2003
Contra Costa Championships
by Gene X Hwang - May 3, 2003
Hayward,
CA - There are several quality shows in the state of California,
and one such example is the Contra Costa, which consistently puts out
some quality athletes. With it's proximity to the Cal (generally around
three weeks out), it is a place where many people warm up for the Cal,
but being a National-qualifier itself, it's a very worthy competition
to enter.
The
2003 version was no different, with some very impressive athletes returning
to the stage or making themselves known. One such athlete is Lisa Bickels
who won the overall title in the women's bodybuilding competition. Bickels
is a relatively fresh face on the comeptitive scene, but is making an
immediate impact.
She
edged out 2001 champ Melissa Cota in the middleweight class, which also
boasted the consistent Ann Venenciano. Bickels' fullness and overall
package, including a more dried out look pushed her to the top of the
class. While the top three were all solid, Bickels will have to contend
again with Cota as well as many others once the Cal rolls around on
the weekend of May 24th. Rounding out the class was Joanne Conrad.
The
lightweights were won by Nancy Lynn Sims who displayed impressive conditioning
and a nice streamlined physique. Sims showed deep chiseled abs and more
thickness than second place finisher Nicole Bonatura. Bonatura was also
well-conditioned and her quad separation was notable. Bonatura finished
ahead of Jane Patrick who was the final entrant in the lightweight class.
The
heavyweights were the deepest class and there were many notables that
we will be sure to hear from more in future competitions. Winning out
the tough class was the impressive Shelly Fields. Fields posesses shapely
aesthetics including dramatic lines and shape. Coming in full and fairly
hard, Fields beat out Lisa Mordigan, who placed second, followed by
Melissa Robles. When Robles was announced in third though, the crowd
chanted its loudest boos of the evening. Robles has a very strong package
including nice thickness throughout, particularly in her upper body.
With a bit tighter conditioning, expect to see a lot more from Robles.
Following her in fourth was Chantelle James. James has thick and mature
muscle, but wasn't able to nail her diet this time around, and thus
placed lower than expected. Rounding out the top five was Kathy Ronk
who didn't quite have the muscle to place higher in the class.
In
the fitness competition, the impressive Erica Fuerst swept the championship
with a strong routine (especially in these days of increased figure
participation at the cost of fitness) and a crisp well-balanced physique
to go with it. First's stage presence is also top notch, and she should
be poised to jump up to the next level of competition. Following Fuerst
were two competitors that were close. While Dorothy Worthington took
second, she did so on the strength of her physique, while Linda Perdim
edged her out in the routine round, but didn't have the physique to
take second.
Once
again, the figure competition had the most contestants. And once again,
there were many impressive physiques in all three of the classes. The
short class was won by a streamlined Maria Harvey. When figure first
appeared, Harvey was a mainstay at the top of the ranks, but was also
one of the leanest and cut competitors. This year she softened up a
bit and lost some muscle mass, and edged out another veteran competitor,
Maria Ponce. Ponce also has a very sleek look and has been knocking
at the top of her class in virtually every show she enters.
Following
the strong top two was Sylvie Margenowitz who was very lean, with a
strong back and nice muscularity throughout. While more muscular than
the top two, it may have been that added size that cost her, although
she looked fantastic, and at the pro level, would probably have to maintain
that. Margenowitz looked very good in the one-piece round, and placed
ahead of fitness runner-up Dorothy Worthington. Rounding out the top
five was Jessica Shaprio who also sported a tight back.
Chrissy
Demereski just needs to work on her posing as her shape is there, and
with a bit more conditioning, she should place higher, while Shannon
Anderson liked to show off her guns by hitting a double bicep shot,
which was a welcome change (hey they can flex, right?).
Julie
Wenn swept to both the medium height class and overall titles, beating
out a very strong class. With her tight waist and abs, coupled with
her excellent conditioning, Wenn edged out fitness champ Erica First,
and the impressive Michelle Bell. Bell's waist from the front was not
as tight as Wenn's, but from the back she looked wider and tighter.
It was a tough call for the top three. In fourth was Renee Amore who
wasn't as lean as the top three, but showed off nice lines and fuller
muscle bellies. Amore was thicker throughout and with a bit more conditioning
should be very impressive. Rounding out the top five was Tanya Pennington,
who came in a bit softer than usual, otherwise she would have placed
higher.
In
the tall class, Marlynne Durham took first in what might be the most
questioned judging. The class was close, but it appeared that Delane
King or Leigh Anna Ross were better conditioned and held their own physique
wise. However, Durham does have good shape, but does need to work on
her posing and stage presence a bit, where both Ross and King were strong.
King's back was tops, while Ross' waist almost disappears from the side.
Following
the top three were Sandy Wilhelm and Lolita Smith and 4th and 5th respectively.
Wilhelm was very tight and conditioned, and has continued to improve.
With a lean, sculpted upper body, she just needs to fill out her legs
a bit to edge up the ranks. Out of the top five, Renee Mayer was ripped
and very impressive as her kids cheered her on.
With
the increased participation of figure competitors, shows have gotten
quite long in duration and to keep them expedited, promoters are choosing
to adjust the framework of the competitions, and one negative aspect
of that is the elimination of the 60-second free posing round for bodybuilding
during the prejudging. This round is an excellent place for competitors
to showcase their best poses, while also showing how they can transition
between poses, and use their creativity to best display their physiques
in an efficient and effective manner. Promoters may not want to make
contests two days long, because of the added cost, and also the fear
of the attendance for the figure by itself, so it will be interesting
to see how the shows will continue to evolve. It was overheard that
several bodybuilders were dismayed at the lack of the 60-second round,
and physique purists are also missing out.
