I began weight training at the age of 15 and found it very enjoyable and rewarding. After several years of steady improvement
I was inspired by several bodybuiding competitions that I attended in 1996. I made my bodybuilding debut at the age of 19 in
the AAU 1996 Old Dominion Fall Classic in Newport News, Virginia. I won the Teen Division and placed second
in my class in the Men's Novice. I was very excited and was determined to continue and try to progress in the sport of natural bodybuilding.
In April 1997 I competed in the AAU Virginia State Bodybuilding Championships where I won the "Mr. Teen Virginia" title. I was on a roll and two weeks
later I went to New York City for the NGA National Championships. My winning streak ended
as I was awarded third place in both the Teen Division and in the Men's Heavyweight Novice Division. After these back to back shows,
I decided to take some time off to concentrate on gaining some quality muscle.
On November 7, 1998 after 16 months of hard training I competed in the 1998 NABF Pro-Am America in Providence, Rhode Island.
The competition was probably the toughest I had ever faced and I ended up getting fourth in the Junior (under 24) Division. I was initially disappointed
with this placing, but I used it as a stepping stone to motivate me and push myself further and place better next year.
Two weeks later on November 21, 1998 I competed in the Mt. Rogers Natural Bodybuilding Chamionships in Roanoke, Virginia.
At 188.5 lbs. I barley made it into the light heavyweight division of 165.75 to 189.25 lbs.
I competed in the Men's Open Division for the first time and happily took third place in it.
My 1999 plans are not yet set in stone, but I would like to compete in the NABF Pro-Am America and the Mt. Rogers shows again this year. I am considering competing in the NGA Collegiate Nationals which will be held in Blacksburg, Virginia at the end of March.
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