1999 Ronnie Coleman Classic (Intro)
By Jabber


Intro:

Ah, a show with a history.  This was only the 3rd annual Ronnie Coleman
Classic (and the second one that I attended), but in it's three short years,
it's gained the reputation as being a first class local bodybuilding show,
REAL bodybuilding, none of this namby-pamby fitness stuff :-), sponsored by
two of the biggest names in bodybuilding, the current Mr. Olympia, Ronnie
Coleman, and the current Ms. International, his girlfriend, Vicki Gates.

As usual, this show also brings out big name guest posers, too (more about
that later).  Indeed, this show was so hot, during the prejudging one of the
spotlights actually caught on fire!  It was actually pretty funny, the light
just smoked a bit (as -jabber made a mental note where the closest exit
was).  By the time the stage hands got a ladder over to the light (I had no
idea what they were going to use to extinguish the light - I only saw them
bring a ladder, not an extinguisher), the light doused itself.

Such as life...

To my knowledge, the Ronnie Coleman Classic is a bit better promoted at
local gyms than many other local shows, and it seemed like last year, that
the night show was for a sold-out audience.  Interestingly, for the night
show, there are traditionally only floor and bleacher tickets, both general
admission.  Common at prejudging, this rarity at the finals allowed the
-jabber to have a first row seat for the finals (he was uncharacteristically
early to this show).

The Master of Ceremonies was Asher Benrubi, known as "The Ash", who is
traditionally more entertaining than most other MC's at these kind of shows.
He actually says funny stuff, but I found him to be even more entertaining
last year.  

This show is held in Ft. Worth on the Texas Weslyan University Campus.

On with the show...