Leaving the figure and entering into the women masters’ division there were no (Masters 50+) but there were
three good looking female gladiators prepared to do battle. Lesa McCoy a violinist in the Richmond symphony orchestra,
from Virginia Beach, Virginia displayed a physique that was going to be trouble for all those who wanted to win.
 She absolutely was going to be the buffer.  Eliza McWilliams from Chesapeake, Virginia and only 4’11” tall bought a
muscular package and presented some problems for McCoy. At least 2 of the 7 panel of judges thought McWilliams
was the winner. Gloria Knight-McNeil from Durham, North Carolina had more muscle and size than both of them.
However her conditioning wouldn’t allow her to defeat either athlete.  Gloria is an accomplished power lifter and
once she masters the art of diet she will be an incredible force.

In the women open division (NPA Nationals) all three ladies entered and represented the lightweight (under 115)
Eliza McWilliams, Middleweight (115 to under 130) Lesa McCoy and heavyweight (130+) Gloria Knight-McNeil.
Toni Johnson, Dinwiddie/Petersburg, Virginia was the addition in the Middleweight class and placed second to Lesa.

In the (NPA Nationals) open men division a lot of crossovers were exercised as well.  The lightweight (under 165):
class was lead by Dr. Rodney Gaines who received 6 first place votes. This was the largest group to hit the stage with
eight athletes. Only the top five would receive awards.  Gaines should have appreciated this win because it was a
great challenge and he came out on top. 8^th place, Scot “Old Navy” Hults, 7^th place, Davis Ainsley, 6^th place, Dennis
Dressler from Appomattox, Virginia, 5^th place, Jerry Maitland, Jetersville Virginia, 4^th place, JW Hicks, 3^rd place,
Donnie Ladd, Richmond Virginia, and 2^nd place was John Rossman, made this a competitive class.

In the Heavyweight class (200+): Only two came in and they were prepared. Big Tim Sinz, Nottingham Maryland, an up
and coming champion who I predict will be at the top of the NPA scale by 2009 if he continues won the class over
Baltimore, Maryland Big Sherman Newton. Newton has a great physique but at this level his preparation
(tanning/coloring) lack of, hurts him. He must work on contest preparation in order to display that awesome physique he has.
 Heavyweights are the potential winners in all these events. Because when they come right, they can’t be beat they not only
have what it takes but enough to go around and keep going around. The saying is when the big man is right the game
is over. This is still true in Natural bodybuilding as it is with BODYBUILDING! When prejudging was all but over the judges
were taken to Golden Corral where they gathered and shared views! At 7 pm the show was ready to start and the
National Anthem was played and of course the audience showed proper respect for our nation. The show started
and each athlete performed their 90 second or less routine. Scot “Old Navy” Hults was the male best poser.
He absolutely was very creative and did a splendid job. Gloria Knight –McNeil on the female side did a superb job and
entertained the audience as if she was Laila Ali on dancing with the stars.  What a night, what a day, what a show! 
The show topped last years’ performance and we the Natural Physique Association like to thank all the families, fans,
and friends of the athletes as well as the athletes that made this show possible. For if it was not for you we would have
no purpose. There was also one complaint that lead to a full investigation and additional $600 in cost to drug test.
 Upon the completion of all tests and committee hearing I’m happy to announce that the standing will remain as they are.
We do believe in drug-free events and we do have a system and process that we follow to protect our organization, athletes,
officials, and our freedom to conduct business in an ethical manner. We try very hard and going into
our 8^th year of operation we feel we are heading in the right direction. Remember, you have a choice and if we are
not what you are looking for then we may not be for you!  We are a very proud and an honest organization.
We also are selected about who we let participate in our organization and this is why we have published our Pro listing.
I’d like to recognize Head Judge Narva J. Daniels and her panel of Stephan Kitchen, Arlessa Gray, Randy “Big Arms” Batts,
Sherrie Broome’, Daniel Q. Wright, Debbie Cameron, and Troy Crawley for their hard work and dedication. Also special
thanks go out to Vernell, Rochelle, Nikita, YeSok Silas, Michael Stewart, Roger Simmons, Brenda Epps, Robert Thomas,
RJ Bragg, Nelson, Cynthia Harris, and Lee Farmer. Until next year “keep on Pumpin”./ Harry E. Silas/NPA President