Friday evening kicked things off with the Fitness competition and the Over 35 Figure class. With the growth of figure, the fitness competitions seem to have taken a hit, with fewer competitors choosing to compete while the ranks of the figure competitors continues to grow.

The short class performed first and Autumn Allen had a particularly impressive routine full of energy and excitement. Tammy Rosiek, Bonnie Jean Valdez and Megan Weeks also had strong routines, while overall winner Rose Hendricks had a solid routine, but was able to win the class moreso on the strength of her physique.

In the tall class, the strong physique and routine combined to power Shannon White to the class title. With impressive conditioning, and a standout back, White will definitely be someone to look out for on the National stage. White was followed closely by Jasmine Baker, who is a young up-and-comer who you will be certain to see more of.

Rounding out the top five in the class were Brenda Kirkpatrick, Tami Guildford and Theresa Keihn who were all in great shape and made it a hard call on the judges to determine the three through five spots.

In the Over 35 Figure competition, it was hard to believe that some of the competitors were in fact old enough to compete in the class, but it was the statuesque Lynnie Brooks who took the title, edging out a strong push from 41-year-old Lois Yarnell. Following Yarnell in third was Adrienne Christian, and the very young looking Andee Barrett took fifth while Kay Friend slipped into fourth place. Deborah BanDrosky rounded out the competition, and the evening's competition was wrapped up with a strong first evening.

In the lightweight women's class, the fiesty Paula Schaffer edged out the competition with a tight physique with well-balanced muscle and good stage presentation. Her calves were also outstanding and might have been the best set in the whole show. She was followed by Linda Wells who had a very solid physique with a bit more muscle. Lisa Lum came in tight, but not quite as full as Wells, and placed third, with Beverly Treichel pushing her but placing fourth.

Longtime veteran competitor Barb Belmont tied for fifth with Darci Dawson. Belmont was ripped and her routine was markedly patriotic. Her enthusiasm was evident and it got the crowd quite involved.

In the middleweights it was Terry Curry taking the class, but she was closely followed by newcomer Candace Camlin. Curry was a bit more full, but Camlin's physique shows extreme promise, and it would be wise to keep an eye out for her. Additionally, it was only her second show ever, with her first being a week previous.

The aesthetic lines of Mariam James pulled her into third, with Darrellene Lower and Heather Zeikel taking fourth and fifth respectively.

The heavyweight class was the largest group, and was led out by eventual overall champion Lori Sorge. Sorge was ripped and her excellent conditioning powered her past Japan's Yumi Sekine, who had the most muscle on stage, packing on some dense mass on her frame. Sekine was definitely the more pure bodybuilder, but Sorge's overall packaged propelled her to the top spot.

Out of competition for about four years, Kirsten Haug got back on stage, with a tremendous, graceful physique. With long lines, and good aesthetics, Haug could have easily placed higher, and with a bit more size and cuts, could place high at Nationals or USAs. Haug had taken a hiatus from competition to raise her child, and is now back in the competitive scene. Definitely look for more from her.

Patty Philpot was fouth and Rebecca Warren rounded out a very strong top five in the heavyweights. Philpot had a very entertaining routine, with a lot of sass and attitude on stage, which the crowd ate up.

Also notable was Monica Thomason who took sixth and Merry Christine Harris (of Merry Christine Bodywear) who took seventh.

When it came down to the overall, Sorge edged out the other class winners, and was a deserved champion brandishing the signature sword given to the overall winner's.

When interviewed after the show, Sorge had the following to say: " It was 12 years since my last competition (1990 Emerald Cup where she placed 2nd in the heavyweights to Shelley Beattie) so I wasa bit apprehensive. I saw that there was excellent competition, some very tough women out there. It wasn't going to be easy, but I like that. Overall it was an excellent contest with lots of people in great shape, and really good competitors. I was really surprised I won."

Sorge is committed to going back into the gym, to allow herself to get a little bigger, then will prepare to do a national show.

As the short class walked out, they were led out by former bodybuilder Jennifer Thomas, who had an impressive physique with polished muscle. One of the more muscular figure competitors, Thomas set the table for the class. Maria Harvey ended up taking the class, with Courtney Morley following in second, and Thomas taking third. Harvey has been winning figure competitions and her tight physique is ideal for the competition it seems.

Impressive Autumn Allen took fourth, but the top four was so competitive, that with a slightly different judging panel, any of the competitors could have switched places, and they should all continue to do well.

The medium class was home to overall champ Elaine Goodlad. Coming in with a strong, well defined physique carrying a good amount of aesthetic muscle, Goodlad, who is stage-shy, looked like a seasoned veteran on stage, carry her impressive physique to the class and overall titles with class.

She was followed by Shannon White and Jasmine Baker who had both done the fitness competition as well. Both looked strong, but Goodlad's mature physique edged them out. Canada's Connie Gallo took fourth, followed by Jacqueline Finnen in fifth.

In the tall class, San Francisco's Amber Littlejohn took the top spot. With a bit softer of a physique, but aesthetic lines, she edged out Elania Moore who was harder. Over 35 Figure Champion Lynnie Brooks took third in this class, making it a very successful weekend for the statuesque blonde.

Johnette Hickman took fourth, while the striking Shelly Howard was in fifth. Howard looks a bit like Timea Majorova at first glance, but with her all-American good looks, is more an Americanized version. Also quite tall, Howard easily grabs attention and will do well in future figure competitions. Her fifth place showing was only because of how impressive the competition was.

One of the most striking competitors was Annete Milbers who had "Scandanvian Supermodel" written all over her. Although she placed 10th, with additional muscle, Milbers will move up the placings quickly. Her tiny waistline is ideal for figure, and she will definitely make more waves soon.

Overall, the competition in the 20th Emerald Cup was deep and talented. With guest posers such as Garrett Downing, Quincy Taylor and King Kamali, the Craigs (Brad and Elaine) again promoted and organized a weekend that proves that bodybuilding is still growing and gaining new fans.