2008 NPC Last Frontier State
Fitness Figure and Bodybuilding

Text by Ed Witcher 
Photos by Mat Gore

OK, here’s the deal … not even a snow storm could keep Alaska’s most dedicated and fit competitors from hitting the stage in downtown Anchorage April 5^th. The storm dropped more than 10 inches of the white stuff in some parts of the city, slowed traffic and discouraged many from going out for fun that night. But, the storm seemed to have no effect on the national-qualifying 2008 National Physique Council  (NPC) Alaska Fitness And Bodybuilding State Championship.

The competition, was held at the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage Saturday, April 5^th before an audience of more than 700 cheering spectators.

According to show producer and promoter, Garry Lodoen, the ice and snow didn’t keep Alaska’s best from showing up for some intense competition. “ Every competitor was in great shape. They were all meant to be there, on stage, snow or not.” And, he adds,” Even with the added stress of icy roads, the cold and slow traffic, all our contestants were happy to be there. Their moods were great. They all helped each other. We had a great time.”

Garry should know; a national champion bodybuilder himself, he’s been producing shows and competing on-stage since his high school years. He’s learned how to please an audience over that time. “I encourage the competitors to really get involved with the audience. I put up a second stage near the back of the auditorium for them so everyone there could see the athletes up close and personal.” It worked. The enthusiastic crowd at times was on its feet in response to the participants efforts. “It was great!” says Lodoen. “Everyone got involved. They yelled for more.”

Along with from outstanding competitors, booming concert-quality music and 11 of Alaska’s most beautiful models as this show’s Trophy Girls, the audience was treated to two guest posers who each gave them reason for more cheers, clapping and shouts for more. The amazing Bodybuilding Hall of Fame member and Guinness Book of World Records bodybuilding title holder, Vince Taylor wowed the crown with his unique posing routine. And, six-year-old Sean Clapp, son of competitors Cinzia and Shaun Clapp brought the audience to its feet with his “surprise” routine. Sean’s mom, Cinzia, won first place in the Women’s Fitness division and took home the trophy for Women’s Overall Fitness. Sean’s dad, Shaun, placed fourth in the Men’s Light-heavyweight division.

Promoter Lodoen says the show was a great step forward for bodybuilding and fitness recognition for Alaska. “Last fall, the Crystal Cup show had just 15 competitors. This competition brought out 35; I believe the largest turn-out in Alaska the last few years.”  According to Garry, early competitions, without the fitness and figure elements, didn’t draw many women. “Some told me they didn’t do it because they didn’t want to get ‘too big’. I think that with shows like this years, we’ve made big progress toward the goal of changing some long-held misconceptions about bodybuilding and fitness competition in Alaska.”