It’s spring break at most schools across the country, but class is still in session this weekend in the NPC, as eight contests will be held starting with tomorrow’s Stingrey Classic in Hawaii. Check out the action below and don’t miss out if you’re in one of the areas!
STINGREY CLASSIC: HONOLULU, HAWAII
Things kick off this weekend in Hawaii at the 6th Annual Stingrey Classic. Named after promoter Rey “Stingrey” Ronquillo, the Stingrey Classic feature roughly 120 of the top competitors in the area. Ronquillo expects over 2000 in attendance for the prejudging and finals. Current IFBB Pros Shavis Higa, Brandy Leaver and Susan Salazar are some of the more notable names who have competed in the Stingrey Classic over the years.
“I was a top-five national competitor for 10 years, winning the USA lightweight division in 2003 and the 2002 Masters Lightweight in 2002,” Ronquillo says. “I knew when I finished my bodybuilding career that I wanted to give back to the Hawaii people and start my own contest. I wanted the local competitors to feel special and to encourage them to experience a national level competition. I’m now focusing on getting the young kids involved with our sport (ages 8-19 years old). We just had our 3rd annual Jr Stingrey contest on March 31st. These will be our future competitors as well as steer them to a healthier lifestyle.”
Go here for more info on the Stingrey Classic!
NATURAL EASTERN USA CHAMPIONSHIPS: MUNHALL, PENNSYLVANIA
Now in it’s second year, the Natural Eastern USA Championships continue to grow. IFBB Pro Bill Wilmore makes an appearance as the featured guest poser. Over 100 competitors are expected to turn out.
“The natural shows out here are really starting to grow,” promoter Gary Udit says. “Dave Lieberman had 270 athletes at his contest last week (Natural Ohio) and some really ones. We’re starting to attract some really good natural athletes.”
Go here for more on the Natural Eastern USA Championships!
JAY CULTER DESERT CLASSIC: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler throws his hat in the ring as a promoter this weekend, and he couldn’t have picked a hotter spot to host the second-year event: The Palms Hotel and Casino. Over 200 athletes are expected to compete. Cutler and Fitness competitor Melissa Frabielle, the contest’s MC, are just two of the IFBB Pros expected to make appearances.
Check out the contest info here!
58TH ANNUAL ROCHESTER CLASSIC: ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
The 58th Annual – that’s right, 58! – Rochester Classic takes place in upstate New York this Saturday. Over 100 competitors are slated to compete at the event. Former Mr. America and Mr. Universe Danny Padilla, the Giant Killer, competed here in the early 1970s before going on to become one of the best of the shorter bodybuilders in the history of the IFBB. Special Guest MC Bob Cicherillo will be manning the microphone, while IFBB Pros George Farah and Hazal Nelson will also be in attendance.
Go here for more info on the 58th Annual Rochester Classic!
SUBURBAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: PATERSON, NJ
A week after the talent-laden Steve Stone New York Metropolitans, the Suburban Championships will feature some of the best in the Tri-State area. IFBB Pro Vinny Galanti is the featured guest poser.
KALAMAZOO CHAMPIONSHIPS: KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN
The Kalamazoo Championships have been around for over 30 years. During that time, several of the IFBB’s best – Jay Cutler, Phil Heath and Branch Warren, to name a few – have made their way to Michigan to appear at the contest. This year, IFBB Pro Seth Feroce makes a rare guest posing appearance after taking a year off from competition.
In other areas:
– Davenport, Iowa will host the Iowa State Midwest Open Championshps
– The Orlando Metropolitans will take place in Longwood, Florida
Check back on Monday for highlights of all the weekend’s action!
