Several major regional events highlight what should be an ultra-competitive weekend in the NPC. Don’t miss out on the action in your area!
ATLANTIC STATES: NEW YORK, NEW YORK
A precursor the the summer pro qualifiers – most notably the Team Universe on July 6-7 – the Atlantic States has evolved into one of the most competitive regional contests in the NPC. Past champions include IFBB Pro League standouts Evan Centopani (2005), Erin Riley (2007), Jonathan Delarosa (2009), Robert Burnieka (2009) and India Paulino (2011). This year, close to 300 competitors are expected to turn out for the event. Current Mr. Olympia Phil Heath guest poses, while four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler makes a guest appearance.
JULIE PALMER SHOWDOWN: TOLEDO, OHIO
It’s the 7th year for Julie Palmer Showdown, named after the IFBB Pro League Fitness standout, but the first year that it will be held in Dayton, Ohio. With over 100 competitors registered and more expected, it will be the biggest turnout in event history, as the contest features Men’s and Women’s Physique divisions for the first time. The Julie Palmer Showdown has had a number of female competitors turn pro in the figure, fitness and bikini divisions. Past winners include IFBB pro Figure Competitors Brenda Smith, Becky Clawson, Marie Gibbon, Brian Tindall, Gloria Keplinger and Stepanie Togruel as well as IFBB pro Bikini competitor Michelle Lamb. Top 5 National Level competitors Brian Yerskey, Shannon Bennett, and Pam Soper all have won overall titles in the past.
MILE HIGH NATURALS: ENGLEWOOD, CO
IFBB Pro Andy Haman will be up to his usual onstage craziness as the featured guest poser for the NPC Max Muscle MILE HIGH Championships in Englewood, CO, this weekend. This time he will be airbrushed green and performing as The Incredible Hulk! Women’s Physique standout Sara Hurrle, with two IFBB WPD wins under her belt, makes a guest appearance was the event’s co-MC. This event is a national qualifier with bodybuilding and women’s physique drug tested prior to Friday’s check-ins.
SOUTHERN CLASSIC: JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
2012 marks the shows 29th Anniversary of the Southern Classic. Regarded as the pinnacle of Southern bodybuilding, the show is being held at the luxurious Thalia Mara Hall in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi. With an estimated 250 athletes, the contest is expected to be one of the most competitive lineups to date. IFBB Pros “Tricky” Ricky Jackson and Jen Robinson are the featured guest posers.
CENTRAL DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: LAKELAND, FLORIDA
Located roughly halfway between Orlando and Tampa – two of the hottest areas for bodybuilding, figure, bikini and physique competitions in the state of Florida – the two-day Central District Championships run from Friday night to Saturday. The event will be held at Lake Mirror Theater in the quaint downtown district of Lakeland.
Contact Deb Callahan for more information at 863-683-9300 or email debsgym@gmail.com
OTHER NPC EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:
South Carolina State Championships – Columbia, South Carolina
GNC Classic – Anderson, Indiana
