Lonnie “The Swami” Teper is not only the emcee of this weekend’s NPC West Coast Classic but also the promoter. The Swami has been part of the bodybuilding industry for years and is a walking bodybuilding almanac. He’s the guy who can tell you who won the 1985 USAs and how many times he’s been stuck with the lunch tab when dining with Shawn Ray. On second thought, he’s been stuck with the lunch bill too many times to count but that’s a story for another time.
I caught up with LT last night to get the scoop on his show. It was previously called the Junior Cal but this year it’s a NPC National Qualifier and titled The NPC West Coast Classic. LT shared…
As of Monday afternoon, I’ve gotten 125 entries in hand, with 51 of them crossing over. This is by far the biggest show I’ve ever promoted, but thanks needs to go to Jon Lindsay, who let me turn the former Junior Cal into a national qualifier–now the NPC AmiLean West Coast Classic Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Championships. There are about 75 women entered, and both Figure and Bikini look to be very strong. Two of the Bikini competitors include Khay Rosemond, who won the Overall at the Orange County Classic this year, and Elena Andrade, last year’s Junior Cal Overall winner. Too many other outstanding competitors to name. Only thing missing at the show is Hardbody himself, the guy who has made me look good over the years with his “Rising Stars” tips. Two of them–Sarah Hurrle and Jessica Jessie, got their pro cards in Chicago at the Junior Nationals over the weekend. Check out npcwestcoast.com for more info on Saturday’s show.
Ron “Don’t Call Me Orange or Chicken” Avidan will be on hand snapping pics and covering the show for Hardbody.com and Bodybuilding.com. Ron tells me this is one of his favorite shows of the year. I think it’s because LT picks up the dinner tab at the end of the night though. In all seriousness, Lonnie is a passionate dude about this show and anyone who enters will have a first class production and a chance to be featured in IRONMAN magazine. It’s not too late to enter. If you’re looking for a National Qualifying show, check out this show. Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler will be guest posing at this show as well.
