NPC Nationals

Happy Birthday to IFBB Pro and NPC National Figure Champ, Erin Stern. Erin tells me she is on track for her pro debut and only a couple pounds from where she wants to be. The birthday celebration has been put on hold until the Arnold weekend. She’s hoping to be celebrating more than a belated birthday in Columbus. Look for her to make an immediate impact in the pro ranks and be a threat for the top 6 spot in her pro debut.

I had the chance to shoot with Erin the day after her overall victory at the NPC Nationals. Erin was a great model and fun to work with during the shoot. One of our photos is featured in the newest FLEX magazine along with a short interview. Keep your eye on this woman, she’ll be blowing up the figure scene this year and look for her to be published a number of times in ’09.
This probably isn’t a shot you’ll see show up in print but I like it because it shows Erin laughing. Who knows what joke was cracked during this shot.

Erin Stern chuckling during our shoot.

Erin is spending her birthday moving and training. Help me wish this rising star a Happy Hardbody Birthday!

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, NPC Nationals

HardBody Photo of the Day: Hayes Gets a Helping Hand

December 18, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Monique Hayes suffered a cramp while performing her routine at the NPC Nationals. The team of expediters quickly lent a hand to help her off stage.

Monique getting help from the NPC crew.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Hardbody Photo of the Day: NPC National Champ – Sheila Bleck

December 9, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

Sheila Bleck took home top honors at the NPC Nationals last month. This was a shot during her night routine where she brought the house down.

Sheila Bleck performs her routine in Atlanta.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Hardbody Photo of the Day: New IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Elena Seiple

December 3, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

She’s battled in the NPC ranks for a number of years but now it’s on the pros for Elena Seiple. This is a shot from behind the stage during her evening routine. Congrats Elena and welcome to the IFBB ranks!

Elena Seiple hits a pose at the NPC Nationals.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Photo of the Day: Diana Tinnelle Lights It Up

November 28, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

This shot was taken behind the stage during Diana Tinnelle’s evening posing routine at the 2008 NPC Nationals. Diana always does a tremendous job of performing her routine and on this night, it would be her last as an amateur. Diana went on to win the middleweight bodybuilding class and reach IFBB Pro status. Congrats Diana for lighting up the stage one last time in the NPC.

Diana Tinnelle posing in Atlanta.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Photo of the Day: New IFBB Figure Pro – Amy O’Neil

November 25, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

I had a chance to shoot with Amy O’Neil the day after her victory in Atlanta. Amy had contacted me before Nationals to set up a shoot but I was completely booked when she had contacted me. Fortunately I had some time open up on Sunday and we were able to shoot. Little did I know when I met her for the first time on Friday that she’d be a new IFBB the next day. This was Amy’s first year competing in figure. Props to her for doing her homework and achieving IFBB Pro status.

Amy O’Neil had the winning look in Atlanta.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Photo of the Day: Figure Nationals

November 24, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

A great showing by a number of NPC competitors in Atlanta. Props to all who reached their goals in 2008.

Figure lineup at NPC Nationals.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

The Pro-Tan Girls from Nationals

November 23, 2008 By Ron 1 Comment

Some of the hardest working girls backstage are the ones that make sure you look great, oiled up and your color correct before you go on stage. And they love to have fun while they work. Every time I go backstage, they are laughing it up, on their knees and taking care of the guys and girls. Many of the competitors appreciate them, and we all want to say thanks.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Congrats to all the New IFBB Pros

November 23, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 7 Comments

Props to all the new IFBB Pros from the weekend’s competition. I’m busy shooting a number of women today and will report more on the weekend’s show. First up on the list of shoots today… Overall Figure winner, Erin Stern. Check back later today for more details and updates.

Filed Under: Misc, NPC Nationals

Photo of the Day: Leg Line-Up

November 23, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

Today’s photo was snapped backstage at the 2008 NPC Nationals. Congrats to all the ladies who got a leg up this year.

Legs, Legs and more legs in Atlanta.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

NPC Figure – Nationals Prejudging

November 22, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

The NPC Nationals has a number of very good competitors. Here’s a quick run down of my thoughts from the prejudging.

A Class – Jenny Migliacci, Mandy Henderson and Jamie Perea should be your top three. What order they fall is anyone’s guess but it looks to be tight between Mandy and Jenny for the win.

B Class - I have Jennifer DeJoya taking this class. She’s competed a number of times and she is on the money today. She has some tough competition from Candice Houston and Soleivi Herrandez. It looks like Houston will have to settle for the bride’s maid position again. Watch out for Soleivi – she has tons of potential and is my pick to turn pro in this class in 2009.

C Class – I like Candice Keene in this class for the win. Joanne Murphy and Allyce Jerome will give her a run for the top spot. Kristy Poteat looked her best ever as a figure competitor and will land in the top five. I have her in fourth out of one of the largest figure classes.

D Class – Amy O’Neil stands out at the winner in this class. It’s not a clear cut decision though. Danielle Kiefer, Tiffany Rabon and MarieAnn Newman will be in the top five as well.

E Class – I like Katina Maistrellis for the win in this class. The one thing on her is that she has a number of large tattoos that are a bit distracting but she has a great physique. Tara Zito, Stephanie McDonald, Patricia Nguyen and Holly Powell are also in the mix of the top five.

F Class – Although one of the smallest classes in terms of numbers the competition is very good. I have Erin Stern winning this class with Jeanne Nimmer, Gennifer Strabo and Jodie Minear in the mix. Jeanne Nimmer looked her best ever as a figure competitor. Gennifer Strabo made a name for herself in her Nationals debut. Jodie Minear out of Texas is turning a number of heads as she has nice structure and stunning looks. Monique Minton is in the 5-6 place range. Monique wasn’t as sharp as she was in Las Vegas where she was her all time best. She had new suits and the cut was not one that worked to her advantage.

The finals will start tonight at 6:30. Check back to see if I was correct in my assesments or if I missed the boat.

Filed Under: Industry News, Misc, NPC Nationals

NPC Female Bodybuilding Day 2 Wrap Up

November 22, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Yesterday the female bodybuilders took the stage at the NPC Nationals. The competition was tough in the field of nearly 80 women. Here’s how I saw the prejudging. Keep in mind these are only my opinions. I am not a judge at this contest and the finals results could and most likely in some area will be different.
Lightweight:
1. Tammy Patnode
2. Rita Rae
3. Barbara Fletcher
4. Lisa James
5. Lori Steele

Middleweight:
1. Tracy Mason
2. Diana Tinnelle
3. Julia Korfhage
4. Suha Qasem
5. Claire Rohrbacker-O’Connell

Light-Heavyweight:
1. Elena Sieple
2. Rose Kasallis
3. Yahaira Agosto Vives
4. Monique Hayes
5. Karen Choat

Heavyweight:
1. Sheila Bleck
2. NeKole Hamrick
3. Amber DeFrancesco
4. Monique Jones
5. Jennifer Giutierrez

I was impressed with Sheila Bleck and have her taking the overall win tonight. We’ll find out later tonight where these women placed and if I am correct in how I had it on my scorecards.

Filed Under: Misc, NPC Nationals

Top National Contender Britt Miller Sits Out

November 21, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

NPC female bodybuilder Britt Miller has decided to sit out this year’s NPC Nationals. Miller was at the top of many people’s prediction lists to win the show, myself included. Her reasons for not competing haven’t been made public but there is a discussion around it on the popular message board, Siouxcountry.com.

Miller in an issue of FLEX Magazine’s BodyShop.

Filed Under: Industry News, NPC Nationals

HardBody Photo of the Day: Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson & NPC Figure Competitor Gale Elie

November 21, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Gale Elie is ready to take home some hardware and join Mr. Olympia, Dexter Jackson in the IFBB. Gale will take the stage tomorrow in the Figure competition at the NPC Nationals. The two were at the competitor check-in last night and all smiles.

Gale Elie and Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson at check-in.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Harbody Exclusive: NPC National Updates

November 20, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 6 Comments

There are a record number of competitors this year. The women’s bodybuilding is very strong with nearly 80 entrants and 15-20 of them are first time national bodybuilders. This is great to see new faces at the Nationals.

There are 4 billboards promoting the NPC Nationals in Atlanta which are getting a great deal of attention for the contest. The promoter has been receiving calls regarding it and has translated into ticket sales.

The NPC Board of Governors’ Meeting took place a couple hours ago at the host hotel. A number of items were discussed amongst the NPC district chairmen/women and others involved in the NPC. I attended the meeting and can confirm the following updates and modifcations.

• There will be a NPC bikini division starting in 2009. There will be a pro bikini division that will begin in 2010. If you do well in figure you won’t do well in bikini. They will be looking for two different looks. There will be no capped delts awarded in the bikini division. You will not be allowed to compete in figure and bikini at the same show. The bikini division will be added to National level shows with Pro cards awarded. There are a number of rules and regulations that have been set and I will provide more of these details later.

• The one piece in fitness and figure has been eliminated in NPC contests on all levels.

• NPC qualifications will change – instead of two it will drop to one year. There are a number of details on this but starting in 2009 if you qualify for a National level show it will be for ONE year instead of TWO. This is for all national qualifications. Fitness, Figure, Bodybuilding and soon Bikini.

• There will be another IFBB Pro card added for the female bodybuilders in 2009. The 2009 NPC USA contest will now award two pro cards to the female bodybuilders. The overall and the runner-up will both receive IFBB pro card eligibility. This will now match what the men receive at this contest.

• NPC JR USAs will be held in Charleston, SC and the new date for this contest is May 23, 2009. This event is also slated to have the first NPC National level bikini division. More information on this contest to come. Tres Bennett does a tremendous job and is a great show for the women to get involved on the national level.

Filed Under: Industry News, Misc, NPC Nationals

NPC Nationals Female Bodybuilder Jodie Bruce Interview

November 20, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Jodie Bruce is ready for Atlanta!

Two days out from the NPC Nationals, female bodybuilder Jodie Bruce shares a bit about her prep and goals for this show.

Currently Reside in:
Oklahoma City, Ok

Number of NPC shows competed in:
I think around 12 or so. I started back in 2001 in figure, then crossed over to bodybuilding in the NPC in 2005 at the Sherman Classic in Houston where I took 1st place in as a Novice light weight.

What are your goals for this show?
To come in looking my best to date, which I think Darrell has me dialed in to do just that. I would be happy with a Top 10 placing being that this is my first National level show and there are so many awesome women in the middleweights.

How do you feel you look compared to your last competition?
I feel I look 100% better. This year Darrell has brought me in my best, brought out my legs more than they have ever been which has been a tough thing for me to get lean enough. I’m coming a tad bigger and definitely leaner than at the Texas State last year.

What might we find you carbing up on backstage?
Rice cakes and No Salt PB

What will be the first thing you eat when the show is over?
Now that will depend on where we will be going! I know when we return home its all on for a BIG pot of Homemade Chili.

Has being around Darrell helped you stay focused for this show?
Yes totally, since he has been prepping for Nationals as well, it made it easier to get all my cardio in, to be sure I stuck to my diet and training as well. Anyone looking for a good top notch trainer to kick their butt in shape should really consider him.

Any advice for those thinking about doing female bodybuilding but afraid to do so?
What’s to be afraid of? Sometimes you just gotta do it! I love the sport.

Thanks Jodie! We’ll see you in Atlanta.

Filed Under: Interviews, NPC Nationals

NPC Nationals Weather Forecast

November 19, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Those of you attending the NPC Nationals this weekend note the weather forecast. You might want to bring a jacket in that backpack.

Thursday – 58°
Friday – 46°
Saturday – 48°
Sunday – 53°

Filed Under: Misc, NPC Nationals

Hardbody Profile: NPC Nationals Figure Competitor – Gale Elie

November 19, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Gale Elie looks to leave Atlanta with an IFBB pro card.
Photo by Kenny Koontz

Top NPC Figure competitor, Gale Elie is hoping that the third time competing this year will be the charm. Days out from the NPC Nationals, she answered a few questions for the hardbody.com readers.

How many shows have you done this year?
Nationals in Hotlanta will make my 3rd this year!

Now that Dexter won the Olympia, is it your turn to find the winner’s circle? (Those of you who don’t know Dexter Jackson is Gale’s main squeeze)
Well, I wish I had his crazy genetics…but I don’t! So we will see. It would be nice for sure. I feel blessed to have done so well since first competing in 2005. However, to finally clinch my pro card and move to that next level, would be nice! One just never knows in figure, every show is different as for as competition and what the judges are looking for that particular day!

How does being in a relationship with another competitor help you?
Yikes! Do you want the truth or the politically correct answer? LOL!

Actually, I am convinced that Dexter and my trainer Kim Oddo are in cahoots! Really though, it’s great but challenging. I learn so much from Dexter. He is more than supportive, he is truly my rock! We always work as a team in every aspect of our daily life. It’s always tough though, he wants me to be at my best, and therefore because he is so disciplined with his training and dieting, he expects the same from me. I love to train but dieting is really a challenge at times! Dexter has been very supportive from the beginning and continues to always inspire me through his accomplishments! And that’s the truth!

You’re a mother right? What advice do you have for the moms out there?
I am a mother of a beautiful 9 year old daughter! I am an advocate for moms to teach and encourage their children to learn how to eat nutritional foods and to set the right example of being healthy and exercising! We do everything else…why not take care of our health and leave that legacy through our children!

What can we expect to see you eating/drinking on Saturday night?
Wow, there is no telling…I’ll just be happy to be able to eat what Mr. Olympia is gonna be eating! I hate dieting when he isn’t! LOL

Thanks Gale and all the best in Atlanta. We’ll see you there.

Filed Under: Interviews, Misc, NPC Nationals

NPC Nationals: Transportation Tips

November 19, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Those of you attending the NPC Nationals in Atlanta take note. There are a variety of transportation options available.

From the Hyatt Web site:

Transportation from Hartsfield International airport:
Go to the transportation booth at the airport and ask for a shuttle to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Downtown. We recommend The Atlanta Link. 404-524-3400. No reservations are necessary. It runs 6 a.m. to midnight from the airport and it leaves the hotel every 10 and 40 minutes after each hour. $16.50 one way/$29 round trip per person.

The Concierge can arrange a limousine service to pick guests up at the gate for $65.00 for a town car, $85.00 for a SUV or $95.00 for a stretch limousine.

Taxi Service:
To/From airport fee: $30.00 plus $2.00 per each additional person.
Downtown Zone includes: North Avenue/Ashby to North Avenue/Boulevard to Boulevard/Atlanta to Atlanta Avenue/I75-I85 to I75-I85/Georgia Avenue to Georgia Avenue/Glenn Street to Gleen Street/Ralph David Abernathy to Boulevard back to Ashby Street/North Ave.

METERED RATES:
$2.50 = First 1/7 mile
$2.00 = Each additional 1 mile
$21.00/hr = Waiting time

Amtrak:(3 miles North of hotel) Taxi approx $11 plus tax

Greyhound/Trailways: Taxi approx $7.00 plus tax

M.A.R.T.A. – (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) $1.75 per ride. Rail system runs approx every 10 minutes. Hyatt Regency Atlanta is connected to Peachtree Center Train Station via Peachtree Center Mall. 20 minutes from Airport. (Airport pickup at baggage claim, TH Terminal. To get to Hyatt, take M.A.R.T.A. to the Peachtree Center Station and exit Northeast towards Peachtree Center Mall.

Taxi service within downtown Atlanta has a $8 minimum.

Filed Under: Misc, NPC Nationals

Some pics from the 2007 NPC National’s

November 15, 2008 By Ron 3 Comments

As we gear up next week for the 2008 NPC National’s in Atlanta, here are a few backstage pics from the 2007 NPC Nationals.

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Figure – NPC Nationals Competitor Lists

November 13, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

One week out from the competition these are you competitor lists for the Figure competition at the NPC Nationals. These are NOT final so if you see your name missing or your friend is competing and not on the list, don’t freak out. I’ll try to update this list again next week before the competition.

Figure A
Jennifer Hoffman
Sara Schumann
Charissa Skuza
Mandy Henderson
Tina Cross-Arabia
Traci Hall
Jenny Migliacci
Debra Lavette
Theothora Trikoupis
Nicole Coleman
Crystal Piercy
Lisa Browning
Gina Molinaro

Figure B
Devin Kenney
Laura Rose
Erin Carson
Rachel Gichert
Sandy Robidoux
Lisa Manning
Kristy Fenster
Candice Houston
Jesica Moore
Susan Salazar
Pamela Myers
Michelle Woodward
Jean Jitomar
Jennifer DeJoya
Soleivi Hernandez
Michele Eisenlour
Misty Schaffer
Jill Vadala
Tiffany Moody

Figure C
Margret Johnson
Jessica King
Neely Tartaglia
Brandie Williams
Mary Dent
Sheila Mettler
Carmen Demske
Tamara Nicole Amend
Tara Gooch
Janello Gallo
Sara Fiore
Debra Dunn
Ilayali Gil
Joanne Murphy
Jennifer Dietrick
Jenna Boyer
Kimmie Brooks
Shakelle O’Neal
Allyce Jerome (AJ)
Gale Elie
Ann Titone
Ginger Redeker
Stephanie Rupp
Casey Brocato
Shannon Dahlum

Figure D
Wendi Medders
Jennifer Myers
MarieAnn Newman
Danielle Kifer
Carlene Steenekamp
Amy O’Neil
Jillian Reville
Maryann Pangelinan
Tammie Ellis
Regina LeBlanc
Bethany Karlin
Rasha Didier
Tiffany Rabon
Tiffany Stoker
Amy Brown
Kendra McAdams
Heather Henslee
Taylor Willis
Jessica Moyer
Sonya Garner
Betty Napier
Alisa Gail Allen

Figure E
Lawanda Washington
Gennifer Strobo
Tara Zito
Joanne Colesanti
Heather Jones
Kristen Nagrani
Vince Chick
Patricia Nguyen
Debra Goodman
Deborah Pierce
Alecia Rankovic
Stephanie McDonald
Angel Whitmire
Holly Powell
Ursula Cristofaro
Tiffany Leonard-Haley
Bernita Stuckey
Paula Beevers
Ginger Hutchinson
Pam Dotson

Figure F
Jeanne Nimmer
Katina Maistrellis
Brigitte Brodski
Jodie Minear
Monique Minton
Zonzie McLaurin
Noel Clark
Allison Perry
Taj Harris
Tammy Bleile
Shelly Howard

Filed Under: NPC Nationals

Photo of the Day: Backstage at the ’07 Nationals

November 12, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Today’s shot was snapped in the pump-up room at the 2007 NPC Nationals. As you can see it is quiet congested. Next week the NPC Nationals will take place in Atlanta, GA.

Backstage at the 2007 NPC Nationals.

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, NPC Nationals

Debra Gets it Dunn

October 27, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

NPC competitor, Debra Dunn was recently interviewed by jdnews.com. The 47 year-old Figure competitor is preparing to compete at next month’s NPC National Figure contest.

She shares some insight with readers:

As far as her diet, Debra believes that eating healthier shouldn’t be viewed as a punishment.

“Think of it as a lifestyle instead of a diet,” she said.

Words to live by. Check out the entire interview with Debra here. Best of Luck Debra!

Filed Under: Interviews, NPC Nationals

NPC Nationals Around the Corner

October 20, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The 2008 NPC Nationals is quickly approaching. The event will be held in Atlanta, GA on November 21-22, 2008. There will be no fitness at this event however there will be figure. Who will leave Atlanta with pro cards? We’ll find out in a few weeks. If you’re an NPC competitor and planning on competing, the deadline to enter is this Friday, October 24th.

NPC Nationals 2008 – Atlanta, GA

Tickets:
Tickets are available by calling Pam Betz at 407-876-4467, email to pambetz@aol.com, or online at www.nationalbodybuilding.com, or at the door during the show (if available). Place your order early in order to reserve the best seats.

PRE-JUDGING:
• Friday – Men’s Bodybuilding/Women’s Bodybuilding – $50
• Saturday Morning – Figure – $35
• Special Combo Prejudging Ticket – Both Prejudgings – $80
All Prejudging Seats are General Admission/Open Seating (All ticket prices are subject to applicable sales tax and fees)

FINALS:
$125 – $75 All Seats Reserved

Hotel Info:
The host hotel is the Hyatt Regency Atlanta (call 404-577-1234 for reservations). The special NPC Rate of $173 is valid until October 28, 2008. After this date, the NPC rate will be honored ONLY on a space-available basis. Please book your hotel accommodations early! Please note that no cooking devices of any kind will be allowed in hotel rooms. The hotel will provide a room with a microwave for heating food as well as a special competitor menu tailored to the needs of the athletes. Remember, the hotel cut-off date for special NPC rate is October 28!

If you have any questions on eligibility requirements, please call Sandy Williamson 818-400-1060 or email sandyonsandylane@yahoo.com.For entry forms and general information, call 407-876-4467, email pambetz@aol.com or go to www.nationalbodybuilding.com

Filed Under: NPC Nationals