Formerly known as the World Gym Classic, the NPC San Diego show found a new venue for 2007, the Scottish Rite Center in the Mission Valley area of San Diego. Just from this standpoint alone the event upped the ante, considering the location in the past was a middle school in a residential area of Pacific Beach. The new venue provided ample parking, a close host hotel, lots of places to eat, and a much more spacious floorplan.

One somewhat unique element was the pump-up room viewing area, which was almost like a zoo exhibit with friends and family members standing behind a roped off area, keenly observing the large and pro-tanned physiques right before they were about to step on stage.

The competition itself was very, well, competitive. Maybe it's just because the lack of shows viewed last year, but it seemed like there were alot of new faces and physiques on stage, which bodes well for the sport on a local level.

One of the more impressive physiques belonged to Crystal Lowrey, winner of Class A and the overall figure title. Sporting a very tight physique with alot of definition and a polished, feminine look, I wasn't sure if Crystal would be penalized for looking too good, which can sometimes happen on the local level. But new California head judge Gina Aliotti made sure that didn't happen, rewarding Crystal for her conditioning.

Second in Class A was Gloria Puckett, who displayed great shape, fullness, definition and a bright smile. If Gloria can bring up her glutes and hamstrings to the same level of the rest of her physique, she'll be finding herself rising in the NPC ranks locally and on the national level.

Rounding out the Top 3 in Class A was Danitza Freigher (formerly Denn), who is competing shortly after having her first child. Danitza always has great poise and stage presence, which helped her and her symmetrical, balanced physique garner the number three position.

In Class B, versatile competitor Nez Zamorano took the top spot. Nez, a student as San Diego State, is preparing for the Junior USAs in late April where she'll compete in fitness.

Finishing in 2nd and 3rd were Debbie Eglin and Dena Gunnoe, respectively. In Southern California NPC shows, Master's Class women always do very well in the Open Class, and tonight was no exception. Both Debbie and Dena were also in the Master's Class, although you'd never expect it by looking at them.

Class C winner Susana Genty and her second place counterpart, Noreene Castillo, are another group of age-defying Master's Class competitors. Although they were similar in that respect, their physiques were quite different in certain respects. Susana, like Crystal Lowrey, showed off a much leaner and conditioned physique with alot of detail and definition. Noreene, on the other hand, had a sleeker, smoother physique like that of Nez Zamorano. Both competitors had what it took to win the class, but the judges favored the tighter, more conditioned look of Susana over Noreene.

In third was Rachel McDaniel, who had the most unique physique accessory of the night, a full sleeve of tattoos. I know alot of competitors put makeup over their tattoos to make them less distracting, but when you have a full sleeve, that option is readily available.

Finally, the biggest class of the night was Class D, which was won by first time competitor Olesya Novik. Although I try to be unbiased at shows, I have to admit I was actively and unabashedly rooting for Olesya at the competition. I've got to know her a bit over the last month, and she's had to overcome some recent tragic events in her personal life. To see her get the top callout and subtley shake her head in disbelief as she stood in the middle position is just a testament to how down to earth she is, which isn't a common thing in this industry.

Coming in second in this hotly contested class was Melissa Deal, a shapely competitor from San Diego. Much like the class before it, Class D was very tight and could have gone a number of ways. Melissa presented a great overall package and will see her fair share of top placings in the near future.

Wrapping up the Top 3 in Class D was Maria Rogers. With a great v-taper capped by softball-sized shoulders, Maria has the statuesque structure to do some damage in the NPC. Her tan was a little light, which may have hurt her, but I look forward to seeing her progress over the 2007 as well.

A couple competitors of note who finished outside their respective Top 3's were Heather Wartford and Brooke McManus. Heather has a great physique with lots of potential for the future, although she was hampered a bit by a suit that didn't fit her too well from behind. And Brooke? I just wanted to give her props for having the best midsection on stage.

Did you compete in the show? Let us know your name and number so we can speed up the ID'ing process.

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