Natural Body Builders Take To The Stage

More than 50 competitors took the stage at North Canyon High School, Sept. 14, for the Arizona contest of the American Natural Bodybuilding Conference. In addition to the posing by the athletes, there was a fashion show by Bilbo Baggs.

Cathy Jessip, who along with Tina Watkins produced the show, said, "The competition was fantastic. The natural-for-life competitors were of national caliber."

Overall men's winner Don Willes said that he only recently returned to bodybuilding. He competed nearly 25 years ago and started training again this March.

"My wife, Laura Rice, trained me at Gold's Gym in Ahwatukee. I did the NPC in July and just stayed in shape for this event," said Willes.

The exercise physiologist, who now works as a hospital administrator, said that the information regarding diet and nutrition has changed a great deal since he was first body building. He added that, as a result, it was easier to bring himself into shape for a competition than it was years ago.

Willis added that he enjoyed trying out a natural competition like the ANBC. Also, he and his wife trained Frank Clark, 60, who took second in the Greatgrand Masters Men's division.

Overall Women Winner - Kealoha O'Dond
Overall Men Winner - Don Willes
Overall Figure Winner - Angie Fernwault
Novice Women - Rylee Jo Iverson
Novice Men - Wendell Blaylock
Figure Short - Angie Fernwault
Figure Tall - Delores Duran
Open Women Short - Kealoha O'Dond
Open Women Tall - Delores Duran
Open Men Short - Vernon Koonce
Open Men Tall - Don Willes
Great Grandmaster Men 55+ - Lance Downer
Grand Master Men 45+ - Don Willes
Master Women 35+ - Kealoha O'Dond
Master Men 35+ - Steve Rice