APO West Coast Wreckage 2026 Recap
Grinder Gym – San Diego, CA
The 3rd Annual APO West Coast Wreckage returned to Grinder Gym in San Diego, bringing together lifters from across California and beyond for a day of serious strength.
What started just a few years ago has quickly become one of the most anticipated APO meets on the West Coast. Lifters filled the platform with big numbers, strong team representation, and the kind of energy that makes Grinder Gym one of the best meet venues around.
From the opening squat attempts to the final deadlifts, the competition delivered.
Best Lifters of the Meet
Two athletes stood above the field and earned Best Lifter honors.
Austin Mennen (Back Alley Barbell) delivered the performance of the day with a massive 342.5 kg squat, 292.5 kg bench, and 345 kg deadlift, totaling 980 kg and earning Best Male Lifter.
On the women’s side, Veronica Rosado earned Best Female Lifter with a strong performance that included a 142.5 kg squat, 57.5 kg bench, and 135 kg deadlift, totaling 335 kg.
Both lifters set the tone for the meet and showcased elite-level strength.
Team Performances
Back Alley Barbell
Back Alley Barbell brought serious firepower to the platform.
Austin Mennen dominated the meet with his 980 kg total (342.5 / 292.5 / 345).
Teammate Joe Gargiulo also delivered a strong performance, pressing 230 kg on the bench.
Westside Militia
Westside Militia had a strong presence once again.
Ana Leon-Navarro put together a solid performance with 112.5 kg squat, 52.5 kg bench, and 112.5 kg deadlift for a 277.5 kg total.
David Pat showed his bench strength with a 275 kg bench press.
Andres R. Cuadros added another big bench to the team’s results with 197.5 kg.
John Heldt lifted 122.5 kg on the bench and 245 kg on the deadlift for a 367.5 kg total.
Ronald Heldt posted 137.5 kg squat, 110 kg bench, and 167.5 kg deadlift for a 415 kg total.
Hillside Power
Christopher Robinson had a big day, hitting 305 kg squat, 230 kg bench, and 245 kg deadlift for a 780 kg total.
Teammate Nicholas Mitchell followed closely with 310 kg squat, 215 kg bench, and 262.5 kg deadlift, totaling 787.5 kg.
M3 Method
Carolina Valdez represented M3 Method, totaling 207.5 kg with 60 kg squat, 42.5 kg bench, and 105 kg deadlift.
Powerhouse Strength System
Sam Lytle who usually sits in the judges chair, took to the platform representing Powerhouse Strength System with a 217.5 kg squat, 150 kg bench, and 227.5 kg deadlift, totaling 595 kg.
Independent Lifters
Several strong independent lifters also stepped up and delivered impressive performances.
Chikara Fukui put up a 105 kg bench press.
Jon Chandler posted one of the biggest totals of the day with 272.5 kg squat, 185 kg bench, and 307.5 kg deadlift, totaling 765 kg.
Matt Foreman set two national records in the squat and deadlift on his way to totaling 620 kg with 277.5 kg squat, 102.5 kg bench, and 240 kg deadlift.
Michael Smith finished with 185 kg squat, 120 kg bench, and 200 kg deadlift, totaling 505 kg.
Giovanna Anaya put together a strong meet with 82.5 kg squat, 50 kg bench, and 100 kg deadlift for a 232.5 kg total.
Guest lifter Mark Santandrea had a soilid performance with 277.5 kg squat, 227.5 kg bench, and 222.5 kg deadlift for a 727.5 kg total.
The Meet Keeps Growing
With three successful years now in the books, APO West Coast Wreckage continues to grow into one of the strongest local meets in California.
The combination of a great venue at Grinder Gym, strong team rivalries, and lifters pushing for big numbers made the 2026 edition another success.
If this year proved anything, it’s that the West Coast APO scene is alive and growing.
West Coast Wreckage is quickly becoming a staple on the calendar.
