2009 INBF WASHINGTON STATE NATURALS August 8, 2009 Arlington, Wa My journey to Washington started with a phone call from the Capital City promoter, Bob Bell, who left me a voice mail to go to Washington and compete for a chance at my pro card after losing the Capital City by a single point! After the Capital City I was ready to just sit back, relax, and eat! The very next night around 10:00 p.m. I got another phone call but this time from Head Judge Wade Brown. He also was trying to convince me to go to Washington to try to attain my pro card. I tried to tell him I gained 13lbs and with just three weeks to go to Washington I just didn't know if I could get back in condition. After a brief conversation with Wade, I started to have the itch again. The next day I went back on my diet and decided to push hard to reach my all time best for Washington. With just 2 1/2 weeks until Washington I managed to drop the 13 lbs and come into the show at my all time best and capture the Overall and the elusive WNBF Pro Card! Overall Winner & New WNBF Pro Jeff Alberts The promoters of the Washington State Naturals are Kevin & Denise James and they really know how to run a great show. Kevin & Denise really care about the sport of Natural Bodybuilding/Figure and it shows with the detailed care they put into every avenue of the event. Not only is the show ran very professional but also very entertaining as well with guest posers, ballroom dancers and other entertaining acts. Kevin & Denise are very encouraging with all the athletes by shouting out posing tips as well as encouraging comments out from the audience floor . Even though I am from a different state they made me feel very welcome at their show and for that I want to thank them for a weekend to remember! To learn more about Kevin & Denise James follow the link below. The athletes in Washington presented great physiques and were ready to do battle at the prejuging. I weighed in as a middleweight at 159 lbs. and my class was stacked with 8 well muscled natural athletes trying to claim the class. Here are some photos of the top athletes from the middelweight class in an intense prejudging.
Left Side Symmetry with conviction! Daniel Rutherford, Jeff Alberts, Ryan Mclaughlin
Guns are blazing!!
Flaring out the mighty lats!
Got Back?
Top 5 middles! Ryan Mclaughlin, Chris Meredith, Jeff Alberts, Jeremy Wahoski, Daniel Rutherford
The Final Battle at the Prejudging Posedown! The evening finals were very exciting as the Byrnes Performing Arts Center was filled with a great audience.
Brynes Perfoming Arts Center Arlington, Wa The lightweights were well represented with quality athletes but the winner was Jon Stockwell who displayed a very symmetrical physique. Jon had plenty of cut muscle and he was also awarded best poser.
Jon Stockwell - Men's Open Lightweight Champion The middleweights were next and here are some shots from my posing routine.
After a fierce posedown the placings were announced and the Top 5 were awarded. Jeremy Wahoski 5th, Daniel Rutherford 3rd, Jeff Alberts 1st, Ryan Mclaughlin 2nd, Chris Meredith 4th The lightheavies were up next and even though there were only two athletes in the class they were both in excellent shape. My friend Eric Helms claimed the class with perfect symmetry, good size, hanging hamstrings and perfect stage presence. This is Eric's 2nd class win in back to back shows!
Eric Helms - Light Heavyweight Champion In the heavyweight division returning champ Luke Ehlis was the man to beat on this night. Although the rest of the heavies were in good shape, Luke simply outmuscled and out conditioned them to capture his 2nd straight heavyweight title.
Luke Ehlis - Heavyweight Champion Then it was on to the Epic Battle of the night for the title of Washington State Natural Champion and also that elusive WNBF Pro Card! The lightweight winner Jon Stockwell, myself, Lightheavy winner Eric Helms and Heavyweight winner Luke Ehlis were all in great shape and ready to go pose for pose in a very tough decision for the judges. Round 1 - The Sultan's of Symmetry
Luke Ehlis, Eric Helms, Jeff Alberts, Jon Stockwell
Round 2 - Extreme Muscularity
Round 3 - The Final Posedown
Washington's Best Naturals in an Epic Friendly Battle! After a grueling overall comparison I was fortunate enough to win my pro card in a close decision by a single point!
Promoters Denise & Kevin James along with myself in a photo op.
The man that helped encourage me to go to Washington! Head Judge Wade Brown.
The best ran natural show in California, The Capital City, Promoted by Bob Bell & Tina Smith above. for more information visit their site at www.californianaturalmuscle.org
At the after party with my fellow natural athletes!
Enjoying the feast before us!
Hangin with the natural bodybuilding crew!!
At 38 years old and being the veteran this is what happens when you go head to head with youngsters like Luke & Eric!! The next morning trying to watch sportscenter!
The next day I had lunch with a long time high school friend of my wife and I, Jessika.
Jessika's son, Gavyn, having breakfast with me the next morning.
The next night at home enjoying my latest contest experience with a bottle of Cloud 9 wine. (Damn I'm skinny!!) I want to thank everyone who supported me through this contest especially my wife Jhanna. I really appreciate the support. I also want to say to Eric, Luke and Berto, you guys are truly great individuals and I am glad to have been able to share this experience with you guys. I will always remember this show for being the show of true camaraderie and friendship. Luke you are one big guy and your potential is limitless. You have great balance, conditioning, mass, stage presence and most of all you are a true gentlemen. Eric you inspire me due to your determination and dedication to keep improving every show. Your presentation is what really separates you from others and that is an art form. Berto you are not only a great natural pro but a great individual and I look forward to talking with you in the future! |
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