2003 NPC California Championships Report

2003 NPC California State Championships
by James Cook - May 25,2003

Once again, the Veterans Memorial Center in Culver City, California was the scene for the 2003 California State Championships. A terrific venue for bodybuilding shows and a John Lindsay (the promoter) favorite for local events. The timing of this contest would bring out a few competitors whom we have seen in other recent shows, such as the Contra Costa and Orange County Muscle Classic. In this case, it would be Lisa Bickels who would continue to dominate following her recent win at the Contra Costa. This 24 year old US Marine from Oceanside, California won the overall in an upset victory over the heavyweight class winner, Dianne Solomen. It was Lisa's stragety to come in as a lightweight and at 117 lbs, she looked noticibly smaller from the Contra a few weeks earlier.

Also in her lightweight class, was Susan Kodaira, who won the overall at the Orange County show, brought the same package to this event and looked good. A triathelete from Redondo Beach, California Susan has great shape to her legs and nice hardness in her back muscles.

 

In the middleweights, Emery Miller was the clear winner of her class with a pleasant onstage personality and superb definition to her midsection. Melissa Cota was another competitor from the Contra Costa who made an appearence. The turnout for the middleweights was smaller than expected.

In the heavyweights, Dianne Solomons would take the win in her class. She was very big and very hard! Definatly a competitor who can hold her own on the national level and probably higher. Coming in second in the heavyweights, Melissa Robles who came in looking hard and a nice overall shape. A beautiful smile and relaxed onstage presentation make her the "one to watch" in the future.

In the end, it came down to what "type" of physique was the ideal California State Champion and the judges gave the nod to Lisa.

 

Once again, figure continues to dominate over fitness. 26 figure competitors compared to only 2 fitness competitors. Lisa Darelli was a clear overall winner with terrific seperation in her shoulders and midsection. To dail up the muscularity in her legs and she would be unstoppable. Also making an appearence, Vivian Dan Xu who won the overall at the Orange County Classic. She was dropped down to third this time in her class.

Overall, a good show spanning two days. A good place to network and see all the "who's who" in the local bodybuilding scene.

 

 

Results

Women’s Bodybuilding Overall: Lisa Bickels Lightweights 1. Lisa Bickels 2. Susan Kodaira 3. Ann Venenciano 4. Barbara Fletcher Middleweights 1. Emery Miller 2. Lisa Moordigan 3. Melissa Cota Heavyweights 1. Diane Solomon 2. Melissa Robles 3. Shelly Fields 4. Lauren Powers 5. Tina Zampa 6. Jennifer Thomas 7. Valerie Peters Overall Winner - Novice . Tina Zampa Heavyweight - Novice 1. Tina Zampa 2. Paulette Gomez Masters 1. Lauren Powers 2. Mary Bates Case 3. Paulette Gomez

Women’s Figure Overall: Lisa Darelli Short Class 1. Maria Ponce 2. Jo Wright 3. Erica Sammy 4. Jennifer Thomas 5. Patti Cotrelli-Ramos Medium 1. Lisa Darelli 2. Jessica Schapiro 3. Kim Chambers Medium Tall 1. Gina Camacho 2. Cammy Lamson 3. Vivian Dan Xu 4. Ana Noir 5. Rebecca Wheeler 6. Deborah Denio 7. Anna Santell 8. Ana Tigre 9. Kaci Sims 10. Maritza Franco 11. Paulette Gomez Tall 1. Amy Rainaldo 2. Kristen Lapiner 3. Melissa Wolfgram 4. Holly Bamberger 5. Renee Mayer 6. Ann Coopersmith 7. Carrie Schindley Fitness 1. Tracey MacDonald 2. Christi Watkins