Bodybuilders put on show

Staff photo: Douglas Clark

Jason Priest strikes a pose during the bodybuilder portion of Saturday’s 2016 Cannon Classic at Marshall Middle School.

The spirit of competition, with an eye toward promoting health and wellness, took center stage during Saturday’s 2016 Cannon Classic at Marshall Middle School.

The second edition of the event featured fitness competitors showcasing skills in four categories: women’s (bikini and figure divisions); men’s (physique and bodybuilder divisions).

“It was a great show,” Cannon Classic Producer Thomas Canada said. “It was probably the best show to this point. Bringing it downtown (Clovis) gave us an opportunity to open it up to a broader audience instead of strictly military personnel — so we’re very pleased with the result.”

In addition to the four division competitions, the event also offered an acro yoga exhibition and a guest posing presentation from Albuquerque native and 2014 Mr. Olympia competitor Jojo Ntiforo.

“We had people from varied walks of life competing, which was outstanding,” Canada said. “We started getting things together for this show about three months ago. There are hundreds of folks who put a lot of sweat equity into getting this off the ground and we’re very thankful for their unwavering support. I wanted to help bring this event here to provide some drive and determination, no matter one’s background or health level. As long as you put in the work, you can attain your goals.”

Canada said preparations are under way for the 2017 event.

Results from Saturday’s competition:

Bikini division

1st - Jordan Holmes

2nd - Leanne Mote

3rd - Emily Cutkomp

Figure division

1st - Tiquita Stewart

2nd - Emily Lobacz

3rd - Lisa Stinson

Men’s physique

(short class — under 6-4)

1st - Clint Charles (Also won men’s physique overall)

2nd - Michael Lodl

3rd - Scott Eggert

Men’s physique

(tall class — Over 6-4)

1st - Owen Andrews

2nd - Daniel Sanchez

Bodybuilders

1st - Mike Lodl

2nd - Jason Priest

3rd - Tony Diggs

Ntiforo challenged the competitors to take their efforts to another level.

“Everyone worked hard,” he said. “They put in weeks and weeks of time, effort and discipline. When Thomas (Canada) called me out here, I didn’t know what to expect, with this being the second year the show was being put on. You all performed phenomenally and looking at some of you all, it would be a good move to come to the Albuquerque show in June and compete for a spot at nationals. You all have the potential.”