Although there were not as many competitors as some might expect for a state of California Collegiate championship show, there was a good amount of young talent and definitely some athletes to keep an eye out for.

In the Open class, heavyweight competitor Jennifer Gutierrez was by far the most impressive physique although she somehow did not manage to take the overall title, which went to 58 year old wonder, Gayle Haslen. Haslen had a good physique, but it seemed like Teper's penchance for her may have swayed the judges, or it could have been the new judging standards penalized Gutierrez for her muscularity.

Overall though, the judging was fair, and as always, it's not the competitors that should be faulted for any of the final results.

The two lightweight competitors that placed behind Haslen both looked great, with Kim Higley edging out Kim Webb slightly. Both looked good, and with a little more time training and adding size, should place well in future contests. Webb's abs were particularly good, while Higley had good structure and calves to build upon.

In the middleweight class, Maggie Hoffman looked great, and should be someone to keep an eye on. Her posing routine was entertaining, and she has great stage presence, as well as a personality that shines. Second place finisher Kelly Engell is a 19 year old at Cal (Berkeley) and at such a young age already has some good size, and should progress quickly.

As mentioned before, the heavyweight class was won by Gutierrez, and in second was Cammie Molinari, who had the best smile on stage. Although a little soft, and without the level of muscularity of Gutierrez, Molinari, with more time in the gym, should be able to make lots of improvements. Her posing was entertaining, and her flexibility was impressive, especially for a bodybuilder.

Although there was only one competitor in the fitness competition, Shawna Rabello was a deserving champion with a solid routine, and strong physique. Rabello also competed in the figure division, taking the tall class and overall titles. Not bad for her first show! [See her profile here]

Also in the tall class was Jessica Carr, who has a very streamlined physique and with a little more time in the gym and coming in a tad leaner, should fare better in future contests. Jeannie Sanden, who also competed in the novice heavyweight bodybuilding competition, placed third, but her physique might have been judged to be too muscular.

Marlena Oliphant placed 4th with Dawn Ogden took 5th in the class. Ogden was a tad off balance, but could easily move up with some tightening up.

The short class was taken by Kara Fike [see her profile here]. Fike and Rabello train together, and were both competing in their first shows, which was quite an accomplishment.

Erica Sammy placed a close second to Fike, and Jessica Garza placed third. In fourth place was Christina Olivarez, and Marcy Metcalfe, who also competed in the novice middleweight bodybuilding competition rounded out the top five.

Note: Please send any comments or name spelling corrections to me.

The Novice Class is open to anyone who has not won an overall Novice competition title. This is the class entered for first time competitors. The Open/Unlimited Class is open to anyone at all, but often first time competitors may opt out of this class or may enter it to see how they fare.