elequently put Mark, you should be proud of yourself; if you were trying to be a dick ------------- Representing the new World orange. Sponsored by Mississippi Security Police, WGUD Channel 19 |
Posted By: Sean
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 12:57pm
| Mark doesn't TRY anything. |
Posted By: Mike Beech
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 1:04pm
Just because he rocks, it doesn't mean he's made of stone, people. ------------- http://www.txceltics.org" rel="nofollow - Texas Celtic Athletic Association http://www.throwbros.com" rel="nofollow - Throw Bros. - Aaron vs. Mike |
Posted By: jsully
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 1:31pm
 |
Posted By: Alan H
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 3:27pm
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I haven't watched the video's and probably won't. The man is entitled to his opinion, and if he's been throwing for 20+ years, then I suppose he's doubly entitled. He's entitled to express his opinion, as long as he doesn't violate anybody elses' rights when he does so. He can do so, loudly and frequently. Fair Game. I happen to have the right to spend my time looking at something else on YouTube, and I expect that I will exercise that option. .....or drag my sorry, weak, worthless 56 year old ass out to the field to practice, again. Yeah, I think I'll do that, instead. ------------- Alan Hebert Geezer-In-Training |
Posted By: Jeff Ingram
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 4:43pm
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I am finding the responses to these videos very interesting, so far. Please continue. |
Posted By: Stanley
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:39pm
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Inadequate testing (I assume he was being facetious), inadequate entry standards, too many unqualified participants, inadequate enforcement, I had to check and make sure I wasn't listening to interviews on land surveying. These are complaints I hear daily from others in my profession (a dying profession IMO). I completely understand the venom. Try investing $30k in an education and 20 years in a business only to find you picked a dying profession. Not to say HG is dying. But I see other professions dying all around me, and I think it is a symptom of society. Automatic cashiers, automatic billboards, ATMs, every time we use one of these we help put someone out of a job. With land surveying in AZ we are beholden to a State Board which has no clue what we do. For HG I see that it should be much easier to steer the ship. Someone just has to see the problems and do something about it. I for one was (outwardly) unaware of an existing disdain for us ams. I would say that at times I can feel it. Personally, I have busted my ass to get where I am in the HG, and I would continue to throw even if that we're a backyard game. If changes need to be made to support the pro class, I respect that. Decide what it is and get it done. I guess I am saying I understand how Vallenti feels, but my question would be what are you (pros) doing about it, other than creating further divisions within your profession? I am at the top of mine and will likely never be a Pro HGer, but I am very active in trying to save mine from dying. My 2 cents for a situation which I see as very similar to mine. |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:43pm
Nothing. Most of the Pros only care about themselves and are only making HG more divisive. ------------- |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 8:43pm
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Another new one: http://youtu.be/ZATnrPzTTac" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/ZATnrPzTTac
------------- |
Posted By: butterbean
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:04pm
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These crack me up...true valenti form ------------- CLAN DAVE FOREVER! |
Posted By: Daniel McKim
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:12pm
This is a sad statement, and one I find not true. ------------- http://www.believethrower.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.believethrower.com |
Posted By: Juli Peterson
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 9:38pm
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I understand in Strongman how American's get their Pro Card. Can someone explain to me how it happens in HG? Are there special Games where the top Am wins their Pro status? Appreciate it. jp ------------- You have to stop doing that Juli, if it worked we'd all be doing it. tosabarbell.com |
Posted By: Andy Vincent
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 10:00pm
| There is no formal process Juli, just declare yourself a pro. The trick is finding games to throw in, since the overwhelming majority are invite only. |
Posted By: Juli Peterson
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 10:08pm
Got it. Thank you. jp ------------- You have to stop doing that Juli, if it worked we'd all be doing it. tosabarbell.com |
Posted By: dWood
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 10:47pm
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Ok after 22 years in the sport sweating his all to hairy back off for the highland games Mr Markie Valenti has every right to vent but we as fans can also comment on his rants...... As an athlete I think Mark has achieved a lot and threw 44/86in the weights which put him in the upper third of pro men to compete and made the Celtic a few times. Kudos! As a person- only met him once in Canada and while he razzed us( we were the Us team in the innagruatl Usa vs Canada cup) for competing for free but did share some training ideas,and while he was standoffish and sarcastic( being a NYC street cop had seen better and treated a he'll of lot worse) didn't hate him Nasga Persona he comes across as a sexist,egotistical douche bag but think he gets off on it and the videos just further this... I really wish he would stay in the sport for the love of competing,and tradition...don't think you would hear Harvey B,Larry Satchwell,or the great Jim Pauli crying about the sport like Mark did but Markie has every right at least he outlasted the other egotistical,sexist one from Philly ------------- JUST BRING IT / SPEED KILLS..BUT STRENGTH PUNISHES |
Posted By: Alan H
Date Posted: 7/31/13 at 11:46pm
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Craig, I have to say that every time I've asked a "Pro" for a few minutes of their time and some help when they've had some down-time at the Games, every one of them has helped me. Bert Sorin took time out to help me with some WOB tips at Enumclaw Mike Pockoski has helped me immensely over the years, like, over and over again. I owe a lot to Mike. Matt Vincent has given me advice via FB and e-mail, not to mention his training book which is available to anyone for a measly sum. Sean Betz went so far as to lay out a personal 6-week training cycle for me, once, on this forum. I haven't pestered Dan McKim, yet but there will soon be a stones video on YouTube and I'm sure Dan will have something to say about it. Rusty Price has gone out of his way to help me with stones and lifting advice, for a ridiculously pathetic sum. I paid the man half again more than he wanted, because I got so much out of the time I spent with him. Ryan Vierra has helped me for a piddly little amount of money, with one-on-one coaching And Adriane Wilson has helped me many times with suggestions and observations about stones technique. Every one of these interactions has been positive, and I count a couple of these people as friends. It's one of the great things about this sport. Hacks like me can be on a first-name basis with the best in the world. Try that in football or basketball or hockey, or my "other" sport, sailing. You think hack ole boat owner me gets to hang and get tactical advice from James Spithill, skipper of the Oracle Syndicate racing boat in the America's Cup. Not bloody likely. ------------- Alan Hebert Geezer-In-Training |
Posted By: TomLawrence
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 4:29am
+1000 I have had the same experience, and it has been entirely positive. ------------- Aim high. Stay hungry. |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 5:54am
Really? I've discussed on here several times and will be happy to discuss this with you in person next time we throw together Dan. The supporting of multiple world championships, along with other things has historically divided (and some would say ruined) other strength sports. You really don't have to look far to see this. If you don't think this is having an effect on us currently, then you have been talking to different Athletic Directors than I have. So I stand by my statement, most Pros only care about themselves (with regards to Highland games in general as indicated by context in this thread), and would happily go and throw in 10 different world championships if they were paid to do so. Credibility of the sport be damned.
Did you just read my response without reading what it was a response to? Personally the Pros are a fantastic group of gentlemen, and I never claimed otherwise. Professionally, I believe that they don't really care about the future of highland games. It's even been said by some of them on here with statements similar to, "I don't care who's game it is, I just wanna throw against the best!" and the like. Not caring who and what you're supporting is the problem, and exactly what I stated in response to Stanley. I guess we'll see in a few years when some of them retire how many stick around to raise money for pro games or AD games and help further the sport. Next time please read all the responses and don't put words in my mouth.
------------- |
Posted By: Daniel McKim
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 6:13am
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Craig - Through the years we've disagreed on a number of issues surrounding this sport. I'd be more than happy to discuss them, again, with you in person or however you would like. I'm afraid this is another area where I don't agree with you and your statement, "Most of the Pros only care about themselves and are only making HG more divisive." ------------- http://www.believethrower.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.believethrower.com |
Posted By: mcdonl
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 6:17am
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If it makes anyone feel any better EMS providers and Fur Trappers have the exact same arguments.
Another thought... imagine if you could volunteer to be a MLB Out Fielder because you loved the games. Imagine that your a PRO Out Fielder who is told they are being cut (Along with their salary) because they have a guy that will do it for nothing. Seems queer doesnt it? ------------- Leroy McDonough |
Posted By: Geisler
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 6:24am
| Ding, Ding, Ding! |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 7:53am
Fantastic, I'll see you tomorrow! I look forward to hearing how having multiple world championships doesn't make the sport more divisive, cause for the life of me I can't figure out how that's a good thing, and neither could powerlifting or strongman. The athletes could EASILY fix it, and they are choosing not to, that's what I see. ------------- |
Posted By: Sean
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:05am
DingDingDing!
I'm not quite matching Valenti for years in the sport, but I've been in it a long time and seen a few changes of the guard. The overwhelming majority retire when the numbers start to slide, never to really be heard from again.
I agree with Mark on almost all his points, really, and I KNOW I suck. But I've never stopped trying to get stronger, faster, better, etc and even I find it frustrating playing around guys who are just looking for Participant ribbons or more classes so they can win without getting better.
In short, if you took what Valenti said personally:
 |
Posted By: Daniel McKim
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:13am
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I think everyone would like to see a single recognized world championship, but that will prove difficult without a single governing body, which we know isn't going to happen. Yep, I will be in Detroit, as well - I don't get to throw with you much anymore. Will be go to do so again. ------------- http://www.believethrower.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.believethrower.com |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:16am
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I look forward to it my friend.
------------- |
Posted By: rob meulenberg
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:17am
^^^ THIS I know there are some dudes out there who like to dress up in their kilt and drink beer and take a few tosses. That is their prerogative. I just don't get it. I have met a lot of awesome people in the games, both in person and on this board. I love the community. I love to root on my friends/competitors at a game. But I never forget that these are competitions. If you are not out to win and get better, than why do it? I am an uber-competitive person. Most of the guys I compete against are the same way. We are always striving to be better. Hell, I would throw pro tomorrow (right handed with my torn bicep) if I could get invites. Like Andy said, though, in HG that is the key (getting invites). Just because you say you are pro, doesn't mean you will be able to throw as a pro. But my long term goal in HG is to throw pro. Even if I never get good enough to get there, that is my goal. I know I am old and running out of time, but you can't ever accomplish a goal if you don't set one. I learned so much this year in Rhode Island because the Ams got to throw with the Pros. I wish I could do that all the time. ------------- www.sportkilt.com |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:18am
|
Sean Langford, ladies and gentlemen, speaker of all that is true. ------------- |
Posted By: Krazy40
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:26am
This year's Am Word's is proof of that. The only people that believe that was a "world championship" are the crowd that was there. Nobody else is buying it.
It will take all the pros around the world to fix that. To pick 1 event/AD or not attend a WC at all. I don't think that will easily be done. Because #23 will always be happy to accept an invite to a WC
PS> I have not clue who #23 is, I just picked a random number. (just happens to be Jordan's number, GO BULLS!!!) ------------- Jeremy Gillingham "Go Big or Go Home" Sponsors: http://www.stoutbarbell.com/Home_Page.html http://www.backinact.com/newpatients.htm |
Posted By: Detroitpete
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:27am
 ------------- Mark Peterson. Pissing off bullies since 1965 |
Posted By: mcdonl
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:29am
|
Rob, talk to Will, Zolk, Sam G, Beau... they all have the formula and same drive that you have.
What I like about the HG is the diversity in talent. I know that at my age, I could never be much more competitive than I am, but there are always others in my range so I find competition.
John M and I knew in Belfast we would not beat Scott and Al.... but we found competition in each other and tried our hardest. ------------- Leroy McDonough |
Posted By: Krazy40
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:32am
------------- Jeremy Gillingham "Go Big or Go Home" Sponsors: http://www.stoutbarbell.com/Home_Page.html http://www.backinact.com/newpatients.htm |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:37am
I do, and you are mostly right. If the top 10 guys agreed and banded together, that would get the job done.
Then I feel bad for #23 and wish mercy on his soul. Or not. ------------- |
Posted By: rob meulenberg
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:38am
Believe me, I have bugged the crap out of Sam G and also Zolk in RI. I will get to meet Will and Beau in Maine, and I will be bugging the crap out of Will once I am healed up since he lives in Maine now. lol
And that is what I mean. Always competing. For instance, I know that I cannot beat Kaste right now. But it is still one of my goals every game. The better I get, the more I can push the top guys and maybe beat them, and hopefully up THEIR game too. I remember competing in 2009 America's Strongest Man. Andy V. was there...he whooped up on me among others. Poundstone won...I knew I could not beat him overall. He was just better. But my goal was to beat him on at least one event. Which I did. Gotta always be competitive. Gotta always have goals. Otherwise, that breeds mediocrity. ------------- www.sportkilt.com |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:39am
|
And #23 is Chafin. I can guarantee you HE wouldn't go and would side with those who are right. But I get your point, I guess I just have more faith in people, if we were to actually take a stand. ------------- |
Posted By: Krazy40
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:44am
|
You mean HE would go where ever you and KO told him to. LOL
Gotta love me some Chafin(that doesn't even sound right) ------------- Jeremy Gillingham "Go Big or Go Home" Sponsors: http://www.stoutbarbell.com/Home_Page.html http://www.backinact.com/newpatients.htm |
Posted By: Roland D.
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:54am
|
I humped furniture and appliances for 10 years (kids - GO TO COLLEGE!). I felt plenty strong, then I was in a head on collision and ruptured 4 discs in my back. Just over a year later I was down to 170 pounds and always in pain. I started lifting weights to get back into some sort of shape, then 7 years later found HG. I was 42. Yes, I STARTED HG at 42! Thank you Frank Stasa and Harvey Barkauskas for taking the time to train me. I will always appreciate that. I made it back to 265 pounds and was aiming higher and...blew out my back in again training!!! This time L5/S1. I still didn't quit! I came back last year after 3 years off again. Isn't refusing to quit a sure sign of some kind of strong? I will NEVER be a pro...NEVER! But as best I am able, I will throw for as long as I can because I love the people (even you Mark), love to compete and yes, as you said Mark, get better. I also went to college at 42, so one is never too old. You have always been super nice to me Mark, but what you said about masters (about me) goes in one ear and out of the other. I am 52 now, throwing again and grateful to the HG for all I have received, and hopefully I have given some in return. I still have that Jimmy Buffet DVD for you when I see you again. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some aerobics to go finish. Oh, I also have a new Italian joke. don't worry, I'll tell it slowly. ------------- Could you make that throw when it matters...as it matters in battle? Could you crush a man with that throw? |
Posted By: butterbean
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:58am
|
When will new video be posted? Having Valentigeddon withdrawals ------------- CLAN DAVE FOREVER! |
Posted By: Detroitpete
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 8:58am
I'm not speaking for all the kilted beer pounders who come in and take a few tosses. But I'm sorry you don't understand the balance between training, practice, focus on getting better, supporting your fellow throwers and realizing at the end of the day, we're just a bunch of dancing monkeys and NO ONE really loses sleep over what we do or how we do it. I throw with guys from Michigan. We always have a blast--and to a man, I KNOW each guy puts his best into each throw--we take great pride in besting each other, if only for trash talk rights. I don't know where you get the idea that what we want is some participant ribbon or sliced and diced classes so we have a better chance of winning. If there are guys out there like that, I truly feel sorry for them. Guys that are uber serious and out to crush their competitors only last about one or two games with us.I hope they do well with their anger, frustration, self loathing and ulcers. Don't get me wrong--we all train as much as we can. We take pride in what we do. But speaking for myself, Highland Games will not cure cancer. A win at whatever 'championship' one competes in, does not make anyone more of a Man. I've been an athlete all my life and have seen guys like this no matter what sport. I've played lacrosse, rugby, boxing and even a season in semi-pro football as a kick/punt return maniac. This type of guy was usually seen in the locker room injecting whatever into his body for a rediculous semi-pro game. As far as multiple classes, I think it's good for the support. More variety, more participation, more money coming in, PLUS it gives smaller fesitivals the chance to have a field a decent amount of competitors with a minimum of cost. I have said this before--and it shouldn't matter to anyone, but I'm 5'7" 185 lbs and 48 years old. I'll throw lightweight, Masters or Open. I could care less if I'm throwing a 56 with guys that weigh 300lbs, or a 42 with old farts. I show up. I throw. I work the crowd and I have fun. The pros do as they wish--which is their perogative. They have their own world. I also need to say that many of the pros I've had the chance to talk to and throw with have been helpful. But they're in a different world then am hacks like me. My goal is to have my beat up, but still competitive Scottish/Sicilian ass, enjoying the games from our side of the fence as long as I can. Call me an am hack. Call me a pock mark on the raified air of what should be a pro-only sport. Call me a small, weak old man. But call me when you have a games, because I'll pay to show up, buy my own food, toss back a few with my brothers, make sure the crowd has fun and I'll enjoy every bloody moment of the day. ------------- Mark Peterson. Pissing off bullies since 1965 |
Posted By: Krazy40
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:09am
Well said ------------- Jeremy Gillingham "Go Big or Go Home" Sponsors: http://www.stoutbarbell.com/Home_Page.html http://www.backinact.com/newpatients.htm |
Posted By: rob meulenberg
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:23am
OOOOOkay. I see nowhere, in this anger-ridden rant, where any of my comments come into play. I can summarize my post: 1) Why do this sport if not to be competitive? 2) I love to root on my fellow competitors, who happen to be my friends. 3) If you are not striving to be better, than why do it? You talk like taking it serious is some bad thing. If I have a bad throw, I get pissed off. Sulk for all of 10 seconds, then pick my head up and root for the next guy. I am not angry...nope, from your response you seem to be the angry one for some reason. I do not believe this should be a pro-only sport. If that was the case, I would not be doing it. Don't put Valenti's video words in my mouth. My main thought it this...if you are an Am, then strive to be a better Am. At some point, a better Am is a Pro. Like Leroy said a few posts ago...realize your limitations, but always have a goal and strive for better. I am seriously trying to see how your rant has anything to do with my post. I am a fairly educated guy, so it cannot be because I am dumb. ------------- www.sportkilt.com |
Posted By: Krazy40
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:28am
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Calm down guys, the focus of this thread is Valenti's video's. Don't make Criag lock it up before we get all of them. ------------- Jeremy Gillingham "Go Big or Go Home" Sponsors: http://www.stoutbarbell.com/Home_Page.html http://www.backinact.com/newpatients.htm |
Posted By: Steve Conway
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:29am
| It's sad, but from my perspective, most (not all) pro's only care about the $, they will throw anywhere in any "championship" if the money is there. Witness Antigonish and Dana Point this year. At Antigonish, only two athletes expressed interest in why Rod Hadley wasn't the AD, no one cared, show me the money... |
Posted By: Sean
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:31am
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Yeah, it seemed mostly non-sensical to me too. And also like some kind of bitchfest like those that are trying to throw this shit far do things like ignore work, family, life etc. Most of us have wives, kids, jobs, etc that we try to balance out.
I wake up at Zero Dark Thirty most of the time to get my weight training in so it doesn't interfere with my family. I plan and schedule with my wife so I can get out and throw without taking too much time away. But the simple fact is, I FFFFFing work at it. Without complaint because I love it.
But I've thrown around lots of guys who always talk about how they are too busy to lift weights or train but always seem to know what's going on with every professional sport known to man and what happened on Arrested Development last night.
HG NEEDS Ams. Period. There's never been a pyramid built in history that started with the peak. You need the wide base to get the higher points. But there should always be that push. Always that drive.
If you're happy going out, seeing your friends, drinking in the beer tent after and throwing the light weight 10' under what Kate Burton throws, then good on you.
But that ain't me.
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Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:32am
THANK YOU. You are not the only AD who feels this way either Steve. I find it sad. Furthers my point, but I'm really interested to see what Dan has to say in opposition this weekend. ------------- |
Posted By: phatmiked
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:36am
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I agree with some of what Mark says. It's funny b/c this is so much deja vu. Rehashing things that have been rehashed so many times. At least this time its multimedia. I also find it funny that Mark in person and Mark on the board are quite different. At least in my limited experience. Will everyone who stuck around/sticks around for 22 years be provided this great platform? I don't think the multiple WC issue proves a lack of integirty and love of the game by the pro's. I think it is more a symptom of the "feudal" nature of the games and the level (low) of pay. Perhaps someone is projecting a bit here?  ------------- |
Posted By: Steve Conway
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:37am
| As for Mark's rants...nothing new there, classic Valenti. Insulting, funny, sophomoric, mostly true, biased, sexist, etc. Will we see a rant about racking up bogus caber points in order to move up in the rankings? |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:45am
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You never know...
------------- |
Posted By: Ryan Stewart
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 9:47am
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Don't get too fired up about what Valenti says people. The online Valenti is a very different person than the guy on the field. The guy I have thrown with and gone to dinner with is actually a nice person. Even nice to all the people he just talked all that shit about. Online Valenti is a different story. I don't like seeing these videos cause all it does is bring the sport down and makes the Pros look bad. The only video I agree with is the one about Portland being the best in the west. This is very true. As for paying Queen and Carl to bring REAL pros in... That's a bullshit statement. The pros that are there every year are solid and at least half are in the top 10. I won't argue about the other videos cause we all know they are just plain ridiculous. 95% of the Pro class does not feel the way Valenti does. That being said, Have a nice retirement V. Hope your gym does well and have a great life with Erin. Gonna miss seeing standing abs everyday in your training log ;) ------------- John Gallagher- "MASS MOVES MASS" |
Posted By: Soul Eater
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:01am
| Valenti claims he is weaker than he use to be, look at his the scores from Celtic in 2001, and look at his throws in the rankings this year. He is actually stronger at 42 than he was at 30. Or he at least throws much farther now. |
Posted By: jsully
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:05am
Interesting. Do you really think that would do it?
I mean, Webster has been running WCs for 30+ years, right?
So you're suggesting we boycott Webster AND IGHF. Meanwhile, Scotlands WC doesn't care who shows up so they're going to keep running it as a WC regardless.
How is that really a WC? AT least Websters is attempting to get the best in the world all in one place.
At the very best we would STILL have two WCs.. *shrug*
Ideas?
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Posted By: Detroitpete
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:06am
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Rob, got your point. Let me put it this way, if we are ever on the field together, I'll root for you and want to see you do your dead level best. Give me the chance and I'll smack talk and bust your chops all in good fun and expect the same from you. At the end of the day when we're beat up and tired, I'll buy you a beer, hand you a cigar and say, "hell of a day, eh brother"? So when we do meet, I hope to see you throw your balls off. First beer is on me ------------- Mark Peterson. Pissing off bullies since 1965 |
Posted By: Jeff Ingram
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:21am
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Jeeez there are SO many good posts here and the point seems to be getting missed amongst all the butthurtedness. Rob M, Sean and Craig are laying down wisdom here. |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:37am
Yes, I do.
Right.
I'm not suggesting anything. No one counts the SGA games as the World Champs, it's pretty irrelevant.
Oh, I got plenty of ideas, but as I've noted many times, and as Steve Conway (and a bunch of other people offline) have confirmed, the current pros don't care. ------------- |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:38am
I may never post in another thread on this board again. Might just keep all my comments in this one thread. ------------- |
Posted By: Daniel McKim
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:38am
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I am not opposed to a single World Championship all countries agree on, but again, that is highly unlikely without a governing body or some sort "thrower's union" that many other sports have, but I am not advocating that, either. This topic has been debated for years, but I don't see a viable remedy soon. ------------- http://www.believethrower.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.believethrower.com |
Posted By: jsully
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:42am
I see what you're getting at. Well played, sir.
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Posted By: Sean
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:43am
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Hey, HEY!
I was 9th in the World in 2010 because of that competition, thankyouverymuch!
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Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:44am
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You earned your forum title sir, no one can argue otherwise.
------------- |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:46am
You actually are opposed to it, via supporting multiple ones currently (which was also Steve's point). I really don't see how that's not black and white. I'm sorry for jumping the gun a day on the conversation and will wait til I see you tomorrow or Saturday to continue. ------------- |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 10:57am
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Another one: http://youtu.be/rs4id39-JG8" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/rs4id39-JG8 ------------- |
Posted By: Daniel McKim
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 11:01am
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So, essentially, a thrower's union against certain games? I am saying that will prove difficult for a myriad of reasons. Sure, man, we have lots of topics surrounding this sport we can discuss - there are topics in this sport we just have differing opinions on. ------------- http://www.believethrower.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.believethrower.com |
Posted By: grasshopper
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 11:02am
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You guys are missing the only video that is need of any sort of argument on here!!! Spinning WOB!!! LOL!!!  ------------- "Breathe deeply. Refuse to be weak. Refuse to be sick. Refuse to die. Think strong and you will be." -The Mighty Atom (Yoselle Greenstein) |
Posted By: Andy Vincent
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 11:06am
Looking forward to this. My flight gets in at 7:35 tomorrow evening, anyone up for dinner and a beer or two?
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Posted By: Soul Eater
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 11:33am
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I'm going to give you guys a gem here and this is what I love about the games and it's not entirely about money but just being yourself. Mike Z and myself throwing my 5yr old boy like a braemar in the hotel pool after the game about 20 minutes worth. It doesn't get any better than that ever. You choose how you want to be remembered. I remember Jeff Bain, Dave Brown, Ali Gunn, Mike Smith, Hans, Danny Frame, Craig Sinclair, SinClair Patience, Sebastian Wenta, Wout Zilstra, John Odden, Matt Sandford, Scott Rider, Neil Elliot, Steven Aitken and Bruce, Steven King, Dan Mckim, Eric Frasure, Greg Bell, Sean Betz, Chad Gustin and Craig Smith. I respect these guys because at some point they did something they didn't have to, that made things a little better for me or a member of my family. Thank you to all you guys. |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 12:41pm
I love that we have different opinions, the world would be boring if we were all the same. In this specific example you see it difficult for a myriad of reason, and I only see one reason. ------------- |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 12:43pm
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On a different note, I'm petitioning my local YMCA to lower the basketball rims for a league I want to play in. It's not fair that I'm not as tall as others. ------------- |
Posted By: Krazy40
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 12:54pm
------------- Jeremy Gillingham "Go Big or Go Home" Sponsors: http://www.stoutbarbell.com/Home_Page.html http://www.backinact.com/newpatients.htm |
Posted By: Steve Conway
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 1:12pm
| Just a clarification: I'm talking about the pro's and to some extent the Am's in the context of how they act and think in regards to the games. It has very little to do with what kind of people they are on a personal level, I'm friends with many of the pro's and consider them good people. |
Posted By: S McCracken
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 2:24pm
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I am not going to go through all the quote magic because my thoughts on this are pretty general. Mark makes a lot of good points in rants and I agree with a lot of them, some are a little over the top but he is entitled after 22 years. I have known Mark for about 10 years and he has spent time with me on many occasions trying to help me out. I know he talks tuff but if your respectful he will help anyone as well as do most the Pros I know. I have seen many of them give pointers to AM’s out on the field so use a broad brush they all only care about themselves maybe a little harsh. I think I know where Craig is going with the Pro’s only care about themselves thing, but I’ll leave that one alone since I am not a Pro. Injures have plagued me most of my sports career and this is the kind of sport where even a bad day on the field is a good time. Everyone wants to throw farther and if you say you’re in it just for the fun your full of it. My goal is always to throw better than my last game and try not to finish in last place. Because I know am an A- armature on my best day. Sean as you know for most of us work, and life in general makes training a real struggle. I am lucky to get 2-3 days to train most weeks and throwing practice is almost impossible anymore. But we do our best to get it done. Coaching my kids football and baseball has become a much bigger priority for me. As for Mark’s to rant about AM’s getting better or just be a spectator is crazy. He knows the festivals needs the side show act. As for the Masters thing I can’t believe none of the Masters are piping up about this? I turn 40 in a month and my body is excited to through the 42 over the 56. His compression shirt thoughts are also crazy since 99% of the AM’s Pro’s and Masters are all a cup size away from wearing a training bra Including Mark. I little off subject, but it may be on a soon to be released Yewtoobs video. I have seen a lot of festivals come and go in the last 8-10 years and budgets can only support AM’s. Have any of you Pro’s given any thoughts on what you might do if there were only AM and Masters games left? No need for any World Champ debat if that happens? ------------- North American Highlander Ohio Chair www.nahighlander.com |
Posted By: C. Smith
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 2:47pm
This. I'm not sure why people got that perception to begin with, I suspect it was a reading comprehension issue. ------------- |
Posted By: D. Haakenson
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 2:59pm
I suspect it was just a total lack of reading. Once you admit that you have no desire to comprehend, you can just skip the boring reading.
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Posted By: Borges
Date Posted: 8/01/13 at 3:07pm
+1 and +1 to both of y'all. Mark suggested that people should have to throw the 56 at least 35' before being allowed to post here, I'd suggest that they should be required to read above the third grade level. ------------- Cheers, Carlos "Live free or die" |