Joe Rodriguez Retires from WSO Service

Photo: Julie Rodriguez, jmjphotos.net

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘇:⁣

“I am stepping down as the Hudson Valley Regional Representative for the NY WSO. It has been an honor to serve for both the NY WSO and the previous LWC. I am proud of what we accomplished in my seven combined years on both boards.⁣

Under my tenure with NY LWC President Christopher Smith, governorships were established to represent the different regions of NY. The NYS Weightlifting Championships were instituted to celebrate NY weightlifting at a high caliber event. This initial board that I worked with helped stoke my passion for the sport as I worked with like minds to promote and elevate NY weightlifting.⁣

Under NY WSO President James McDermott, we streamlined the administration of the WSO while expanding and improving the NYS Weightlifting Championships. This event has gotten such tremendous positive feedback that is has been said to be run even better than many national events. This only happened due to the collaborative efforts of the entire board and the dedicated leadership of James McDermott. We celebrate athletes, coaches and teams. Everything we have done has been run through our filter of what would be better for NY weightlifting, and how can we improve on that year after year. ⁣

Thank you to all of the board members that I’ve worked with over the years and to everyone who supported us and NY weightlifting. I’m proud of this community. I hope that others will step up to continue to improve upon what we have built.⁣

Life has taken me in a different direction, and I am no longer a NY resident. For the first time in my life, I am living in another state. I am still involved in the sport as a Coach, Technical Official and as an athlete. I look forward to reconnecting with the many friends I have made so far on this journey. I’ll see you on the platform soon.⁣”

Joe Rodriguez⁣

NY WSO Hudson Valley Regional Rep (retired)"

Photo: Julie Rodriguez, jmjphotos.net

Some Words on Joe:

The NY WSO is sad to hear that Joe Rodriguez, Hudson Valley Regional Representative, is stepping down from his position on the committee.

We're happy for Joe having recently retired from his full-time job and moving to Florida. He's on to new and exciting opportunities and we hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. Joe has been an invaluable member of our committee and has contributed greatly to the standards we currently hold within the organization.

Photo: Julie Rodriguez, jmjphotos.net

The State Championships are a perfect example of Joe’s contributions. He has been integral in the planning in the months leading up to each year’s event and served as Meet Director in 2023. On Fridays, he would drive a U-Haul full of wood and equipment across the state before we had a storage unit. On Saturdays, he would don the blue suit and work multiple sessions as a Technical Official while also coaching his athletes. On Sundays, in addition to officiating and coaching, Joe would help with breakdown. In 2022, he drove the U-Haul several hours back home after breakdown, not returning until around 1:30 AM. It doesn't matter if it was time, sleep, skipping a meal, donating his own equipment and supplies, or if he had to work the next day early in the morning, Joe never thought twice about making sacrifices for the WSO.

Photo: Julie Rodriguez, jmjphotos.net

There is so much more that could be written about Joe’s contributions, especially in the Hudson Valley, where he hosted many annual meets, often at a financial loss, but always with a desire to provide something special for the community.

Filling Joe’s shoes will be no easy task, and we will certainly feel his absence in our community.

We will provide information on filling the position when guidance is received from USAW. For now, please join us in saying:

THANK YOU, JOE!