Southern Iron Muscle Classic And 10-Week Challenge

The 2002 Iron Muscle Classic, by Roach Productions and Iron Unlimited Gym, was held Oct. 5, at Flowing Wells High School, Tucson. Bodybuilders from all over Arizona and New Mexico went head to head for the 5-foot trophy and the overall championship title. Extremely popular with the audience were the challenge competitors.

Thirty-five contenders started the 10-Week Challenge, a body transformation contest. The contestants had 10 weeks to transform their bodies using whatever programs would accomplish their goals. To enter, each contender was required to submit before photos taken exactly 10 weeks prior and another photo the day before the body building show. The day of the competition the entrants strutted their new bodies on stage while their images were projected on a screen. The six judges based their winning decision on the most progress, not beauty or fitness.

When winner Brenda Petrash strolled on stage during the evening event, the judging panel thought that there had been a mistake. Petrash had made so many changes, she looked like a different person. She lost 28 pounds, 28 inches and gained significant muscle. Petrash trains at Naturally Women (east side) of Tucson with trainer Dana Wilcox.

“I would encourage everyone to do the Challenge,” said Petrash. “Because if I can stay motivated and determined, anyone can do it. Those looking to make positive changes in their fitness should take one day at a time and never let go of your goals.”

In the Iron Muscle Classic Women's Master division, Lori Fladness made her debut after having won the 10 Week Challenge Spring 2002. Bridget Goodloe grabbed second in the masters and this was her first competition.

In the Men's Master division, David Buckmaster took the division after having been wheelchair bound with a broken neck. Tracy Teitelbaum missed besting him by one point.

In the Women’s Lightweight class, Kate Warren hit her night right on the mark with great definition and size, also winning the best poser award. In the Women’s Heavyweight division, Deborah Deemer won the class with unparalleled symmetry.

Jesse Ferrugia made his bodybuilding show debut in the Middleweight division. Joey Brown took first with his massive upper body and good symmetry.

David Buckmaster was first in the Men's Heavyweight division and was up for the overall title. He and his wife Yvette competed in the Mixed Pairs division.

Warren took the overall female title after a tough posedown with Deemer. Brown muscled his way to the men’s overall title, winning over Teitelbaum and Buckmaster.