By: David Garcia
Having never been to a body building show before, I had no idea what to expect. I had the idea of ideal lighting, spray tans, and countless numbers of poses that these athletes show in order to get the highest ranks. But when those lights dim, and the competition starts, it’s something one should witness.
Cortland Bodybuilding Co. held their first “Cortland Classic Competition” in which several members of the bodybuilding club would put their skills and physics to the test in front of a panel of three judges, all of which are the clubs E-board members. Matthew Donovan the VP, Jake D’Amico the treasurer, and Kyle Verlotte the senior advisor.
The men had two separate competitions in which the competitors are evaluated, judged, and scored off of performance. The winners of the two competitions would face off for the title of “Mr. Cortland” the prize being a trophy, and as for the runner up, a WWE style belt with the club on it, with this style of competition.
This year’s first winners were Chris Cuadra, who won the “Mr. Cortland” trophy. Fiona Donnelly won the “Ms. Cortland” trophy, and Nick Ottomanelli won the “Best Poser” Award.
When the first competition started, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the weigh-ins boxing and MMA fights have, where each fighter does a pose on the scale after making weight. Only this time it was different.
Each competitor was called out, then stepped out from behind a curtain, giving a little wave to the audience, keeping the vibes lighthearted. Then once the judges make their initial inspections of the competitors, one of the judges gives the order to perform a certain pose.
Once they get into the poses, the judges have them face four different ways to get the full scope of the pose. Even though this was only the start of the event, you could tell how much work goes in just to get each pose perfectly right.
Each member’s body tightens, you can see each breath they take get shorter and shorter, each gasp once letting go of the pose must feel like getting that first gasp of air after being under water for too long. Contestant Brian Mcgrath had never participated in a body building competition before.
“I pushed my body harder than I ever have, both mentally and physically,” said Mcgrath “By the time I got on stage, I was feeling a little drained, but mostly proud.”
The audience was raucous and supportive. The club members cheered each competitor and family in attendance added to the energy.
The Cortland Classic also gives competitors like Briana Veglia a glimpse into what competing on a higher level is like
“Being able to have this experience is something I am so truly grateful for,” said Veglia. “This competition gave all us competitors a real feel of what it would be like to partake in a real competition in the future if we desire to.”
The Cortland Classic is nothing new. The club existed up to the late 80’s, slowly faded out after their last Cortland Classic in 1985.
Besides putting on the contest, the club helps members with their individual bodybuilding goals like nutrition, and tackling mental preparation for competitions.
The club had a successful return in its first year back since slowly fading out. While majority of the E-board will be graduating once the semester ends, the turnout they have had, not only at the club meetings, but at the classic itself, shows this club will remain for quite some time.
