2009 NPC Midwest Results!
Check out Bodybuilding.com’s full contest coverage from this competition right here.
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2009 NPC Midwest Results. Check out the results from the 2009 NPC Midwest Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Classic contest here. |
NPC MIDWEST REVIEW:
On April 25th, 2009, the Roberts Orpheum Theater in downtown St. Louis was the site of the inaugrual NPC Midwest Classic, promoted by Jack and Ann Titone. It was a novice NPC show, and the first show they’ve promoted, but by attending or participating in it, you’d think it was a major, well oiled, pro show. Having attended countless NPC and IFBB shows over the last 12 years, I’ve seen pretty much everything there is to see at a bodybuilding show, good and bad. Without question, this was one of the best physique shows I’ve ever witnessed, from a number of standpoints.
First, from a spectator’s standpoint, this was one of the best run shows, NPC or otherwise, I’ve seen in a long long time. Thanks to assembling a great team of experienced expediters and support personnel, things ran nearly flawlessly, and the team was well prepped to answer questions from the novice competitors and fans alike. It’s clear that meticulous planning went into this event, and the team assembled was passionate about bodybuilding and the NPC, and are true fans of the sport. The fans had good views of the stage/competitors, the music was at exciting yet not overbearing levels, and the emcee, St. Louis police officer Mark O’Brien, kept the show flowing at an efficient and entertaining pace. The only hiccup being an overall award for the masters divisions not showing up on the emcee’s agenda - other than that, the execution was extraordinary.
For the competitors, it was a classy event that no doubt left many of them eager to get back in the gym and prep for their next one. For one, the theater was beautiful. In my experience, competitors tend to tell me that they enjoy performing in this type of venue, so much more so than a typical high school auditorium. It’s a reward for their hard work and all that prep leading up to the show. Performing in a venue like that makes the experience that much more special. The competitors seemed to have a great time, as I saw lots of smiling faces, which is important since for many of these athletes this was their first show. If we want to keep new faces coming into the sport, and keep competitors IN the sport, it’s important that the athletes feel that competing is WORTH the hours of hard work, sweat, and pain to get there. Jack and Ann, and their support staff, did a great job of taking care of the athletes and went above and beyond in making this a special day for them. From the little things (like making sure meetings ran smoothly and that competitors knew that there were experienced people there to ask questions, etc…) to the big things (like an incredible Vegas-style after party and free stretch Limo service!), they made it first class all the way. I mean, how many NOVICE shows run this smoothly, supply the athletes with food and drinks backstage, provide an after party with limo service, and features 3 incredible guest performers, etc… I mean… this was unprecedented for a novice show.
One of the guest performers was IFBB Pro Fitness competitor, Nicole Duncan. This was my first time meeting Nicole and my first time seeing her perform. I was extremely impressed. Her energetic routine wowed the crowd, and my video camera had a tough time keeping up with her as she danced, jumped, and flipped across the stage with speed, power, and precision. The girl can flat out MOVE! I look forward to the next time I get to watch her perform.
Kevin Jordan, a rising phenom in the NPC, also performed a guest posing routine. Showing off a physique that was less than 2 months out from his next show, the 2009 Jr. Nationals, Kevin wowed the crowed with ideal mass, shape, and symmetry. He will surely be a threat to take his class in Chicago, and this crowd in St. Louis appreciated his routine.
Finally, IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder Dena Westerfield not only performed an off-the-hook guest posing routine, but she also took the time to deliver a very inspirational speech to the athletes and all those in attendance. She’s incredibly well spoken, and her words no doubt encouraged more people to get into the gym, or to raise their game if they’re already into the lifestyle.
As far as the show itself, the quality of the competitors was surprisingly good for a novice show. And many of the A-listers of St. Louis were there to take note. For example, Mayor of St. Louis, Francis G. Slay, was there and is a big proponent of a healthy lifestyle. His opening speech at the evening show set the tone for the event, and was well received by the crowd. He was presented with a “golden barbell” award and was registered as an honorary member of the National Physique Committee.
Once the show began, the competitors did a great job of displaying their physiques for the enthusiastic crowd. Jordan Pea was the lone teen division competitor, but that did not diminish the quality of his win. His physique was well conditioned with razor sharp abs, and it’s clear that he will have a great future in the sport. The Novice Masters Figure (35+) was won by Liz Krus, who had excellent symmetry and tight abdominals. Brenda Shelito was a solid runner up with great legs and glutes.
The Novice Figure Open saw Liz Krus take her turn at finishing runner up to the very well conditioned Nicole Weite. Nicole’s delts, abs, and back were in very good shape. Third place was Alicia Ventimiglia, who sported great calves and conditioning.
The Novice Figure Medium was a very impressive class, with 9 entrants. 3rd place was taken by the very impressive Kelly Brunk. She brought a very well balanced package to the stage and was very polished in her posing. Jen Richards took 2nd place and was extremely impressive. She has the type of physique that has pro potential should she stick with it. Her suit highlighted the strengths of her physique and enhanced her stage presence. The winner of this class, Cindy Davis, was the unanimous decision of the judges. Her tiny waist and sharp conditioning, along with great stage presence and perfect color, made her the best in the class.
Novice Figure Tall class featured only 4 competitors. Brenda Shelito was again the runner up as she was in the Masters class. The clear winner in this class was Melissa Simpher, who recently won in Kentucky as well. Melissa’s physique is another one that just screams “pro potential”. She’ll need to bring up her calves to compete strongly at the national level, but the rest of her is pretty much already there.
The figure overall was close between Cindy Davis and Melissa Simpher. The judges gave the nod to Simpher for the well deserved win. All class winners looked amazing!
There was only one Female Bodybuilder in this show, and it was Masters competitor Audrey Lieber. Audrey, with 5 kids and 1 grandson, is a spinning instructor who got into the shape of her life and put on a great posing routine for the wins in the Masters and Middleweight women’s bodybuilding classes.
The Novice Men’s Masters, 35-39, was won by James Speiser, followed by James Spurlock. The 40-49 class was won by Mark Allen, with runner up Mike Koechner and Chris Peluso. Masters 50-59 was taken by Ken Russel, followed by Don DiMarco. There was one entrant in the 60+ class, and that was Rich Hagler.
There was also just one entrant in the Novice Men’s Bantamweight class, which was won by Johnathan Ennis. Novice Men’s Leightweight featured 5 quality contestants, and the class was won by Friere Dos Santon. Novice Men’s Welterweight was won by the extremely impressive Neal Merritt. He beat out 8 other quality competitors. The Novice Men’s Middleweight class featured 3 competitors and was won by Andy Kobe. The Light Heavyweight class was won by Tony Priefer, while the Heavyweight class of 5 was taken by Tim Nardoni. The Men’s bodybuilding overall was somewhat of an upset, with the welterweight Neal Merritt taking home the overall trophy.
With over 60 competitors, and over 700 fans in attendance, this was a fantastic show, especially considering that it was it’s inaugural run. I’m looking very forward to seeing how this show grows in the future. Jack and Ann’s plans include turning it in to a 2-day event held at the St. Louis Convention Center, and eventually promoting a pro show as the crown jewel of the weekend. They have big plans, and considering how well they delivered so far, I have no doubt they’ll succeed in reaching their goals. Good luck, and thanks, Jack and Ann, for a GREAT NPC Midwest!
Joe Bayer
HDPhysiques.com
