2019 NPC Night of Champions
Bodybuilding, Physique, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships
(Spokane, WA - October 19, 2019)
It's been six years since we last covered this particular show, always been a hectic time in the competition year in the region and up in Canada.
Ribic Productions puts on outstanding events of course, we've made a number of trips to the Empire Classic and (so far) once to Montana
for the Big Sky, so knew we were in for a treat nearing Halloween :) It also was a nice followup to Craig Productions Washington Ironman Naturally
held a couple weeks earlier, and with both promoters working more closely with each other...bodes very well for the sport in the Northwest!
Speaking of followups from the Ironman, Bikini was shaping up as a rematch between Kaylene McDonald (headed to Nationals this year) and
Lauryn Ruiz, both with stellar physiques and strong stage presence. It was Lauryn's turn this time taking the Overall title despite wavering
on even entering this show! Kudos for a job well done, plus a photoshoot the next day. Other impressive Open Class winners included Rachelle Hansen
in 'B' and Shelby Pittenger in 'D', just 3 points separated the top three runner-ups in overall comparisons behind Lauryn. Also of
note was Lisa Boucher, who won her Novice Class, Masters 35+ AND placed 2nd in Open Class 'C' to Lauryn, even got a first place vote!
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So many honorable mentions in Bikini, Britany Engle returning to the stage for one...placed third in that tough aforementioned Open 'C' Class.
Different looks, for example Christa Cranmore who seems to be what the Wellness Division (starting in 2020) should be about, not
super leaned out but an athletic and very aesthetic physique! In the photogenic department and moved so gracefully onstage was Maria Nurkova,
not surprising to learn she has a background in competitive ballroom dancing. Also of note was Amanda Thomas, married to our fine emcee Pat T.
Thomas, both did a great job here!
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Figure saw a good battle for that top spot, between Washington Ironman Champion Britney Miller and Idaho's Melanie Galletti (who placed first in Masters 40+).
Melanie only started competing in 2018, but her symmetry and muscle detail for the category is truly impressive. Not sure what either's plans are in terms
of Nationals/Pro Qualifiers in the future, but they're definitely on the right track! Other open class winners were Alixandra Verchota, crazy symmetrical
look and Emily Stewart who also competed in WPD and both solo and Mixed Pairs Bodybuilding. There were a number of crossover athletes of note here, Jessica
Martin won WPD, aforementioned Emily placed 2nd and Figure Novice Class 'A' winner Audrey Hahn placed 3rd...beautiful lines, a great look for the sport
whichever category she chooses to pursue.
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The Men's categories were dominated by Matt Maiwald, conditioning speaks loudly at this level so what may differentiate Bodybuilding from Classic
Physique does not really come into play as much. Best posing routine went to the ageless Tony (watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat) Ruggiero! We'll add
more to the Men's Categories photos as time permits.
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A huge thanks to the promoters, volunteers and the dedicated competitors who keep this sport growing.
The Pacific Northwest is a special place when it comes to the NPC community with everybody pitching in
to make each others' shows as successful as possible. It's a continued privilege to be able to
cover and publicize these shows for decades now.
We'll have more on the show here in general as time permits. Thanks for NOT cropping watermarks if reposting photos
on social media. Official results and further information
can be found at ribicproductions.com.
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(Please notify me of any placing or name spelling errors, thanks.)
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