For the second weekend in a row, Southern California hosted an NPC figure show, and this time it was the 2007 Max Muscle Naturals in Anaheim. The turnout for the figure show was decent, with the different height classes resembling a Russian nesting doll — the number of competitors decreased as each height class decreased. Usually the middle height classes have the most competitors, but this is the second show in a row where the tall class was jam packed with the greater number of entrants.

What are the implications of that trend? Well, nothing really — just felt like pointing it out.

The show ran smoothly for the most part, however I do have a little beef with whoever was running the sound during the prejudging. First off, it's March. There's no reason — ever — to be playing "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" at a bodybuilding show, especially in March! Secondly, during the men's posedowns, adjusting the volume from subtle background music to deafness-inducing levels isn't the best thing. This isn't Spinal Tap — the volume doesn't go to 11 (although I think you got close).

On to the show.

In Class A, Vanessa Vasquez took first place with a very polished on-stage presentation. Both Kathryn Apostolina and Patricia Amstutz may have had better conditioning and musculature, but I think it was the overall 'look' that helped Vanessa walk away with the title. I do like Kathryn's look, however, and I think once she develops the overall package just a bit, she'll see herself in the top spot soon.

The Top 3 of Class B consisted of Spring Sendele, who captured the top spot, followed by Alison Benston and Alyssa Grube. Spring helped herself by bringing a sleek look to the stage combined with quality posing. Just like in Class A, the second place finisher had better conditioning, but that didn't work for Alison in the judges eyes.

Although Class C had some quality competitors in its ranks, once Noreene Castillo walked out on stage, it became a battle for second place, which was won by Michelle Lindsey. But Noreene easily had the best overall package on stage that day — physique, posing, and poise. She was rewarded by not only winning her class, but the overall figure title as well. Michele Castro, who finished in third, had a great look but was really hampered by her posing, especially from the back. If she works on that aspect of her game, she should do much better in the future.

The final, and biggest, class of the day was Class D, consisting of ten tough competitors. Delinia Lewis held off Veronica Ramirez for the top spot in the tall class, with Crystal Young completing the Top 3. First place must have been tough to call for the judges, but they went with Delinia, who was a bit fuller and shaplier, and who also knew how to "work it" as she glided around on stage.

One final competitor of note was Masters competitor Leah Cory, who placed 7th out of 10 in the 35+ group. Leah had a great physique, but I don't think she smiled once the whole time she was on stage. If she comes into her next show with a little darker tan, perhaps a better suit, a little work on her posing, and most importantly a smile here and there, I think she can do alot better because the physique is already there.

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