Finally, My First Contest

After looking at pics and comparing myself to top amateur bodybuilders, I concluded that my physique could do well on stage. People had been saying this for years, but it never really set in. However, now my outlook had changed, and the time was right. So, after doing some research, I entered my first contest; the NPC Maryland State/ East Coast Classic. It was close to home, had a novice division, and offered national qualification. I knew it was rare to win an overall on the first try, but I decided to give it a shot; a former IFBB pro gave me a lot of positive feedback so I felt very confident.

To make a long story short, I didn't win the open class. I was awarded 4th place in the open light heavyweight division. But, as a consolation prize, I won the novice heavyweight and overall titles! The judges informed me that I really needed to work on my posing. They said it hurt my placing, but I did really well for my first show. So, I took their advice to heart, found a posing coach, and competed two weeks later at the Lenda Murray Championships, in Norfolk, VA. This time, I won 1st place in light heavyweight class and the overall. I now was officially nationally qualified.

2009 NPC East Coast Classic Novice Overall

 

2009 NPC Lenda Murray Championships Overall

2009 NPC Lenda Murray Championships Overall

 

2009 NPC Lenda Murray Championships Overall

2009 NPC Lenda Murray Championships Overall

 

2009 NPC Lenda Murray Championships Overall

The following year, I decided to try my hand in a natural bodybuilding organization. I wanted to be able to prove that, with the right genetics and work ethic, a lifetime natural could do well anywhere they choose to.

On Saturday, May 1st, 2010 I competed in the Musclemania Capital Tournament of Champions, in Washington D.C. Once again, my hard work paid off with another victory. I won the light heavyweight and overall titles. The overall trophy, was a replica of King Aurthur's Excalibur sword. Additionally, I became a Musclemania professional in the process.

2010 Musclemania Capital Tournament of Champions Overall

2010 Musclemania Capital Tournament of Champions Overall