I just got back to the hotel from attending the 2007 NPC Jr USA , held at the lovely Charleston SC Performing Arts Center. Tres Bennet and wife (pro fitness gal ) Shannon Miteraud did an OUTSTANDING job putting this event on. It was a beautiful theatre with plenty of parking and tiered theatre seasing with a top notch light and sound system. The event hotel was next to the venue and the show was run and organized like a well oiled machine.The night show looked like it only sold about 40% of available seats, which was ashame due the quality of the production. There were about a dozen vendors from the top name supplement companies. I got plenty of free samples and enjoyed talking to new and old bodybuilding friends. Lonnie Teper did his usual professional job at the mic as MC.
The woman's bodybuilding was low in number of entrants but had a few decent quality ladies on the stage.One woman in the hvy wt was big, ripped and freaky, but failed to maintain anything close to a feminine look , she ended up a controversial 2nd place. I agree with the judges on this one but can understand why some did not.
The fitness was also low in numbers but had an oustanding winner named Bethany who I believe was from NJ. She did a sexy and athletic routine comming out in a school girl costume , did a variety of impressive strength and gymnastic moves and was in top condition . The figure division had over 100 entrants with 2 IFBB pro cards at stake, the competition was fierce between the ladies. It almost seems too much to see that many sexy, pretty, tight booty babes on one stage
I don't remember the names of the top winners ,the overall wan one by some woman from Miami.In my judgement, one class winner (# 51 class C ) had what I felt was an ideal structure and overall near perfect balance to her figure. Alas, she failed to win one of the 2 pro cards despite winning her class .
The men's overall champ was massive , ripped and ready Super HVY winner Mike Horn of Mobile, AL.
Despite an impressive winner in the Hvy wt and Lt Hvy, Mike was just too big and impressive to be denied.
All Mike is lacking is more arm and overall back thickness to do real damage at the USA's or nationals.
This one guy named Roger , from AL , really impressed me with how RIPPED he was. He ended up 3rd in the middlewts and was beaten out by a couple of thicker guys, but his conditioning was INCREDIBLE.
A couple of gym buddies from my area were in the show. Jennifer Davis was in the figure class C, was off and failed to place. Dr Tres Williams dropped down to Hvy wt and nearly won the class , ending up in 3rd behind 2 good bodybuilders. Tres had the ol' soft hams and glutes after dropping from 280 to 224 and this hurt him in this lineup. Overall it was his best look ever and he made a solid impact on the national stage.
Branch Warren guest posed in fantastic condidtion, 2 weeks out from the NY pro event on May 14. He may have the best overall legs of any current pro . He looked HUGE and very muscular. Many remarked and how much bigger he looked this time up and were surprised but very impressed. While Branch may lack the ideal shape and structure, he is an incredible pro and should continue to do damage. He is a true hardcore bodybuilder and "no holds barred" mass freak . I for one enjoyed seeing him and feel his kind is always needed in our sport.
I met get big regular, and top BB photographer ,Issac and he interviewed me and we kept it loose and funny, he may post it in the near future. I finally met and spoke with judge and promoter Steve Wienbeger of NYC. Dexter Jackson was making the rounds and acting more like photographer which Tepper joked with him about from the mic. I always felt he was a straight shooter and the kind of man this sport needs more of. Dave Jumbo Polumbo was there getting back into decent shape , looking more healthy than I have ever seen him. He was with gal pal Collete Nielson who was looking massive but off season. I took a pic with IFBB lady pro and ATL area resident Annie Revechio (sp?) getting read for the ladies O this fall. Incredible delts on this woman and what a decent person she is.
It is always fun and meaningful to attend the bigger shows, I suggest many of YOU out there in get big land, do the same.
Howard
