Diane's Diary by Diane Mueller

Have you ever wanted something so badly that your heart actually ached, or that it felt like you were missing a piece of your soul? And no matter how patiently you waited, you still were left wondering, “Why not me? Haven’t I been a good person? Haven’t I done everything I was supposed to do? Then why am I left with this empty space in my heart when everyone around me feels fulfilled?” This is exactly how my friends, Darlene and John Zeutzius felt when they were trying to conceive a child only to be disappointed time after time, when it seemed like everyone around them were able to create life with relative ease. Even people who didn’t seem to be deserving of the privilege of being parents were making babies. Yet they held fast to their faith as they continued to walk through life, until one day, when an amazing path was laid out before them and their lives would be forever changed.

Their remarkable story begins back in 1995 when they were married. They’ve both always known that they wanted children, and lots of them, because they both came from large families. Within their first year of marriage they suffered through the agony of two miscarriages and Darlene lost one of her fallopian tubes in the process. The doctors assured them that this wouldn’t make it impossible for them to conceive, but it certainly would make it more challenging. After struggling for five more years with no more pregnancies, numerous tests and different medications, they finally conceived their miracle child. In 2000, God answered their prayers and gave Kyla Mae to them. While she was pregnant, Darlene promised God that if He allowed her to carry this baby to term, that she would be happy and content. Life was good after the birth of Kyla; they spoiled her and their little girl everywhere with them. Even though they were happy and enjoying life, they still felt like something was missing in their lives. They felt bad raising an only child. They wanted her to have a sister to share secrets with, or a brother to make her strong and tough. But more than that, who would be there for her after Darlene and John were gone. Even though they promised God they would be satisfied with just one child, now that they’ve experienced the incredible joy of parenthood, they couldn’t help but wish for another.

Traditional adoption is always a consideration for couples who are unable to have children, but it’s a very expensive proposition, and this was especially true for Darlene and John. The expense for adoption was well beyond the amount their budget could afford, so they would have had to take out a loan to complete the adoption and still be able to afford to raise the child. No matter how many ways they considered this option, they just couldn’t make it work out. Again, they were left feeling disappointed and tried to make peace with the fact that perhaps they were only meant to have one child. Just when it appeared that Kyla was destined to be an only child, a ray of hope appeared in their lives. It began with a conversation with one of John’s cousins at a family gathering. They talked for hours with this cousin about the foster care program, in which she was in the process of adopting a 5 year old boy that she had been fostering. This conversation left Darlene feeling very hopeful and inspired her to research the program further. Several months later John’s cousin died and while at the funeral, Darlene observed this young boy crying over her coffin, missing his new mom. Shortly after the funeral, John and Darlene attended an adoption class and were awed when they saw a vision of John’s cousin sitting in the back row. They took this as a sign from God that their predestined path was to continue forward in the foster care program and they became licensed foster parents.

They had a few different children with them during their time as foster parents, some long term and some just on the weekends, but each instance taught them different parenting skills and they also learned which situations were conducive to their family dynamic and which situations didn’t work very well. It also gave Kyla the opportunity to discover what it would be like to be a sister. Although they loved sheltering children in need, soon it became evident that it was becoming too emotional for their family. It was too much heartache to live with the uncertainty of bringing children into their lives that had to go home. It was also taking too much of an emotional toll on their own little girl who was looking forward to having a sibling, and then continually coping with the disappointment when the children would leave. Then during one of their foster care training programs the topic of “special needs adoption” was presented and explained. The term “special needs,” with regards to this program, doesn’t refer to children who have a mental or physical impairment; instead, it refers to children who are considered at higher risk because they come from an uncertain background. These children were in the foster care system due to having been abused themselves, or having seen abuse occur, were exposed to drug abuse, prostitution or poverty. Some of these children have lived in the streets or halfway houses, or have been taken from the care of their parents due to domestic abuse or some other situation that was unsuitable for a child to be raised in. While other children may have been born with illegal drugs in their system, or may have medical needs such as; ADHD, RAD or asthma. The adoptive parents are able to choose the degree of special needs they are willing to accept, as this is a lifelong commitment.

John and Darlene filled out their paperwork for the Special Needs program in the spring of 2009 and then began the waiting game. They applied to adopt one special needs child, but would be willing to consider more if it meant keeping a family together. In early December, they attended a healing ceremony at their church. As they kneeled before the altar, they squeezed each others hands and prayed. Unbeknownst to each other at the time, they both prayed for exactly the same thing. They both prayed for God to heal whatever was preventing them from having more children and to heal the empty spot in their hearts. As the minister placed his hands on them to pray for them, Darlene felt an unexplainable feeling course through her. She quietly sobbed to herself as she sat through the remainder of the service. At this point, she had thrown her hands up to the Lord and asked for His help. Two weeks later, Darlene received a phone call from their social worker stating the agency had found a match for them. They had a 7 year old girl, 4 year old boy and a 15 month old boy who needed a home. Darlene and John went in the next day to read a bio on each of the children, little did they know, the bios would only consist of one paragraph per child. The company required them to take a day to consider whether or not they wanted to meet the children based upon reading these bios, as meeting the children meant they were going to proceed to adopt them, unless there was a significant issue that arose during that meeting. They both knew they were going to say “yes,” but per the agencies instructions, they agreed to wait and talk things over. Due to the holidays, however, they weren’t able to meet their new children until the first week in January. Even though the three children were half-siblings, they were each living in separate foster homes; so in essence, the children were meeting each other at the same time they were meeting their new parents. On this initial meeting, they all laughed and played for hours and they instantly knew this was meant to be. They were given immediate weekend visits and the children were permanently placed in their home by January 26th.

The children needed to live with their new parents for 6 months as foster children to ensure a smooth transition into their new daily lives. This also gives the children and parents the opportunity to decide if full adoption is the result they all desire. At the end of July, Darlene and John petitioned the courts for adoption and received an adoption date of September 28th, 2010. They appeared in court on that specified date as a foster family and walked out of the courtroom as an official family. Darlene and John were now the proud new parents of: Sasha, AJ and Tavi; and Kyla was finally a big sister. With the stroke of the judge’s gavel, they went from being a family of three to a family of six and all was right with the world. They were officially one big, happy family.

In December of the same year, they received a phone call from their social worker advising them that the children have an 8 month old half-brother in foster care and the agency was wondering if they would consider taking him in. The agency knew that taking in Ty would be a huge impact on the family, but legally, they needed to ask. The only concern they had was what the odds of the adoption being finalized were. They didn’t want to integrate their little brother into their home, only to have him removed later on. They couldn’t allow their children’s heart to be broken in that manner. Upon further review of Ty’s file and investigating other options, Darlene and John were informed that it would be a struggle to adopt him, as there was a father involved, but he needed to be placed in a home regardless. If he didn’t get placed in their home, he would have to be placed somewhere else. Being the loving people that they are, Darlene and John brought him home and he’s been with them ever since. Nine months later, Darlene and John are still working on adopting Ty, but the legal issues are in their favor. (The adoptions of the other three children occurred quicker and more easily because the children were in the custody of the state of Wisconsin, meaning that the parental rights were already terminated. Conversely, Ty is in the foster care system and in the custody of Milwaukee County, so it is a longer process due to parental rights still being dealt with.) Despite any difficulties they have encountered, Darlene and John are thrilled to be the parents of each one of these children. The children call Darlene and John, mom and dad, and the children call each other, brothers and sisters. They are all one cohesive, loving family and that is a bond that will never be broken.

The Zeutzius family would like to give a special thanks to: Children’s Social Services of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and their personal social worker, Nichole Watts. They would also like to thank: Lutheran Social Services and their social worker, Nikki Thompson. For more information, they can be contacted at: Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper Michigan, 3003-A N Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911. This has been an incredible, life changing experience for Darlene and John and their only regret was that they didn’t learn about the program earlier. Now instead of having an empty heart, Darlene has a heart that is overflowing with a love and happiness that can’t be explained. Everyone who has met their children will attest that they are some of the most loving, energetic, intelligent, creative and forgiving souls, and they will change the way you view the world. “So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness and we will find help.” ~ Hebrews 4:16



As always, thank you to my sponsors: 911Strong.com and Big Rig Supplements for your continued support of me personal and my bodybuilding goals. You have opened doors for me that I never dreamed possible. And thank you to my mentor and coach, Jennifer Abrams (www.jenniferabrams.net) for your guidance and support, and for making me believe that even the sky is NOT the limit. And a special thank you to my friends at Steeltribe Muscle Gear Apparel. The Tribe is some most genuine and inspirational people I’ve had the privilege of meeting in the fitness industry.

Candice Carr-Archer Interview

Q: First, Candice, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: You are most welcome. Thanks for asking me.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself?
A: I am from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean (It is actually Trinidad and Tobago with Trinidad being the larger of the two islands). I am the elder to two (2) sisters and my sister and I were both tom boys when growing up so we were always very active.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or
anything?
A: I did martial arts (Shotokan) for several years before bodybuilding

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I wanted to get stronger for martial arts, lol.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: I picked it up fairly easy but the results were slow in coming, mainly because I was learning and reading as I went along, not really knowing about the proper diet, training methods etc.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I simply made up my mind to get involved in bodybuilding and entered the Junior Nationals.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: Yes my family and friends supported me and still do till this day :-)

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: Competing was not as I expected. What surprised me really was the prep as I didn’t imagine is was so tough!

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: My contest history is as follows:
2011:
*Tampa Pro, Tampa, Florida 17th Place
*Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Europa Battle of Champions 14th Place
2010:
*Tampa Pro, Tampa, Florida 14th Place
2009:
*World Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, Como, Italy
14th Heavy Weight
*Overall winner, Gold Medal over 55kg, Gold Medal Masters
Central American Champions (CAC) Body Building Championships (Grenada)
*Earned Pro Card
*2nd Place Senior National Body Building Championships
2007:
*Gold Medal & Overall Winner, Eastern Caribbean Body Building Championships (Trinidad)
*1st Place Senior National Body Building Championships
*World Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, Santa Susanna, Spain (NP)
2006:
*Gold Medal & Overall Winner, Eastern Caribbean Body Building Championships (Anguilla)
*Gold Medal & Overall Winner, Lawrence Marshall Annual Body Building Championships (Trinidad)
2003:
*Gold Medal & Overall Winner, Eastern Caribbean Body Building Championships (Trinidad)
2002:
*1st Place Senior National Body Building Championships
*Bronze Medal Heavy Weight Central American Champions (CAC) Body Building Championships (Venezuela)
2000
*3rd Place Senior National Body Building Championships
1999
*1st Place Junior National Body Building Championships
*2nd Place Senior National Body Building Championships
1998
*2nd Place Junior National Body Building Championships

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: I would say my back and shoulders as I always had a broad back and shoulders!

Q:Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: I like training chest the most.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I don’t have a ‘normal’ training routine in the off so to speak, in that I vary my routine every 4weeks in an attempt to shock my body to grow. I do not put on muscle very easily thence that approach e.g. 4weeks of power moves, 4 weeks heavy training, 4 weeks active rest etc.
Pre-contest it is a little more normal in that its each body part being trained twice a week, super sets, and an hour cardio every day

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time,
what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: In Trinidad the reaction is more negative but when I travel abroad peoples’ reaction are more receptive.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you
are most sick of hearing?
A: I am sick and tired of being asked how much I bench press and do I beat up on men :-)

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: There are too many misconceptions about female bodybuilders so I will simply say that bodybuilding is a more than a sport it is a life style in that year round training is maintained geared toward making the necessary improvements. Additionally diet is also a key component year round as a fairly clean diet is required to avoid a high body fat percentage.
I wish people understood the vast amount of sacrifice, discipline, dedication, determination, training that goes into attaining the sculptured physiques that grace the stage.

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: There is not a worst part of training for me as I enjoy training and pushing myself. The best part is that I can train :-)


Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: The bodybuilders I admire: Competing presently - Iris Kyle (down to earth lady) and Johnny Jackson (A real gentleman). Retired competitors Rosemary Jennings (words cannot desire the gem of a person she is) and Lenda Murray (I wanted to look like her as a teen)

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Chocolate Chip Cookies and Coca Cola

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one
piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: There are many pieces of advice that would be applicable, ranging from diet and training to rest and supplementation but what I would say is be true to you. On the journey toward your goal there will be many an obstacle that can take various forms and, there will be times when you feel you cannot go on. In times like that I suggest just what I said earlier ‘be true to yourself’ and persevere, make your goals, dreams a reality. It is not easy, far from but consider the alternative of regret and a life of thinking what if!

Q: Do you think it’s becoming more common for women to use the weights as
opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: I would say it has already more common place for women to use weights. There is a lot more information about the benefits of weight training as there was let’s say two decades ago and women have experienced the benefits first hand and the ‘trend’ has taken root.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love going to the movies and the beach.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Candice Carr-Archer?
Lol, A typical day a something that I don’t really have since I am in the military and anything can happen :-). For the most part I get to the gym for 5:30am, after training head to base. If I am not on overnight duty I will do either cardio or a combination of weights and cardio in the evening. If am on overnight, weight training is out until maybe the following evening.

Q: Describe Candice Carr-Archer in five words.
A: Determined, straight forward, kindhearted, committed and happy.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: That I listen to Opera and classical music :-). The three tenors is my favorite.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I am still trying to decide if I should switch from body-building to physique.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: I want to take this opportunity to say express some gratitude:
I thank God for giving me the health, strength and life to purse my dreams, with him I am nothing.
Thanks to my Mom, sister Gizelle, husband Derek, my friend and trainer Roland, my sister from another mother Rosemarie Jennings and her husband Alex Ramirez for being more that trainers to me but treating me as part of the family.
Thanks also to the people who have simply smiled and spoken a kind word…….a little can go a long way.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Candice Carr-Archer the athlete and competitor?
A: Yes I am looking for sponsors and I can be reached via email (musclecandi@aol.com). With me you are getting more than athlete and competitor, you are getting a well-rounded individual with a passion for what she does

Q: Candice, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Simply thanks again for taking the time to chat with me.

Qawnana Crockett IFPA PRO World Championships Interview

Q: First Qawnana, thanks for taking the time for another interview.
A: THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

Q: For those who may not be familiar, can you tell a little about yourself.
A: MOM, COACH,FITNESS PROFESSIONAL, STYLIST, MAKE UP ARTIST..........

Q: You recently competed. Can you share with people what show you did and how you did.
A: YES, I COMPETED IN THE 2011 MUSCLEPHARM IFPA PRO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD IN MARYLAND. I PLACED 3RD IN THE FIGURE SHORT CATEGORY.

Q: How did you feel about your chances after pre judging?
A: HONESTLY, I HAD NO IDEA BECAUSE EVERYONE LOOKED SO GOOD!

Q: How do you decide which shows you want to do?
A: WELL, IT USUALLY DEPENDS ON WHAT MY KIDS HAVE GOING ON BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH ATHLETES AS WELL. IT STILL ISN'T ALWAYS EASY BECAUSE LIKE THIS YEAR, BOTH KIDS AND I OVERLAPPED WITH OUR ACTIVITIES, SO WE WERE ALL MISSING SOMETHING OF ONE ANOTHER OCCASIONALLY.

Q: Looking at last year and this year, what do you feel you have made the biggest improvements on?
A: DEFIANTLY CONDITIONING, AND LEANNESS. OVER THE PAST 6 YEARS, THAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CONSISTENT FEEDBACK, GET LEANER, SO......I DID!

Q: Is there anything you feel you need to improve on for the next year?
A: YES, I HAD MORE SIZE AND DENSITY IN MY UPPER BODY BEFORE, I WANT TO GET THAT BACK SO I CAN BALANCE OUT WITH MY LEGS.

Q: Do you ever compare yourself to others before you actually step on stage?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. I ACTUALLY THINK IT'S REALLY SILLY. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT AND WE ALL HAVE OUR STRONG POINTS AS WELL AS OUR CHALLENGING ONES. AS A COMPETITOR, YOU JUST HAVE CONFIDENCE IN WHO YOU ARE A WHAT YOU ARE BRINGING TO THE STAGE AND LEAVE THE REST.

Q: How was the prep for the show?
A: IT WENT PRETTY WELL, I DID CATCH THE FLU DURING PEAK WEEK, BUT SEVERAL OF US GOT SICK, SO I KNEW I HAD TO PUSH THROUGH, SHAKE IT OFF, AND KEEP GOING. OTHER THAN THE FLU, IT WENT WELL, ALMOST TOO WELL!

Q: What is the changes you make to your routine for prep?
A: FOR THIS SHOW, I HARDLY EVER DID CARDIO (NO I'M NOT COMPLAINING EITHER). OUTSIDE OF TEACHING MY LATIN/HIP HOP DANCE CLASS TWICE A WEEK, I DIDN'T REALLY DO CARDIO.

Q: Whats the hardest part of the prep process for you?
A: I COACH CHEERLEADING FOR THE YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE, SO COACHING 13 GIRLS (INCLUDING MY DAUGHTER), TRAINING FOR THIS SHOW, TRYING TO ATTEND MY DAUGHTERS TRACK MEETS, AND SUPPORT MY SON'S FIRST YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WAS THE HARDEST, AND MOST STRESSFUL. I COULD NOT WAIT FOR ALL OF OUR SEASONS TO END SO WE COULD ALL TAKE A BREAK

Q: Whats the first thing you ate once you got off stage?
A: WHEN I GOT HOME, I ORDERED PIZZA. I ATE 1 SLICE, AND PASSED OUT! IT WASN'T REALLY UNTIL HALLOWEEN 2 DAYS LATER THAT I GOT TO INDULGE IN TOOTSIE ROLLS :)

Q: Does it take a win for you to be happy, or is just making improvements the thing you look to accomplish?
A: FOR ME IT'S ABOUT KNOWING I BROUGHT MY ABSOLUTE EVERYTHING TO THAT STAGE, IT SHOWS AND IT WAS REMEMBERED WHEN THAT SHOW IS OVER. WE ALL WANT TO WIN, WE ALL DEAL WITH SOME FORM OF DISAPPOINTMENT (SOME MORE THAN OTHERS) IF WE DON'T PLACE FIRST. WHEN I DON'T PLACE FIRST, I TAKE A STEP BACK AND I LOOK AT ALL OF THE VARIABLES THAT WENT ALONG WITH PREPPING FOR THAT SHOW. I AM ONLY NOT HAPPY WITH MYSELF IF I KNOW I DIDN'T GIVE MY VERY BEST AND IT MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MY PLACING. EVERYONE'S PREFERENCE ON WHAT THE FIRST PLACE BODYBUILDER OR FIGURE COMPETITOR SHOULD LOOK LIKE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT, AND EVERYONE IS GOING TO HAVE AN OPINION. THERE COMES A POINT WHEN YOU JUST HAVE TO TAKE THE FEEDBACK AND MOVE ON, AND NOT LET IT STOP YOU IN YOUR TRACKS. THIS SPORT HAS TO BE ABOUT MORE THAN THAT FIRST PLACE WIN, IT SHOULD BE ABOUT PROGRESSION AND CHALLENGE.

Q: Whats the last thing you think about right before you step on stage?
A: RIGHT BEFORE STEPPING ON THE STAGE AT THE SHOW, 3 WORDS.....I......DID....IT!!! THIS YEAR WAS MY 3RD ATTEMPT AT WANTING TO COMPETE IN THE WORLDS. ILLNESS AND MAJOR SURGERIES STOPPED ME BOTH IN 2009 AND 2010. SO IN MY OWN WAY, THIS WAS MY "COME BACK". I WAS JUST SO THRILLED I FINALLY MADE IT, AND EVEN WITH THE FLU I FELT MY ABSOLUTE BEST :)

Q: Where there any competitors you shared the stage with who impressed you?
A: WELL, WE ALL HAD TO QUALIFY JUST TO COMPETE IN THIS SHOW, SO I WAS IMPRESSED WITH EVERY SINGLE PERSON I SHARED THE STAGE WITH THAT DAY.

Q: Do you get nervous at all before you get on stage?
A: OH GOODNESS! SO NERVOUS, I WANT TO PASS OUT LOL!! BUT AS SOON AS MY MUSIC COMES ON AND I TAKE THAT FIRST STEP, IT'S ON!

Q: Do you try and read judges reactions while on stage or just focus on what you are doing?
A: NO, I'M USUALLY TOO BUSY TRYING TO MAINTAIN MY COMPOSURE ON STAGE AND KEEPING MY SMILE. I WOULD JUST FREAK MYSELF OUT EVEN MORE IF I FOCUS ON THEM.

Q: How important is support from family and friends during the prep process?
A: IT IS REALLY UNREALISTIC TO ASK FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I DO. I APPRECIATE ANY SUPPORT I CAN GET AND AS LONG AS THERE IS NO NEGATIVE ENERGY I'M GOOD. I HAVE PRETTY PROUD, AND SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LETTING THEM KNOW WHAT I NEED TO SUCCEED, AND THEY USUALLY UNDERSTAND.

Q: Finish this sentence. In five years Qawnana Crockett will be__?
A: MORE DRIVEN, PASSIONATE, AND SUCCESSFUL THAN I AM TODAY NO MATTER WHAT I AM DOING.

Q: When you are done competing, how would you like Qawnana Crockett the competitor to be remembered?
RESPECTFUL, DRIVEN, HELPFUL, FRIENDLY, AND A TOUGH COMPETITOR.

Q: Anything I missed you want to talk about?
A: I'M SURPRISED YOU DIDN'T ASK ME ABOUT MY PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR........LET'S JUST SAY BIGGER AND BETTER :)

Q: Anything you want to plug or promote?
A: MOST PEOPLE KNOW I AM A POSING AND CONTEST PREP COACH, BUT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT I ACTUALLY DO STAGE MAKE UP AS WELL! I GUESS YOU CAN SAY I AM A JACK OF ALL TRADES :)

Q: Qawnana, again, thanks so much for doing this. Any last words before you go?
A: WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE, NOT AGAINST IT

NAAFS Night of Champions Report

On November 23rd NAAFS put on Night of Champions. Night of Champions is a great chance to see the top amateur fighters in the area all in one night. Throughout the year they fight their way to this point, to fight for the amateur series National Championships, and they delivered on this night. Many great fights. Plus there were some great Pro fights as well. There were some three round wars and some fights that ended quick but with exciting finishes.

1. Amateur Welterweight
Keith Dugan (0-2 Hollywood MMA) vs Emmanuel Kangah (0-1 True Roots MMA)

RD 1: Leg kick by Kangah. Kangah hurts him with a hook and jumps on him. Kangah drops him with punches and lands ground and pound till the ref steps in.

Result: Emmanuel Kangah by TKO at :27 of Round 1

2. Amateur Bantamweight
Roosevelt Archie (2-2 PA Brawlers) vs Jarrel Hodge (2-0 Brickhouse MMA)

RD 1: Leg kick by Archie. Hodge drops him with a hook and cross and jumps on him landing ground and pound till the ref stops it.

Result: Jarrel Hodge by TKO at :20 of Round 1

3. Amateur Lightweight
Bob Tipinski (5-5 Independent Crew) vs Dave Graf (3-3 Brickhouse MMA)

RD 1: Graf lands a kick low stopping action. Tipinski seems really upset by the low blow. They resume and Graf shoots but gets stuffed. Graf keeps working and gets on top. Graf lands body shots. Graf stands back up and lands a push kick that Tipinksi says was low, but ref doesn't call it. Tipinksi drops him with a hook and lands ground and pound forcing Tipinksi to tap. Tipinski yells a Graf afterwords.

Result: Bob Tipinski by Tapout (Strikes) at 1:08 of Round 1

4. Amateur Lightweight Title
Frank Sloan (10-1 Warrior Concepts) vs Khama Worthy (7-2 PTT)

RD 1: Jab by Sloan. They trade crosses. Jab by Worthy and then another. Hook by Sloan. Kick to the body by Sloan. Leg kick by Sloan. Jab by Worthy. They trade hard shots. They clinch but quickly separate. They clinch against the cage but again quickly separate. Hook by Sloan. Jab by Worthy. Another jab by Worthy. Sloan shoots in but gets stuffed. Kick to the bod by Worthy. Worthy drops him with a hook for the knockout.

Result: Khama Worthy by KO at 2:59 of Round 1

5. Amateur Welterweight Title
Todd Bevan (7-0 Bullpen) vs Dave Gabig (6-2 PTT)

RD 1: Leg kick by Bevan and another. Kick to the body by Bevan. Bevan tries for a takedown against the cage but Gabig defends it well. Bevan really trying hard for the takedown. He finally gets the takedown and lands a punch to the head. Bevan gets his back. Shots to the head by Bevan.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Bevan

RD 2: They trade shots with Gaig getting the better of it. Bevan gets a takedown. Punches to the head by Bevan and then a couple more. Bevan gets his back. Gabig turns into him and now Bevan has him pushed against the cage. Gabig gets up but Bevan takes him right back down.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Bevan

RD 3: Leg kick by Bevan. Hook by Gabig. Bevan tries for a takedown and gets it. Knees to the body by Bevan. Gabig pulls guard. Gabig sweeps and gets on top. Gabig postures up but Bevan pulls him close. Head shot by Gabig. Body shot by Gabig. Great job by Bevan to avoid damage. Body shot by Gabig. Bevan gets up and they clinch on the cage as the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Gabig
My score card: 29-28 Bevan

Result: Todd Bevan by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

6. Amateur Middleweight Title
Steve Burton (7-1 Evolve MMA) vs Dave Lastafka (5-0 Vanyo Fight Team)

RD 1: Hook and body kick by Lastafka. Burton gets behind him and brings him down. Lastafka pulls guard. Lastafka goes for an arm. Knee to the body by Burton. Lastafka still trying for the arm. Burton pulls his arm out. Burton stands and drops down punches. Burton goes for a heel hook. Lastafka punches his leg to try and escape. Burton still trying for the heel hook. Lastafka escapes and stands. They trade hard shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Burton

RD 2: Lastafka has him backing up with a hard shots. Hard hook by Burton and Burton takes him down. Lastafka tries for an arm. Knee to the body by Burton. Burton stands and drops punches down. Burton trying for a heel hook. Lastafka lands punches. Burton still trying for heel hook and Lastafka still landing punches. Lastafka pulls his foot out and lands shots. Lastafka thinks the ref stopped it but it was just the end of the round.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Lastafka

RD 3: Burton shoots in but can't get the takedown. Lastafka lands punches. Burton gets him down but Lastafka gets right up. They stand and Burton takes him back down. Lastafka tries for an arm from the bottom. Now Burton goes for a leg. Lastafka stands and Burton stays down and holds Lastafka's leg. Lastafka drops punches. Burton drags him down and gets side control but the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Lastafka

Result: Dave Lastafka by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

7. Amateur Bantamweight Title
Tyler Saltsman (6-2 Team Titan) vs Isaiah Chapman (11-1 Rock Hard MMA)

RD 1: Both and jabs. Hook by Saltsman. Another hook by Saltsman. Saltsman shoots in but gets stuffed. Jab by Chapman. They trade shots against the cage. Leg kick by Saltsman. Hook by Chapman. Jab by Chapman. Saltsman shoots but good sprawl by Chapman. Hook by Chapman. Cross by Chapman.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Chapman

RD 2: Leg kick by Saltsman. Jab by Chapman. Hook by Chapman. Saltsman lands a hook. Hard hook by Chapman. Saltsman shoots in but Chapman sprawls. Leg kick by Saltsman followed by a jab. Hook by Chapman. Hook by Saltsman. A hook lands for Chapman. Both land jabs. Chapman drops him with a jab, but it was just a case of Saltsman being off balance as he gets right up. They clinch on the cage. Knees by Saltsman. A couple hard punches by Saltsman.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Saltsman

RD 3: Two punch combo by Chapman. Saltsman shoots but Chapman moves out of the way. Saltsman shoots again and eats punches. He shoots again but Chapman sprawls. They drop down. Saltsman is trying to put him on his back. Body shots by Chapman. Saltsman hanging onto a single trying to put Chapman on his back. Saltsman stands with Chapman upside down on his back. Chapman is trying for the submission from the position while Saltsman tries to shake him off. Chapman is landing body shots from this position. Chapman gets off his back. Body kick by Saltsman.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Chapman
My score card: 29-28 Chapman

Result: Isaiah Chapman by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

8. Amateur 135LB Title
Evva Johnson (4-1 Team Balance) vs Rachel Dovidio (5-1 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Jab by Dovidio. Johnson clinches against the cage. Johnson trying hard for takedown. Knee to the body by Johnson. Knee to the body by Dovidio followed by another. Knee to the leg by Johnson. Hard knee to the body by Dovidio. They trade knees to the legs. Nice throw by Johnson and she gets side control. Short head shots by Johnson. Johnson gets an armbar and forces Dovidio to tap.

Result: Evva Johnson by Tapout (Armbar) at 2:48 of Round 1

9. Amateur Featherweight Title
Russ Brletrick (7-4 Independent Crew) vs Mark Cherico (8-0 Fight Club Pittsburgh)

RD 1: They come out throwing shots. Double leg takedown by Cherico and he gets side control. Brletrick gets half guard and hold Cherico close. Brletrick gets full guard. Cherico postures up but Brletrick pulls him back down. Punch to the head by Cherico. Now a couple more. Punch from the bottom by Brletrick.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Cherico

RD 2: Cherico gets a takedown and side control.Brletrick holds him close to avoid damage. Brletrick tries to scramble and gets half guard. Punches to the head by Cherico. Cherico gets mount and lands shots. More shots by Cherico. Cherico looks for an armbar but Brletrick defends it well. More shots by Cherico.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Cherico

RD 3: Leg kick by Brletrick. Cherico slams him down and gets side control. Two short head shots by Cherico. Cherico gets mount and lands punches. Now he lands harder shots and the ref steps in.

Result: Mark Cherico by TKO at :48 of Round 3

10. Pro Featherweight
Kevin Rothacker (7-2 Strong Style) vs Tony Castillo (10-3 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Clinch against the cage. Takedown by Castillo. He lands two shots and Rothacker gets up. Up kick by Castillo who is still down. Castillo stands. They clinch against the cage. Knee to the head by Rothacker. Takedown by Castillo. Rothacker has guard. Punch by Castillo. More punches from Castillo. Rothacker tries to stand and Castillo gets his back. Head shots by Castillo. Rothacker gets up and they clinch on the cage. Takedown by Castillo. Rothacker back up and they are clinched. Knee to head by Castillo. Takedown by Castillo to end the round.
I scored RD 1: 10-8 Castillo

RD 2: Push kick by Rothacker. Hook by Castillo. Superman punch by Castillo. They clinch on the cage and Castillo gets a takedown. Rothacker stands and lands a nice hook. Cross by Rothacker. Castillo tries for a takedown but Rothacker throws him off. Body kick by Castillo. Hook by Rothacker. Leg kick by Castillo. Clinch on the cage and Castillo looks for a takedown. Knee to the leg by Castillo. Slam by Castillo. Punch to the head by Castillo. Rothacker stands and gets Castillo's back. Hammer fists by Rothacker. Castillo stands and they clinch on the cage. Takedown by Castillo. Rothacker pulls guard. Two punches by Castillo.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Rothacker

RD 3: Hard hook by Rothacker. Takedown by Castillo. Castillo lands head shots. They stand and Rothacker lands some nice punches. Hook by Castillo. Takedown by Castillo. Rothacker stands but Castillo takes him down again. Castillo postures up but Rothacker avoids damage. Castillo gets his back and lands knees to the body. Rothacker stands and lands a hook. The trade hard shots. Castillo gets a takedown against the cage. Castillo gets side control. Rothacker gets up. They are clinched on the cage. Knee by Castillo. takedown by Castillo. Head shots from bottom by Rothacker.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Castillo
My score card: 29-27 Castillo

Result: Tony Castillo by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-26)

11. Pro Heavyweight
William Penn (7-3 Team Deadly) vs Josh Hendricks (18-7 Superior Health Club)

RD 1: They trade hooks and clinch on the cage. Penn gets a takedown. Hard punches by Penn and Hendricks is bleeding bad. More hard shots by Penn and the ref stops it.

Result: William Penn by TKO at 1:15 of Round 1

12. Pro 125LB
Jennifer Scott (2-1 4OZ Fight Club) vs Jessica Eye (9-1 Strong Style)

RD 1: Push kick by Eye and another. Hard hook by Eye. Leg kick by Eye. Hard cross by Eye. Leg kick by Eye. Jab by Eye. Push kick by Eye. Leg kick by Scott. Cross by Eye. Jab by Scott. Hard leg kick by Eye. Hook by Eye. Jab to the body by Eye. Jab by Scott. Hook by Eye. Jab to the body by Eye. Leg kick by Eye. Jab by both fighters. Leg kick by Eye. Head kick by Eye. Both lands hooks. Jab by Eye. Hard cross by Eye. Jab by Eye.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Eye

RD 2: Two jabs by Eye. Leg kick by Eye. Hook by Scott. Jab by Eye. Two hooks by Eye. Body kick by Eye. Jab to the body by Eye. Jab by Scott. Jab by Eye. Hard hook by Eye. Scott lands a hard hook. Leg kick by Eye. Jab to the body by Eye. Two hard jabs by Eye. Push kick and hard hook by Eye. Cross by Eye. Push kick by Eye. Hook to the body by Eye. Leg kick by Eye followed by another. Leg kick by Scott. Push kick by Eye. Hook by Eye. Two more leg kicks by Eye and then a hook. Scott's leg looks hurt. Hook by Eye. They trade hard shots and Eye has her hurt on the cage as the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-8 Eye

RD 3: Two jabs by Scott. Hook by Scott. Body kick by Eye. They clinch in center of the cage. Knee by Eye and they separate. Jab by Eye. Leg kick by Eye. Hook by Eye. Leg kick by Scott. Hook by Eye followed by a head kick. Leg kick by Eye. Jab by Scott. Cross by Eye. Leg kick by Eye and then another. Two hard hooks by Eye. Leg kick by Eye. Jab by Scott. Both lands hooks. Leg kick by Eye. Another leg kick by Eye. Scott looks tired. Cross by Eye. Hook by Scott. Push kick by Eye. Jab by Eye and Scott is looking hurt. Two hooks by Eye. Leg kick by Eye and another. Both lands jabs. Head kick by Eye.
I scored RD 3: 10-8 Eye
My score card: 30-25 Eye

Result: Jessica Eye by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

13. Pro Welterweight
William Kuhn (XP Sports) vs Nick Duell 18-5-1 Strong Style)

RD 1: Leg kick by Duell and another. Hook by Duel. Takedown by Kuhn. Duell holds him close to avoid damage. Duell tries for an arm but Kuhn pulls out. Duell gets up and Kuhn takes him down again. Kuhn stands and drops down punches. Kuhn tries to get his back. Duell shakes him off and gets on top. Elbow by Duell and then another. Hard punch by Duell. Duell stands and lets him up. Spinning head kick by Duell. Hook by Kuhn. Body kick by Duell. Kuhn tries for a takedown and Duell defends well. Kuhn still trying for the takedown and gets it but Duell is right back up.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Duell

RD 2: Cross and head kick by Duell. Leg kick by Duell. Another leg kick by Duell. Kuhn takes him down against the cage but isn't doing anything. Duell gets up and Kuhn takes him down again. Duell gets back up. Two hooks by Duell. They clinch on the cage and Duell lands punches. Takedown by Kuhn. Duell gets up and takes Kuhn down. Hard punches by Duell.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Duell

RD 3: Kuhn is really tired. Cross by Duell. Takedown by Duell. Duell lets him up. Leg kick by Duell. Head kick by Duell and another. Clinch on the cage. Duell backs off and hurts him with a kick to the body. Kuhn tries for a takedown but Duell hooks a guillotine. Kuhn pulls out and is in guard. Duell gets up and Kuhn tries to pull him down. Kuhn gets him back down. Duell lands elbows from the bottom. Kuhn is on top but doing nothing. Duell sweeps and gets on top. Hard punches by Duell. More shots by Duell. Duell stands and lets him up. Kuhn is exhausted. Leg kick by Duell.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Duell
My score card: 30-27 Duell

Result: Nick Duell by Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28)

14. Pro 125LB Title
Kelly Warren (12-3 Jackson's MMA) vs Aisling Daly (12-2 Straight Blast Gym)

RD 1: Both come out throwing hard shots. Clinch on the cage. Knees to leg by Daly. Daly tries for a single leg but can't get it. They separate but clinch again. Knee to the leg by Warren. Daly trying hard for a takedown. Hard shots by Warren. Daly still trying for the takedown. They drop down with Warren on top. Daly using wrist control to avoid damage. Head shots by Warren. Warren gets her back and lands shots. Daly is able to get up but Warren still has her back. Knees to the leg by Warren. Warren drags her down but Daly gets up. Takedown by Warren.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Warren

RD 2: Hook by Daly. Daly rocks her with a hook. Warren clinches on the cage. Knee to the head by Warren. Knee to the leg by Daly. Both land good knees. Real good battle for position. Daly tries for a takedown but Warren defends it. Daly tries for a single but Warren defends and gets her back. Daly gets half guard and Warren lands punches. Warren postures up and lands more shots. Daly gets full guard. Daly tries for an arm and gets an armbar. The ref says Warren tapped and Warren protests.

Result: Aisling Daly by Tapout (Armbar) at 4:39 of Round 2


Submission of the Night: Evva Johnson

KO of the Night: William Penn

Fight of Night: Steve Burton vs Dave Lastafka

Spotlight Interview: Rachel Dovidio

I try and be impartial whenever I can, but there are certain times I simply can't be. One of those times is when talking about Rachel Dovidio. Rachel isn't just a fighter I cover, she is a close friend, in fact even my occasional lifting partner. I was with her for the days leading up to her last fight and was amazed at how hard she worked having to deal with a bad weight cut. But she cut and she won. Now she is just days away from her 135 pound amateur title fight at NAAFS Night of Champions with Evva Johnson. This is a fight Rachel has earned and worked hard for, and fighting in her home town of Canton she gets the chance to make her mark on the WMMA world.

Q: Can you start out by just talking about how you got started in the sport?
A: I worked at Ladies First Fitness as a manager and a girl asked me if I would be interested in Tae Kwon Do, her name was Vickie, I said "Sure I'll try it". She took me to Victory, I sat in on her Tae Kwon Do class and hated it. I thought it was boring, but the class afterwords caught my attention. I asked what it was and they told me, and I said "That's what I wanna do". So I started coming and fell in love with it.

Q: For someone who may have never seen you fight, describe Rachel Dovidio as a fighter?
A: Describe me as a fighter........I'm not... I guess technical. I'm not a very technical fighter. I get in and get the job done. It may not look pretty, but it's how I am.

Q: You just got to spend time training in Las Vegas, can you talk about that?
A: It was fantastic. Jordan McDonald always invited me to come out and I finally took her up on it. We went to Dysdale's for Jiu-Jitsu. Tyson Griffin, Frank Mir and other fighters were very helpful. Robert Drysdale was helping Frank Mir and took his attention away from the big UFC fighter to walk across the gym and tell me what I was doing right and wrong. It meant alot. He is not about making money and having an image, he wants everyone to be good. Frank Mir invited me and Jordan to his gym, it was a great experience. I got to see him train and his coaches. They were willing to help us. I went to Wanderlei Silva's gym and got the crap kicked out of me in Muay Thai class. It was non-stop kick the crap out of you. If you get tired, too bad, suck it up and keep coming. It was one of the best experiences.

Q: You are fighting Evva Johnson, what do you know about her?
A: I've watched very little on her. I had a few people tell me some things about her, you being one of them. That she is more of a ground girl and he Jiu-Jitsu is pretty good. From what I have seen and looking at records, she hasn't fought anyone that seems to challenge her. It doesn't make her not a good fighter, I just think she hasn't been pushed yet and this fight she will get pushed because I know what I am doing, I have a winning record, the other girls didn't. I don't think she has been pushed and this fight will let her know if she is on her game or needs to go back to the drawing board.

Q: What would winning a title in a company like NAAFS mean to you?
A: Having a title for me personally means a lot cause I am not sure if I am gonna go pro. This may be one of my only opportunities. Last year no one would fight me for this, I had to wait a whole year to get this opportunity, so it means a lot to me. 135 is becoming as I get older to make, we all know this. So I am not sure how my fighting career is gonna continue, if I continue at 135 or move to 145, or what am doing. So this opportunity means a lot and for it be be with NAAFS who is a no shit and big name company it means a lot to even have an opportunity with them.

Q: A lot of people say how they would love to fight in their home town, you have before and get to do it again, whats that like?
A: Nerve racking haha. Very nerve racking because who wants to lose in front of their friends and family. I know that if would lose a fight my friends and family would be very supportive and then you have those ass holes who rub it in your face that you lost. Those are things you have to overlook, when its in your home town you have to deal with it a little more. I know I am a good fighter, but I also know there are girls out there who are better than me. I don't think I am the best by far. I am tough and can handle my own but there are always fighters better than you. You have to prepare and hope that you are ready, cause its a challenge whether in your home town or not. It does motivate me because you don't wanna lose in front of friends and family. It means a lot to make them proud of you.

Q: Can having all those people their rooting fro you help you?
A: I think..... like I said, it motivates you to want to win more. You know they love and support you through everything. But you know they are there if you do lose to pick you back up. After the fight your friends and family will be there saying you did great. It is nice to be surrounded by people who do love you if you lose because they do believe in you. Especially good friends like you who always believes in me Jason.

Q: For an opponent, can the crowd supporting you so much intimidate her?
A: I think ti does weigh on them a bit, but at the same time it may motivate them. They wanna prove that they earned their spot and say "You may not like me, but I am here and am here to destroy your home town girl". It could go either way depending on the person. It would motivate me.

Q: What do you expect from her?
A: Just because I think she is a ground girl, she might wanna come out and bang. Leave the ground for later to prove she is more than just a ground girl. So I honestly can't completely prepare for that. I fought Sara McMann who is a total wrestler, and her whole plan was to come out throwing and use the wrestling when she needed to. So who knows. If she is a ground person and wants to stand with me and feels my heavy hands, instinct might kick in and she may decide to go to the ground. If that's where she wants to go, I might not be the best Jiu-Jitsu person, but I am strong and know enough to get out of there or make it boring enough to make it be stood up.

Q: Whats they key for you in this fight?
A: Everyone knows if they have seen my fights that I like to bang. I am not scared to get hit or eat a punch from you to get close to do what I need to do. But I have been working with Tony (Castillo) on my wrestling and working more with my kicks, getting my confidence up. So I might be willing to branch out a little bit, but like I said instinct kicks in, and my instinct is to beat your face in. So I cant say I have a huge strategy, I hit her, test her out, see how she likes it and if she don't like it, I hit her some more haha. Keep my distance, if she does try and take my down, try and defend it, and if she does I am confident and not worried about being down there.

Q: Any prediction on how it ends?
A: I would love love a KO, that would be ultimate. But honest to God I don't see it going all three rounds. If it does, its slack on my part cause I feel much better than my last fight. So either she is one tough son of a bitch or....I don't know. I see it ending in first round or beginning of the second.

Q: Assuming you win, any idea what you want next?
A: If I win this fight, since I got my weight cut under control, I was thinking of doing Eve of Destruction at 135. After that I am not so sure on the weight situation. As I get older 135 is getting harder. I might go to 145.

Q: I am friends with a lot of female fighters as you know, many of the young ones, like an Ashley Hawkins, mention you as a fighter they like or respect or look up to. Does that mean anything to you?
A: Honestly, I don't think I am good enough to look up to. I appreciate it but ya know..... I grew up kinda in the ghetto, grew up with all boys ya know. I grew up tough. I am not a very technical fighter, if you look up to me, don't always do what I do. I am not always in there doing it correctly, getting wrapped up in the hands. But I appreciate it and am willing to train with anyone if they wanna train with me and show them what I know and learn from them cause you can always learn something, even if they didn't do it as long as you.

Q: Anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: There are a lot of people. First and foremost, I have to thank Jason Adams. You always get jipped. Every time we get to mention you its taken aways from us or mention you in the paper they leave it out, its quite frustrating. My last fight you were there for me through everything and did everything with me and I really wanna thank you and never got my opportunity. So first and foremost I want to thank you. You always support me and do everything for me and when I doubt myself, you never do, which means a lot to me. For this fight I have to thank Todd McGonigal and Jimmy Mikstay, two guys from Powerhouse gym who have been in my ass about my weight, they remind me of you. "Where is your weight, why didn't you come for help". In my ass and supportive, the nicest people in the world. Of course Victory for taking me back. I was gone for a couple years, and they took me back with open arms and let me where the Victory logo and represent them. They didn't have to cause I have only been back a couple months. Pat Schottenheimer is gonna corner me as well as I believe Terry Blackwell. They put in good work with me along with Tony, Josh Kissinger has helped with my hands. Strong Style for letting me come train with Jess (Jessica Eye)and thanks to Jess. She beat the shit out of my legs haha. It showed me I can take it and don't want to take it haha, so learned to defend it better. My sponsors, Freedom Fighters and Tussle for sponsoring me this fight. Thanks to Nichole (Long) for that one. Nichole is not just my manager, but one of my really good friends and means the world to me. NAAFS for giving me this opportunity. If I left anyone out I apologize but there are so many who have helped me.

Kristy Wilce Interview

Q: First, Kristy, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thank you for the opportunity Jason.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I was born in San Jose, California, a true California girl! I have been married to David for 27 years and we have a 17 year old son, Cooper. I work full time at San Jose State University as an Assistant Director of Housing.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I was not athletic all all when I was young. In fact, both of my sisters were on a swim team and every morning they would get up to go swim in the cold outside pool, I chose to stay home and watch TV! But then in high school I fell in love with dance, particularly modern dance. I became a "student teacher" for the younger dancers and spent half my day dancing. Each year we had a couple productions, and each year I would get reprimanded for my performance (or usually the attire). The last one that came to mind was a witch doctor, I came out in a skin colored leotard with only a fur loin cloth. People talked for months about the scandal!

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: As I grew older I realized I had to start some form of exercise to maintain my weight. I got into running, and was training for a marathon. I soon developed plantar fasciitis and once I finished the marathon, couldn't run for a few years so took up weight training to fill in the time as I healed. I fell in love with the weights and I never went back to running.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: I think I was a very fast learner, mainly because I was hungry to learn and felt I had no limits. I was often the only female in the weight room and I felt just fine with that. I would develop friendships with the other lifters and they would offer advise and help me along the way. I started to see results fairly quickly and that made me even more excited to expand my knowledge in the gym. I so think that I saw results fast, in a matter of a few months.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I had been seriously training for several years and quite often would be asked "Do you compete?". I really didn't have any idea what people meant, I thought that there were Bodybuilders and that was it. I had no idea the sport of Figure even existed. So, as I was asked and asked more often, I decided I needed to look into it. What was the look that made people ask me this? I started to research on the Internet, I started looking at the magazines that were geared more towards Bodybuilders, I sought out people who could help me. I found a nutritionist who was a Figure Competitor herself, and explained to her that I wanted to see if I could just look like a Figure Competitor, I had no desire to compete, I only wanted to try to look like I did. Two months later, at the age of 47, I was on stage and went home with my first trophy.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: My family has been completely supportive of me from day one. They are very, very proud of me and know how hard I work. Friends are in awe and amazed that I can work full time, have a family life and still have time for my sport. They too support me, making sure that special events are planned around my dieting, or they make foods they know I can eat, and never criticize my choices. I have developed more friends through my sport, and we support each other.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: No it was not what I expected at all. I had never attended a show as a spectator until after I actually competed! I thought it would be very organized and that "people" would be there to tell me what to do all along the way. I thought there would be instructions, I mean how on earth does one know all the necessary steps without instructions? I was told by a seasoned veteran that I should stick to myself, the women are "catty" and I should just take my iPod and quietly listen to my music backstage. I didn't take her advise. What surprised me was the wonderful generosity of all of the other competitors! They helped me with everything. They actually seemed to look after the new competitors. Although we could actually be competing against each other, we were all in it together, we were all nervous, hungry, tired, hot or cold (depending on the season), scared, elated, excited and most of all very, very deeply proud of our personal struggles and achievements.
I developed friendships at each competition and still stay in touch with some of the other women. We support and motivate each other. It takes a special breed of person to compete, and unless you are a competitor yourself, you will never really understand all that it takes to get on that stage.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*2011 NPC San Francisco Bodybuilding, Fitness, Men's Physique, Figure & Bikini Championships- Figure Class C 3rd, Figure Masters 50+ 1st
*2010 NPC San Francisco Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships- Figure Class C 4th, Figure Masters 45+ 3rd
*2010 NPC San Jose Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships- Figure Class B 5th, Figure Masters 45+ 2nd
*2010 NPC Contra Costa Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships- Figure Class C 7th, Figure Master’s 45+ 4th
*2009 NPC San Francisco Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships- Figure Class B 2nd, Figure Masters 45+ 2nd
*2009 NPC San Jose Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships- Figure Class B 3rd, Figure Masters 45+1st
*2009 NPC Contra Costa Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships- Figure Class B 14th, Figure Master’s 45+ 2nd

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My shoulders, I think they get wide and very round, They look good all the time, but close to a competition, they really pop.

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: I enjoy shoulder day the best! I feel powerful when training shoulders. I think because so many women shy away from trying to build up their shoulders, and I like to be a rebel. My favorite exercise has nothing to do with shoulders, it is the Glute Ham Raise. Most commercial gyms do not have this piece of equipment and it is one of the most effective pieces that one can use.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I train 7 days a week and am at the gym everyday at opening, rain or shine, work day or weekday. Three week days a week I go in and do 20 minutes of cardio, abs and stretch. Those days I meet my trainer after work and lift. He has his own facility, he is not affiliated with my gym. The other two weekdays I lift in the gym on my own in the mornings. Saturdays and Sundays I lift and then add cardio, I will run stairs and jump rope at lunchtime when I am at work.
For competition prep I will add in more cardio, doing it everyday after work. I try to do sprints or stairs instead of steady state cardio then. I have a track across the street from my home, so I go there after work.
The typical meals are:
Meal replacement upon waking. 1 cup egg whites and 1 serving starch for breakfast (oatmeal)
Meals 3 and 4 are 4 ounces lean protein, 3 ounces starch, 1 1/2 cup vegetables.
Meal 5 is the same but starch is reduced to 2 ounces
Meal 6 is 1 cup egg whites
My diet doesn't typically change too much. I eat 6 times a day, year round. During competition prep I am of course, much more strict with the diet and snacking. During prep I eat no fruit, no dairy, no fatty meats, no bread or pasta and I reduce starches at every meal. When I am not prepping I will enjoy some dinners out, some wine and treats now and again.

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Oh definitely positive! They usually get wide eyed and start asking questions. The typical person probably doesn't know even one woman who competes, so we are somewhat of an oddity to most people. The most common questions are related to what exercises I do to look this way, they don't realize it's more about the diet.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: I never get sick of hearing any questions, I love the attention! I work hard and to be recognized is wonderful. I am asked most often about my arms, what it takes to get arms like mine.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: I think the biggest misconception is that the general public only knows about Bodybuilders, so when I say I compete they think I am a Bodybuilder. I have to explain the difference between Bodybuilders and Figure Competitors. They also assume that we all take drugs to get muscles. I wish they understood that it takes a good diet and dedicated training. I also wish people could grasp that it takes time to develop a good physique, it doesn't happen over night. People seem to get discouraged as they want instant results.

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part is I am healthy and I feel great everyday. I look forward to waking up because I can go to the gym and lift! I rarely get ill, I have no aches and pains, I feel accomplished everyday that I walk out of the gym. The worst part is all the laundry since I train two to three times a day, I have a lot of gym clothes to wash and hang out to dry.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: I really admire all competitors who have the guts and determination to do what we do. As far as physiques, I admire Dana Linn Bailey, she is what I am striving for.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: I have many but peanut butter must be number one!

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: I would tell her to first write down her short and long term goals. Be realistic and seek out as much support as possible. Hire a trainer who is completely supportive of her goals, not their idea of what she may need, and hire a nutritionist and learn how to fuel her body properly.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Thank goodness that it is! The cardio queen is on her way out and I think that more and more women are learning that the way to look good and be healthy is with weight training, not endless cardio. Women tend to flock to group type exercises though, whereas men prefer lone events. Because of this, I think we will always see more women doing the cardio type exercises. They also still have the misconception that weights will make you big and bulky. It is so hard to bulk up! Women just don't have the testosterone in their bodies to get super big without really working hard at it.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: My husband and I are home wine makers and have been for about 20 years! My husband is the main winemaker, I lift and hoist barrels mainly. He has won many ribbons for his wines. My son once said "Dad, your hobby is a lot easier than Moms. She has to diet all the time and lift heavy weights, you sit around and eat cheese and drink wine" LOL!
I also love to cook, and am quite good at it. I write a fitness and health blog everyday that takes up quite a bit of my free time also.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Kristy Wilce.
A: I wake at 4:00 a.m, have a meal replacement drink and read emails, check my blog. I am at the gym at 5:00 a.m. for a little over an hour. I work full time at a University, where I have been for 17 years. Some days I meet my trainer after work. I then go home and prepare dinner and lunches for the following day. Often I will eat a different meal than the rest of the family, but will prepare foods for them still. I am in bed early, sleep is vital to growth and success in this sport.
Weekends are a little more relaxed, the gym opens at 6 a.m. so I sleep in a bit. I will spend several hours on one weekend day prepping foods for the week, I cook and weigh out portions and freeze them so I always have what I need on hand. I get produce twice a week and prepare and eat a lot of vegetables. You could say my life really revolves around food and fuel. I love to relax with a cup of tea at the end of the night.

Q: Describe Kristy Wilce in five words.
A: Driven, Focused, Determined, Tireless, Happy

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: Although I seem to be on a diet most of the time, I love to cook and eat. I can taste any dish and reproduce it myself. I once won first place for the Western United States in the Build a Better Burger contest for my Gorgonzola Beefburger with Sun Dried Tomato Relish.
Also, that I am 50 years old. Not many women my age are doing this!

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: Yes! I plan to move into Women's Physique and am super excited about it! I have been training and eating to gain as much mass as possible, in fact I have been experimenting with a new diet and it has been very successful I think. I have reduced starches by 8 ounces a day and increased lean protein by 12 ounces a day. I have gained 13 pounds in 6 weeks and very little is fat. I need to bring up my quads so that is my focus now. The feedback I received from the judges was that my shoulders overpower my legs, so I need to bring up my quads and calves. My next competition would be May of 2012 in the Women's Physique division and not Figure.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: Yes, I would love to promote my trainer, Roy Ganju and his facility BodyComp Personal Training Gym in San Jose. Roy is very knowledgeable and supportive and has helped me to sculpt my body to look it's best.
Also, my personal blog Ready In 5 Weeks. I write daily and explain my training and diet and provide motivation and healthy recipes. I have a lot of faithful readers and think that anyone interested in this sport would enjoy it and learn from me.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Kristy Wilce the athlete and competitor?
A: I am definitely looking for sponsors. They would get a motivated and positive woman who would promote their product effectively because as a wife and mother who holds a full time job, I represent real women everywhere. I am an example that with hard work and determination, all women, regardless of age can succeed. I can be contact at wilcekristy@gmail.com

Q: Kristy, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thank you for this opportunity to share a little about myself with your readers. I enjoy reading about the other motivating women on your blog!

Landry Lynne Interview

The old saying is "You can't judge a book by it's cover". Want proof that that saying is correct? Look no further than Landry Lynne. You may say she "is too cute to fight" or "she should be modeling not grappling". But Landry has done a few grappling tournaments and plans to eventually fight in MMA. But she is being smart about it. She isn't rushing into the cage. She knows she has more to learn and will do it when the time is right. And I have every reason to believe she will be a success. So anyone who says she is too cute to fight, I dare you to get on the mat with her.

Q: Before you started training Jiu-Jitsu, would you say you were athletic or play any sports?
A: Yeah, my whole life I played sports and everything. I played soccer for fourteen years, and swam, and tennis, basketball and baseball. A little bit of everything. So I've always been active and have tried to stay active and everything.

Q: What initially got you interested in Jiu-Jitsu?
A: A couple of my friends were fighters and training and everything. Me and my friend decided to try it out just for something different. Just cause I work8am to 5pm now and I didn't have anything that kept my interest. I don't like going to a gym and just running on a treadmill. So I tried it out and kept doing it.

Q: Was it particularly hard at first or did you pick it up pretty quick?
A: I am used to being athletic and doing pretty well at everything like soccer and that stuff. It was tough for me but that made me want to stay in it and challenge myself. It was a big challenge for me and obviously still is.

Q: If you could single out one part of it that you could say is the best part of doing it, is there that one thing?
A: I think the best part would be, its like mediation and therapy for me. It gets my brain off of everything else and daily life. You have a bad day or good day and you go to the gym and it wipes everything clean. It sets my mind at ease eve though it is a challenge. Its good for my brain I guess.

Q: How long did you train before your first tournament?
A: Probably about, a little under a year I think it was.

Q: What made you decide to start doing grappling tournaments?
A: I kind of wanted to take it to the next level I guess. Instead of just doing it for fun, I wanted more of a challenge for myself and see where I stood. It's a pretty quick learning lesson when you are in there with people who take it 100 percent serious. I wasn't there my first one or the second one, but its a learning lesson and its great to challenge and see where you stand and how you progress. I have progressed from each match. I am not where I want to be but its good to see that and feel whats going on.

Q: You are obviously attractive. Do you think people see that and maybe not take you serious?
A: Oh absolutely. Just the fact that I'm a girl I think. Even my friends still kind of make fun of me cause they don't understand what Jiu-Jitsu or training or anything is. So they are like "Yeah, you can't do anything", but that puts fuel in the fire and makes me want to do even better.

Q: Do you plan to eventually compete in MMA?
A: Yeah i would absolutely love to. I know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but its in my plans. I don't know when, but I would like to.

Q: Do you train in anything else right now besides Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Well I just switched gyms and was on a six months leave from everything and just got back into training. But I do train kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, the whole nine yards. So I am active in it all.

Q: Do you have any kind of time frame for when you would like to fight?
A: I wish I could put a time frame on it but I don't want to eat my words. Whenever I am ready my coaches, I would trust their judgment. But sooner rather than later, but I want to be prepared.

Q: When people first find out you train for combat sports, are they surprised?
A: Yeah, I guess maybe by my looks or something, I don't know. They dont even think I am athletic to begin with. So they are shocked, surprised and don't believe me. Its kind of fun to play around with.

Q: Sometimes I interview females and they say their parents where worried about them getting hit in the face at first. Is that a problem you experience?
A: Yeah. I am their youngest to begin with so I am the baby of the family. But they know I am a little rough around the edges I guess. They are ok with it now. They have been around the sport for awhile and understand its not just two people hitting each other in the face. They are still nervous I guess. I guess any parents would be. They came to terms with it.

Q: Are you an MMA fan in general, watch it on tv?
A: Yeah, every chance I get. I was always into boxing, then my friends got me into MMA a few years ago. So every chance I get to go to fights and support people I know and learn from people.

Q: Are there any specific fighters you are a fan of?
A: Of course I love watching the girls. Jessica Eye is a huge name and I look up to her.

Q: Do you have any short term goals, fighting, improving, anything?
A: Short term goals..... I would like to get my butt in a couple more competitions and then kickboxing.

Q: Say five years from now, where do you see yourself?
A: I would like to have a couple fights by then, but nothing specific. Just see where it goes.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: I just started at Next Level Martial Arts and thank them for welcoming me and making me part of the family.

Spotlight Interview: IFBB Pro Shelly Albetta

I have long considered Shelly Albetta and her sister Betsy among the most underrated Figure competitors in the sport. At Team Universe this year Shelly finally got her Pro card and the recognition she deserves. As you will read, Shelly wasn't in this to just get a Pro card, but having said that, it is great to see she was finally given proper recognition. I was very happy Shelly agreed to do a spotlight interview because she is one of the truly good people I have gotten to know in the Fitness industry and this allows me to give her the opportunity to show more people the Shelly Albetta that I have gotten to know.

Q: Can you start out by talking about how you got started with weight training?
A: Sure. In college, my boyfriend at the time was a personal trainer. I always did cardio, but he got me started in wanting to know a little more about weights. He taught me the basics and was my mentor to learning the basics of weight training, each muscle group, basic exercises etc. I was 20 years old. So that gave me the basics and from there it just escalated. I started doing research and talking to people and from there I learned exactly how to hit certain areas, drop sets, super sets, things like that. It's been almost 9 years of training.

Q: What made you decide to compete?
A: In the gym I used to train at I saw a woman in ridiculous shape and I looked at her and said I wanted to look like her. So I approached her, it's Deb Judy, one of my best friends now. She told me about competing and Figure competitions and that started my interest. A week later my sisters now husband, he competes in bodybuilding, I went to his show and that's when I saw Figure competing for the first time and said it was something I wanted to do. So I asked Deb and she hooked me up with Mike Davies and the rest is history.

Q: The prep process is not easy, but is it easier having a sister doing a lot of the same shows and going through it with you?
A: Yeah I think having her to do the process with is a huge benefit for me. Not only cause I have a training partner, but mentally when you have moments where you wanna give up, having someone who is a partner and your biggest supporter. So it makes it more easy and fun at the same time.

Q: You won your Pro card at Team Universe. Whats the first thing that went through your mind?
A: Honestly I was really shocked. The way I compete, I am not on of those competitors who does it just for my Pro card. Being that 2011 is my sixth year competing and Team Universe was my seventeenth show, never was my goal to turn pro. Some people only compete to be a Pro and that's never been my reason. I've done it more for challenging myself, pushing myself, making my physique better each year and inspiring people. So when it happened, certain people say "you knew it was gonna come eventually", but I never made that my focus for any show. I had just come off of Jr. Nationals where I finished eighth, and I knew I could be better than that. I had a goal of top five, after Jr.. Nats, my presentation could have improved, so I was hoping for top five, but never did I expect that. So I was in shock and for a month after that. Excited but surprised.

Q: Was there anything that was the difference about you at Team Universe as opposed to past shows?
A: I think, initially my goal when Is tarted I was a skinny girl without muscle. So going into 2011 I knew I had the size, so it was just maintaining that size for the stage. So I easily get to lean and when i reach that point there is no coming back. Like when my legs get to small I can never fill them out in the same season. This year I only dieted eight weeks for my first show. I did less cardio, I approached it more with more attention to my diet. Did as much as I could to retain my size and stay as full as possible. Other years I lean out and am in shape early and try and maintain it. Always ready three or four weeks early. This year I leaned out more slow and steady and kept my fullness.

Q: Does being a Pro carry any more responsibilities?
A: I know plenty of girls that to them, once they get their Pro card get a sense of entitlement or put themselves above other people. That's not me, it doesn't make me any better than anyone. Its something I am proud of, but I try and carry myself with respect and dignity and help other people. If anything, it helps with my prep service, Peak Performance Preps, we train competitors. It gives me more validity to them and is more appealing. In terms of how I carry myself, no, but makes me more appealing to competitors cause to them it looks more like I know what I am doing. I already did know what I am doing, but it helps in that regard.

Q: I often say your sister Betsy is among the sports most underrated competitors. Do you think she is sometimes a victim of judges not wanting to place you two close together?
A: Yeah I definitely think that's it. I think when we compete together, we are automatically compared to each other before we are compared to other people. I think they automatically look at who looks better between the two of us and place that person and undermine the other one. She was nothing but happy for me that I turned pro, but if she competes again it will be good for her. She can stand alone and shine without being compared to me cause I have always been a little bigger than her and a little more shape. We are each others biggest fans and we want each other to do well. When we don't place near each other its mind boggling cause we are virtually the same, just a couple pound difference. I would love her to get a Pro card, and now the pressure is off us competing together and she can shine and I can support her?

Q: Is there any improvements you need to make for the Pro stage?
A: Yeah, I always want to improve. Every year my goal is to put on more muscle. I am always told I have the shape and look but am not big enough. This year I think my size is where I want it, but I want to bring up my legs, especially my hamstrings and glutes, and even my quads. I would like to work on my back. I always nail my shoulders because you can never have to good shoulders. My shoulders, legs and back are my main focus, which I guess is my whole physique haha.

Q: Does this give you a chance to share the stage with anyone you have wanted to be on stage with?
A: Yeah, I look forward to sharing a stage with Felicia Romero. I've always liked her attitude and how she stays humble. I always liked Felicia's physique and she has become a good friend. Also Jelena Abbou as well. Another Jersey girl I admire as a pro. She is another one I look forward to.

Q: When you are in the gym, with your looks and physique, do you get much unwanted attention?
A: You know what, that's gonna happen. Luckily in the gym I train at, I have been there a long time, like any gym, you learn the people there, and everyone knows who my sister and I are. There are a lot of competitors there and its kind of like home turf. Initially there was that attention, but after years and years of competing, people respect what we do, and I have friends there, so its not like that there. Anywhere else I go, you get people making comments or staring, but I am good at blocking that out. But my gym is my second home and I feel comfortable there.

Q: One of the reasons I am a fan is because you are always friendly and approachable. Is that important for you?
A: Thank you for saying that Jason. The funny thing is I have heard I am arrogant and stuck up. But that's not the case at all. What it is is, I am confident, and everyone gets a fair shot with me, I am friendly off the bat. If someone betrays that, they see the other side of me, I don't have room for that in my life. If you are respectful to me, I am respectful to you. If you betray that, you are written off and that's that. I am a forgiving person, but I learned the hard way that I have to tighten up on how much I let people in because I used to let everyone in and in the end I get burned. I am happy with who is in my life right now. I am always willing to make a new friend. That's my personality and I will never change that.

Q: You do a lot with your sister, but do you ever get sick of being the "twins who compete" and just wanna be known for yourself?
A: Yeah, I think I am used to it cause its been my whole life. But I do think we are having our own identities now. I am a Pro now and she is national level, and she is supportive of that. But it is nice to now have my own identity. Now I will because I am doing shows without her. But, in terms of being referenced as "The twins" I don't mind that, it gives us exposure, so on that level it doesn't bother me.

Q: You always look confident in photo shoots, do you enjoy them, or does it just go along with what you do?
A: I love doing photo shoots. The funny thing is, I do them when prepping when I am most tired. Next year I wanna do as many as I can, but prep time I am tired but they are grueling like a workout. When its over I am always glad I did it, but the days leading up I dread getting ready for them. I wanna look the best I can and over stress it. Sometimes I postpone them cause I am a couple weeks out and kind of hibernate. But I really like them and plan to do more next year.

Q: Have you given any thought of when you want to compete next?
A: Everyone always asks me that, when I wanna debut. They said "You gonna do the Europa in Connecticut". I knew no matter what Happened at Team Universe that was the end of my season. I told myself no decisions till after the new year. So just relaxing and enjoying down time. Come 2012 I will pick my schedule. Ideally the New York Pro is home, so I would like to start there, but it depends on what part of the season I wanna compete at. I cant say anything for certain. Come January I will figure it out.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: Yeah, I would like to thank sister for being there for me, my family, my boyfriend Nick Freglette who is also part of Peak Performance Prep Service. Mike Davies who I have been with for six years. Anyone who has supported me and helped me push. And people like you who help us, spotlight us, and let people know more about us.