Prejudging just finished and wowzers did that take a long time. The judges and expiditors did a great job of keeping the show running quickly but when you have that many women in Open and Master’s classes for one and two piece rounds, it takes some time.
Some quick thoughts…
Women’s Bodybuilding:
I’m not a huge fan of women’s bodybuilding, that’s no secret. However things are changing lately in female bodybuilding that has me more interested. The women are starting to look like women again. The lighter-weights in this show exemplified what female bodybuilding should look like. I have Lori Steele winning the Lightweight class over Ana Sanchez and Maryann Glascock. Lori looked feminine, great shape and awesome conditioning. She could do give the bigger girls a run for their money in the overall. I have Kimberly Ferrell over Cheryl Faust and Johanna DeJagger in the middleweight class. Light-heavy class is tough. I have Diana MacPhee Cook in first, Michelle Brent second, Janelle Miller third, Jody Wald fourth, Tracey Toth fifth and Michelle Morrison in sixth. Heavyweight class I have Christine Sabo winning narrowly over Christina Rhodes followed by Janeen Lankowski in third. I have Teresa Nabors Pashchal in fourth, LaDawn McDay in fifth and Tammy Jones in sixth. Keep in mind these are only my opinions and how I saw the contest. They may or may not be in line with what the final results from the judges are. The heavyweight women started to show some physiques that were a bit over the top. The three lighter classes were great and some very good female bodybuilders in them. Overall I was very impressed with the female bodybuilders in this contest.
Figure:
There were a number of great competitors in the show but no one really blew my doors off and WOWed the crowd. There are some classes that were better than others. It looks like the NPC may need to revisit the height classes slightly at the end of the year as the B and C classes are loaded with women while the A and F classes are much, much smaller. Last year it was the direct opposite. It may be as simple as a 1/4″-1/2″ different to even things out just a bit. No biggie in the end though as the best always rise to the top no matter what class they are in.
Below is how I saw the various classes and where I would place them. Keep in mind this is just my opinion as I saw it and by no means is it how the end results will go in a couple hours.
A Class - Paige Oliver in first and second/third will be between LaVonda Ezell and Tiffany James Moody.
B Class - I had Elissa Schlichter besting Tiffany Procopio and Shannon Bennett in the two piece. The one piece Elissa seemed to fade a bit and I believe it may cost her that top spot. Ann Pratt will be in the mix for the top five as will Rosa De La Cruz. Who will win this class is up in the air as there was no clear cut winner in my eyes.
C Class - Georgina Valenzuela was a stand out in the two piece round and should win it easily. She was challenged by Emily Nicholson though in the one piece round. I had Emily in fourth in the two piece but had her winning the one piece. Georgina could win this class and make a strong case for a pro card tonight. Also in the mix is Amy Brown, Orah Bigio and Pamela Soper.
D Class - This was a tough one to judge but it could be between Terri Turner, Marie Ann Newman and Carrie Schindley. They all have strength and weaknesses but no one will receive straight first place votes, in my opinion. I like Terri Turner’s look but she didn’t seem as sharp as she was at Jr. Nationals. Carried Schindley could sneak out a win here tonight.
E Class - The show stopper in this class was without a doubt Natalie Waples from Canada. Great shape, nice muscle tone, good skin and very beautiful. I’d have no problem seeing her leave Ohio with a pro card tonight. Natalie Calland, Holly Powell, Lauren-Michelle Valentino and Sheri Fisher should be in the top five at the end of the night.
F Class - The smallest class of the show looks like Kim Tilden should take top honors. Pressing her will be Jennifer Hamilton, Brandie Gardner and Christina Dzieduszycki. I have Christian Hammond in fifth for this class.
Masters Figure -
A class will be Tiffany Procopio, LaVonda Ezell and Shannon Bennett. Who will win is tough but I’d give the nod to Tiffany on this class.
B Class - Ann Pratt, Elissa Schlichter, Daphne Bascom, Amy Brown and Jennifer Kline should all find themselves in the top five here. Who will win is a tough call. I had Elissa in the two piece round but Ann Pratt in the one piece round. We’ll have to see tonight.
C Class - I have Natalie Calland winning both rounds and taking this class. Second I have Marie Ann Newman. Others in the mix, Tanya Peale, Stacy Boles-Jordanoff, Betty Napier and Orah Bigio.
D Class - I have Caron Mahn winning with Brandie Gardner in second followed by Holly Powell in third. Who will prevail, we’ll have to see.
The finals are about to begin. Check back here later for more info. Bodybuilding.com should have the prejudging photos posted shortly so check them out there. If you want to be the first to know who turns pro and don’t want to wait by your computer. Sign up for MUSCLEPHONE.com to receive a text message with the winners. There is no charge for signing up.
