19 Things We Learned at The NPC Nationals 2014
Miami Diary
19 Things We Learned at the 2014 Nationals
1) That with his sliced and diced symmetrical physique Super-Heavyweight Alexis Rivera-Rolon was a worthy and excellent overall champ. And in taking the top honor he emulated the achievement of his contest prep advisor, Don Long, who won the Nationals overall as a heavyweight in 1995.
2) That the vociferous reception to Alexis’s triumph by his Puerto Rican followers, hailing the first overall champ by anyone from their island, was on a par with a soccer crowd, and great to see by this follower of the real football game nut.
3) That the opinion again surfaces; too many pro cards are given out. Of the 14 pro cards given out in men’s bodybuilding (top two in each class) how many can really hope to make an impact in the pros, as in win a pro show or qualify for the Olympia? Much better for less cards to be given out so that someone who turned pro last weekend can improve and develop their physiques in the amateurs so that when they win a pro card they are ready for that step up when it happens. As it is I fear some of those 14 will enter a pro show become disillusioned and quit. Just my two-penneth-- UK equivalent of 10 cents.
4) That super heavy runner-up Michael Lockett has a unique configuration of round muscle bellies and density of a type these peepers can't recall seeing before. An extremely pleasant individual he says he’ll hit the pro stage soon, and he still maintains he's natural.
5) That having competed multiple times at this level third placed super heavyweight Blair Mone was in the shape of his life and nabbed his best ever placing. Previously it was always said that the lack of ideal structure was his nemesis but a drop of ten or so pounds from his usual bodyweight (he weighed in at 241 pounds) drastically minimized any structural deficiency. It was a remarkable reinvention, and to cap it all his wife, high level Bikini competitor, Jessica presented him with his trophy.
6) That heavyweight winner Dominick Cardone showed more aggression (as befits his status as co-owner of Aggressive Nutrition) than Genghis Khan on a bad day in the way he went for gold in the posedown. Coming into the Saturday finals it seemed it was a toss up between Dominick and Allen Kuhl, but the former’s go for the jugular mindset propelled him to victory.
7) That at 21 and a few months, Dominick was a revelation becoming the youngest Nationals winner since …… two hours earlier when Terrance Ruffin won the lightweight title at 21 years and one month. (Okay, who was the youngest ever winner of a Nationals title and who was the youngest overall winner?) Despite the general acclaim for Cardone he should not be rushed. He is still WIP. There are areas that need improvement particular his core torso, where he needs to etch in detail to his abs and thickness to his lower back.
8) That maybe the most remarkable story of the weekend was that of super heavyweight Aaron Fletcher who although not making the top 15 has come on like an express train in the last 18 months – check out the photos. A self confessed “fat kid in high school with no sporting background” he took up weights won an Oklahoma qualifier and the Nationals was only his second ever contest. If he can do what he did in the last 18 months, look out world!
9) That I stand by my report of Friday night’s prejudging which I titled “Miami Soft”, bemoaning the lack of condition in depth that was on view. Seemed many disagreed with me. Middleweight Waylon Martin (who wasn’t competing) took me to task on Facebook with the closing riposte, “I felt this was one of the most quality Nats in a long time top to bottom (besides that one fat bastard lol)" Well Waylon, you are certainly entitled to your opinion and kudos for your passion you big muscular bastard. Here’s the deal: When you look closely at 215 guys over a five hour period and the overwhelming majority are not 100% then I think its fair to say that the prevalent commodity missing was contest condition. The general mood in the press pit as the competitors kept coming out was, "When are we going to see somebody who has nailed it?" Of course there were a few who did, but for the most part that was not the case.Fast forward to Saturday night and the unified opinion was that overall there was a dramatic improvement in all classes. Which as far as I’m concerned rather validated the point that for the most part they were not "on" on Friday night. I give my opinion without any thought of gaining political favor or ruffling a competitor's feathers. It’s my honest opinion. I'm not arrogant enough to think that I'm always right, but I'm always honest -- relaying how I see it. Whoops! Nearly fell off the soapbox.
10) That Arthur Reed steamrollered his way to victory in the light heavy division with a very competitive Freddy McCray III in second, Joseph Hubba in third, Bobby Church (his favorite exercise preacher curls?) and Cane Bishop fifth. The latter I thought was overlooked and will be one to watch for the future.
11) That David T. Paterik was a superbly conditioned winner in the middleweight division: Methinks him and welterweight winner Santiago Aragon were best-conditioned athletes of the weekend. According to his contest prep advisor Matt Porter David has been unable to take a long-term yearlong approach to bodybuilding contests. Matt says that now his charge has committed to a 12 month assault on getting ready for the pros, it will enable him to add 20 quality pounds to the 176 pounds that triumphed in Miami. Placing third through fifth were Robert Zavala, Fraijan Texidor and Lloyd Herford III respectively. All three look to have potential to advance higher.
12) That for many the star of the weekend was welterweight winner Santiago Aragon. He was beyond shredded with legs of a light heavy. His “I love doing this friggin’stuff” personality lit up the stage and connected with the audience. And on behalf of old codgers like me hats off to a guy, who despite being only 26 poses in old school style holding a classic pose before transitioning to the next one.
13) That in an event where a slew of competitors who at the Saturday night finals improved substantially from the Friday night’s prejudging the most dramatic advance was probably second placed welterweight Denver Smith. Reasonably conditioned on Friday he showed up Saturday, drier, harder and much fuller.
14) That one of the mysteries of the weekend was how David Fenty, the freakiest physique on show in Miami, only managed seventh?
15) That lightweight winner Terrance Ruffin brought a superbly conditioned physique and a fun loving nature to the event. Only 21 years and one month old he really impacted with his personality. And his posing routine was sheer entertainment complete with the Mike Matarazzo style sticking his tongue out shtick.
16) That the better-conditioned physique of James Shumpert took bantamweight honors over the more complete look of Robert Freeman Jr. If Freeman had been sharper he would have maybe edged it, but he wasn’t so congrats to James. And kudos to the bantamweights in general, they pack so much muscle these days they no longer look like bantamweights.
17) That a star was born in women’s bodybuilding with fully qualified Doctor Susan Smith putting in a stunning performance. She is what female bodybuilding should be all about. Shapely detailed muscle on an obviously female body. At the prejudging she had her hair up and looked like Lenda Murray at the Finals she had her hair down and looked like Diana Ross -- entirely apt as she put in a Supreme gig.
18) Men’s Physique continues to develop with more guys with good bodybuilding genetics coming through. And some are pushing the envelope to the point where it’s getting vague as to where the line between physique and bodybuilding is. At last September’s MPD finals at the Olympia Sadik Hadzovic was second and had an awesomely well muscled and conditioned physique which should have meant he was a clear winner or had crossed the line.
19) That MD’s David Baye (Wisconsin bb)is the king of play-by-play online reporting. He did 10 hours straight on Friday and 14 on Saturday with only short breaks for some food. Yet he says, “I wouldn't trade it for anything man!!!”