Bodybuilding Classic returns to Kirn

The event is sanctioned by the North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation, a nonprofit organization. All contestants must submit to both a urinalysis and polygraph to verify their drug-free status.

Although the event is in its sixth year, it will be the first year under the direction of Mike Hodges of Omaha. Hodges has competed in NANBF contests since 2000, including the Bluffs Classic.

"We've got competitors from a wide range of states, including Illinois, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri," he said of Saturday's show. "We've got a good turnout from the regional area."

Hodges, an employee at First Data in Omaha, has been conducting posing groups at Gold's Gym in Omaha to help competitors prepare.

His mother, JoAnn Bahl, has helped out with promoting the contest.

"She's been doing a lot of leg work with promotions, flyers and programs," Hodges said. "She's been awesome."

Divisions include Submasters (35-44), Masters (45-54), Grand Masters (55 and older), Mixed Pairs, Novice, Open, Teen and Collegiate.

Guest poser during the evening show will be Brent Pickrell of Council Bluffs, a past winner of the Best Poser award at the Central Midwest Bodybuilding Championships in Waukee.

Prejudging starts at 8:30 a.m. and finals begin at 6 p.m. Tickets for prejudging are $5, or $3 with a finals ticket purchase, and finals tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. For tickets or more information, call (402) 290-0144 or e-mail michael.hodges@firstdatacorp.com. The NANBF Web site is www.nanbf.org.