IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Marcus Haley Trains for Europa 2011 arriving to gym in Maserati

We shot this clip with IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Marcus Haley training six days out from the Europa Show of Champions 2011 with business/training partner Shayne Cahill at their Extreme Fitness Gym.

The NPC Diamond Natural Classic was a terrific event that I can't say enough positive things about
by Musclepapa John Hawley

I left Jacksonville a little before 4am and picked Michael Ives up in Ormond Beach. Michael Arvilla had a tooth ache and decided against going as we reached Palm Beach Gardens to pick him up. We arrived in Boca Raton at the NPC Diamond Classic check-in at Olympia Heights school at about 9 AM. We set up photo and video equipment, began doing a few interviews and Michael began shooting paparazzi photography backstage as the show began at what I believe was between 10-10:30AM. With a few more than 40 competitors and a substantial number of cross overs the prejudging took a few hours. It was a good line up of competitors especially for a natural-polygraph tested (5yr steroid free) event.

There was toned and healthy muscle showcased throughout the masters Over 60 to novice men's bodybuilding division. Emerson Jacques, the middle weight and overall winner had pleasing lines with full muscle bellies and perfect color and presentation.

Debi Van Brunt the lone female competitor though not a mass monsta did her homework, came in shape and obviously put a great deal of time and effort into preparing to compete with whomever showed up.

In bikini there were all shapes and sizes and two sets of ladies that looked to be twins, but no confirmation on that as the last names were different. Pauline Hoops won her Class D and the overall with a beautiful lean, but shapely physique and awesome facial beauty and expressions that gave a nice warmth to her stage presence. One standout remembrance was some noticeably healthy standout Latina bikini booties on stage.

Terry Means, took the overall in figure after a Sunshine Classic Novice win and 2nd place in her respective class about three weeks back. Terry is a beautiful and well sculpted structure of light-skinned Jamaican descent. Look for her at some national shows as she used this, which was only her second show to improve her stage presence. She toned her muscle down a bit at this show to keep in line with what appears to be sought after at higher level competitions.

There were two men in the Physique Division and both were tone and athletic although seemed awkward not quite knowing how they should pose on stage. Jake Belleme, the first place winner hardly cracked a smile and even through up a double-bicep pose at one point seemingly out of anxiety over just what to do.

For the night show the opening comedian was actually booed off stage. Then there was a group of about 50 children called the Hiphop kids that really got the crowd excited and clapping for their terrific performances. There was a Brazilian martial arts group of children and young adults that performed later in the show that had guys flying through the air reminding me of a few Nicole Duncan routines.

IFBB Pro Manuel Romero was the guest poser and this soft-spoken humble Venezuelan made me eat my words that he might should become a male physique cross over competitor. Manuel was big, full and tight for his onstage performance in Boca Raton just three weeks out from the Orlando Europa. He doesn't have that freak-factor that we hear so much about, but a very pleasing physique with great lines and symetry. The waist isn't as small as some or shoulders proportionately grand as other tall competitors such as the X-Man, but he is young, good looking with a terrific overall package with great wheels in my estimation.

Be sure to check out Michael's paparazzi photography backstage, which truly helps show the happy tone behind the scenes at this event. It was fun and filled with a lot of friendly people. That shows through Mike's photography.
Congratulations to Promoter Andres Miller and his staff of supporters including Dina the Machina and others for putting on a classy event wherein all proceeds from the packed house go to the family of Ruel Griffin, Andres former training partner that formerly promoted the event before passing away from cancer. The entire event is in memory of Ruels, his passion and vision of the sport.

Event was over about 10PM and Mike and I headed north. Stopped twice for catnaps in rest areas on the five hour trip back that resulted in my pulling in the driveway back home in jville about 7AM. Spoke with Andres a few times getting results and such prior to his heading to Costa Rica on business Tuesday afternoon. His work requires extensive travel into Latin America. Last week it was Colombia. Gotta love his life!
Congratulations once more to all the participants.