Nine contests are slated for this weekend in the NPC. Check out what’s happening below at some of the biggest regional events on the calendar!
WEST COAST CLASSIC: ROSEMEAD, CA
It began as the NPC California Collegiates back in 1999, with only 27 competitors–14 male and 13 female bodybuilders. But the fella who won, Charles Ray Arde, eventually went on to earn pro status. That was the beginning of big things to come for the show, promoted by Lonnie Teper, Editor-at-Large at IRON MAN Magazine.
The contest evolved into the Western Collegiates, then grew into the Junior Cal. In 2010, after being granted national qualifier status, the West Coast Classic was born. It went from 80 competitors the year before, to 140 in 2010. Last year competitor totals expanded to 175 (233 with crossovers); currently, numbers are running ahead of last season for this year’s version.
The quality has grown with the totals. Last year, five competitors from the WCC went on to finish in the top five at the USA. Narmin Assria, who won the Bikini A division, did likewise at the USA and now competes on the pro stage. Two other athletes won their class at the Masters Nationals. Another, Vida Guerra, who made her NPC bikini debut at the WCC last season, finished third in her class in at the 2011 Nationals, and just won her pro card with a class win at the Junior Nationals, held in Chicago this past weekend.
Several outstanding competitors have entered the 2012 version, including Jeremy Patterson, perhaps more known as the “guy in the Muscle Tech ads) than for his titles on stage, Monty Rogers and other standouts from all over the country.
Jay Cutler, who has guest posed many times over the years, won’t be able to do his routine this time around due to biceps surgery earlier in the year. But, the four-time Mr. Olympia has a booth at the show to meet and greet the fans, and will speak to the crowd on stage about his injury, his new supplement line, and if he will be competing in this year’s Mr. Olympia. Pro bodybuilder Jerome (Hollywood) Ferguson will be doing his famous “Who Let the Dogs Out?” routine.
Tickets are available at the door on a first come, first serve basis. Prejudging is 11 am, finals at 6 pm sharp. Call 626-665-7000 or go to www.npcwestcoast.com for more information.
GREATER GULF STATES/USA WHEELCHAIR NATIONALS: METAIRE, LA
Held in conjunction with the IFBB Greater Gulf Bikni and Men’s and Women’s Physique Championships, nearly 200 competitors are expected on the NPC side this weekend. Special appearances by Guest MCs Bob Cicherillo and IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona, two-time Figure Olympia winner Nicole Wilkins and IFBB Figure pro Krissy Chin highlight the event.
FLEX LEWIS CLASSIC: MURFREESBORO, TN
2008 Mr. Olympia and standout 212 competitor Guy Cisternino are the featured guest posers at the second-annual Flex Lewis Classic. Also includes appearances by 1989 Arnold Classic winner and three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up Rich Gaspari and – of course – 202 Showdown runner-up Flex Lewis.
ADELA GARCIA CLASSIC: PFLUGERVILLE, TX
Six-time Fitness Olympia winner Adela Garcia hosts the second Adela Garcia Classic where roughly 225 competitors (including crossovers) are expected to attend. This year’s featured guest posers are New York Pro third-place finisher Steve Kuclo and the always-entertaininig IFBB Fitness pro Oksana Grishnia.
PHILADELPHIA CHAMPIONSHIPS/TRACEY GREENWOOD CLASSIC: SWARTHMORE, PA
Now in its 8th year, the Philadelphia Championships/Tracey Greenwood Classic has grown in size each year, generating a great response from athletes as far away as Wisconsin, Indiana and Florida. Over the years the contest has had had several notable IFBB guest posers, including Bob Chicerillo, Darrem Charles, Brian Chamberlain and 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson. This year Fred Smalls – one of the IFBB’s most entertaining posers – is the events featured our guest poser. Former IFBB Pro and Nationals Champion Alq Gurley MC’s the event.
OTHER NPC EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:
– Victory Classic – Kannapolis, North Carolina
– Battle On The Coast – Satellite Beach, Florida
– Virginia Grand Prix – Norfolk, Virginia
– Connecticut State Championships – New Haven, Connecticut
