Since then, a scenario of ‘what can go wrong will go wrong’ seemed to be the mantra of Policky’s life. Injuries forced her to sit out the 2010 Arnold Classic (Ms. International) and then a series of personal problems that included going through a divorce, alcohol and drug use, as well as a stint in rehab, caused her to stay away from the sport and the fitness lifestyle in general.

Policky is back on track with her life now and although she is currently retired and has stated that she has no plans to ever compete again as a bodybuilder, we will see if a change to the new Women’s Physique Division may be in the cards for her.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived and available free on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes. Join us on the air by calling in at (347) 884-8157.

Be sure to visit Rhoden’s official website, www.heatherarmbrust.com, and his Facebook page.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Marshall Faulk, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski and more.

HEATHER’S COMPETITION HISTORY

Huge ovations are sure to follow each of the routines by the following: Troy Alves, Lee Apperson, (MuscleSport Magazine’s) Samir Bannout, Andreas Cahling, Darrem Charles, Roland Cziurlok, Toney Freeman, Stan Frydrych, Pavol Jablonicky, Dexter Jackson, Tricky Jackson, Ed Nunn and Bill Wilmore.

There is also an IFBB bikini Olympia qualifier, with the line-up including: Theresa, Byrne, Jennifer Chapman, Missy Coles, Juliana Daniell, Kim DeArcangelis, Brittany Gaylord, Bernadett Matassa, Heather Nappi, Khanh Nguyen, Figen Oezdemir, India Paulino, Yeshaira Robles, Tianna Ta, Brittany Tacy.

For tickets and other information, visit www.worldpromasters.com. When Jarka is involved promoting a show, you know that it is going to be one of the best of the year.

*Alessandro Savi – pro bodybuilder and the cover subject of our next online issue

*Rosetta Mortati - NPC Fitness/Figure model, personal trainer and MSM staff member

*Dimitri

*Justin Michaels & Fresh

*Fakhri Mubarak – IFBB pro and co-owner at Natural Body Sports Supplements and Vitamins in Astoria, NY – free samples

*Dave Pomponio – owner of Platinum Fitness in Ronkonkoma, NY – free passes

*Goliath Labs – free samples

Open bar from 9PM to 10PM, half-priced sushi and appetizers from 9Pm to 10PM.

The event will be broadcast live on Party 105 (105.3 and 105.1 FM in New York).

Blue Restaurant and Nightclub is located at 7 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY, 11715 (631) 363-6666.

Photo by Carlo Puzzilli

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived and available free on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes. Join us on the air by calling in at (347) 884-8157.

Be sure to visit Rhoden’s official website, www.shawnrhoden.com, and his Facebook page.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Marshall Faulk, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

CONTEST RECORD

1999

Jan Tana Amateur – NPC, Light-HeavyWeight, 2nd
Team Universe Championships – NPC, Light-HeavyWeight, 3rd

2000

Team Universe Championships – NPC, Light-HeavyWeight, 4th

2001

North American Championships – IFBB, Light-HeavyWeight, 2nd
Team Universe Championships – NPC, Light-HeavyWeight, 2nd

2002

Nationals – NPC, HeavyWeight, 14th

2009

North American Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
North American Championships – IFBB, Overall Winner

2010

Europa Supershow – IFBB, Open, 16th

2011

Europa Supershow – IFBB, Open, 3rd
Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 11th

*2010-11 Seattle Mist Offensive Player of the Year

*2010-11 All-Fantasy Alternate WR

*2010-11 All-Fantasy 2nd Team Safety

*2011 Seattle Mist Offensive Player of the Year

*2011 All-Fantasy WR and Safety

*Team Captain

Be sure to visit Jessica’s Facebook Fan Page, the official LFL site, the Seattle Mist site and follow her on Twitter (@hoppy411).

In addition to competing in the NPC and playing professional football, Hopkins is also a personal trainer, fitness model and mother.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes. Join us on the air by calling in at (347) 884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Marshall Faulk, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

                            Photo Courtesy of Jessica Hopkins

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes. Join us on the air by calling in at (347) 884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Marshall Faulk, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

JASON ARNTZ COMPETITION HISTORY

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A few years ago, Billy O’Connor would have laughed in your face if you told him he would be spending his Saturday nights sober and in the gym instead of getting completely fucked up in a bar somewhere. The Brooklynite enjoyed the nightlife and took it to the extreme, as many a young man does. But he was smart enough to get off that train before it reached its last stop.

“For many years, I had a major drug and alcohol problem and was unable to control it,” a somber O’Connor, 32, admitted to us. Starting from when he was 21, he went on a tear by getting high and drunk and slowly left behind the subtle semblances of normalcy. Part of that was walking away from an early introduction to weight training, albeit the simplest form.

“It was your typical chest and biceps routine in my parent’s basement,” said O’Connor. He did this for approximately seven years but then, “fell off the map completely.”

Although he was able to perform his job as a wedding photographer during this dark period of his life, O’Connor knew that he needed to get clean if he was going to excel at not just work, but life in general.

Three years ago, a decision was made that classified as a life changer is not strong enough. A life saver is more appropriate. And O’Connor turned again to a familiar place as part of his recovery and sobriety.

“I’m not sure my life would be what it is today if I didn’t train like an animal,” admitted a smiling O’Connor. “I love every aspect of my new lifestyle and I’m looking forward to making more progress.”

Having someone by your side makes it a lot easier and O’Connor’s girlfriend Melissa Mason is also his workout partner and they are currently taking classes together to become certified personal trainers.

“In the future, I hope to start a business that allows me to utilize my passion for bodybuilding and fitness every day,” O’Connor said. ” I have a few ideas in the works right now and am excited to see them through.”

After beating the demons he did, no on is betting against O’Connor.

Billy O’Connor works for Photo Elite in Brooklyn, New York (www.photoelteinc.com) and also lies his trade on a freelance basis. Check out some of his work on his Facebook page.

‘This is Your Magazine’ is merely one of the reasons why MuscleSport Mag is far and wide better than any other publication out there. What other media outlet features the up and coming athlete, the same as if he or she was a professional in their industry? This is the place to get your face and story out there, and who knows what opportunities may arise from that type of exposure?

The free agent flurry following the signing of the new CBA changed the landscape of the playoff picture – on paper, at least. Now we get to see who will actually fit in with their new clubs and who will be a bust. The haves and have-nots are all on equal footing heading into Week 1 and at least some of the questions will be answered in the months to follow.

So without further delay, let’s spell it out for you – the only way we know how.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – The class of the conference has had their difficulties in the last few postseasons, but that will change come January. Bill Belichick picked up two veterans in Chad Johnson (we refuse to call him Ochocinco) and Albert Hayensworth that have a lot to prove. Who better than Belichick to squeeze everything out of them? Tom Brady is the best QB in the league and gets ring number 3.

12-4, division winner, Super Bowl champions

NEW YORK JETS – Rex Ryan’s bunch has been able to win road playoff games, but expecting Mark Sanchez to do it again and then some may be too much. This team needs a home playoff game to advance any further than they have the past two seasons, but have a big hurdle in the Pats to overcome. Sure, they beat them last January, but it’s not only a head-to-head issue.

10-6, Wild Card entry

MIAMI DOLPHINS – The quarterback carousel continues for the Fins, as it has since Dan marino retired. Chad Henne is not the answer and Reggie Bush’s exciting play will only mask the losing so much.

7-9

BUFFALO BILLS – Tyler Thigpen will eventually take Ryan Fitzpatrick’s job but is it really going to make much of a difference?

4-12

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE RAVENS – The bruising Ravens will go at it tooth and nail with the Steelers again, but this time they will get passed them in the playoffs. Ray Rice is on the verge of stardom and that defense will lead the way again. Lee Evans was a good pick-up from the Bills and should be an improvement over TJ ‘Who’s-your-momma.’

12-4, division winner

PITTSBURGH STEELERS – An unexpected Super Bowl run nearly resulted in a third championship in six years for Pittsburgh, who made one too many mistakes against the Pack. They won’t have to deal with losing Big Ben for the first four games this time around, but an offseason marred with some controversy surrounding Rashad Mendenhall’s tweets and James Harrison’s opinions will have enough of a ripple effect to make them take a small step back.

11-5, Wild Card entry

CLEVELAND BROWNS – A team on the rise, the Brownies seemed to have found a franchise QB in Colt McCoy and a truck of a back in Peyton Hillis. A tough division will take its toll on them, though. Four games against the Steelers and Ravens will hurt their overall record.

7-9

CINCINNATI BENGALS – A rookie starting QB, a shaky head coach and not much talent spell disaster.

3-13

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – Peyton Manning’s health will dictate whether the Horseshoes are contenders or pretenders. But either way, they will finish on top of a weak division. Kerry Collins is good enough to win with for a short period of time, but not once the playoffs begin.

10-6, division winner

HOUSTON TEXANS – Is this finally their year? No.

9-7

 TENNESSEE TITANS – A rebuilding year, but one with a proven veteran QB who has a bunch of wins under his belt.

7-9

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – Those last minute wins have ran out.

6-10

AFC WEST

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS – Phillip Rivers needs to have a deep playoff run to be considered a big time QB and he finally delivers. The Bolts need to prove that last season was a fluke and come out of the box strong.

10-6, division winner

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Will the real Chiefs please stand up? Are they the strong team that won the West, or a club that overachieved and came crashing down in the playoffs? We say the latter.

9-7

DENVER BRONCOS – Kyle Orton is not a flashy QB, but he can be more than pedestrian if given half the chance.

7-9

OAKLAND RAIDERS – When they went 8-8 a year ago, the Silver & Black seemed to be moving up. But they lost some key players in the offseason and will again finish out of the money.

7-9

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – They have put together a hell of team but now must prove it on the field. Michael Vick is a dangerous weapon and they have added enough to an already talented team to come out on top in what used to be the NFL’s toughest division.

12-4, division winner

NEW YORK GIANTS – The G-Men have blown two potential playoff spots in a row and have enough question marks heading into the season to not disappoint this time around. With a thin receiving corps, they won’t be in the mix that late.

10-6

DALLAS COWBOYS – America’s Team is improving and will do better with a full year of Jason Garrett.

9-7

WASHINGTON REDSKINS – Mike Shanahan got his way. The ‘Skins dumped Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth. They would have sucked either way.

6-10

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY PACKERS – The Pack snuck into the postseason and went all the way. Aaron Rodgers put himself into that ‘elite QB’ conversation by getting a ring and will have another big year. It just won’t end with confetti.

11-5, division winner

MINNESOTA VIKINGS – Can they rebound after a miserable 2010 with Donovan McNabb at the helm? Enough to sneak in as the last Wild Card team in the conference.

10-6, Wild Card entry

CHICAGO BEARS – The year ended dreadfully for the them and Jay Cutler had to redeem himself by actually having a legitimate knee injury. They will be a competitive team, but miss out on the playoffs.

9-7

DETROIT LIONS – Yes, they are getting better. But these things take time, you know.

7-9

NFC SOUTH

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – Drew Brees is the difference maker and the loss of Reggie Bush will not be that big of a deal. They will recover from that ridiculous playoff loss to the Seahawks and be a contender again. A return to the Big Game is certainly possible, but not another surprise win there.

11-5, division winner, NFC representative in the Super Bowl

ATLANTA FALCONS – Losing at home to the Packers in the playoffs didn’t look so bad once Green Bay won the Super Bowl, did it? But you still have to consider how bad the Falcons looked that night. They will take a step back but still make it to the ‘second season’ because of the talent they possess.

10-6, Wild Card entry

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS – They won’t sneak up on anyone this year and that will be their downfall. Josh Freeman looks like a player and will be tough to beat one day – just not today.

8-8

CAROLINA PANTHERS – Cam Newton starting will make them a team to watch. But get used to the losing.

4-12

NFC WEST

ST. LOUIS RAMS – A team that made some big strides a year ago makes another and wins the league’s most pitiful division by default. Sam Bradford had a good rookie season and will again be the focal point of this team’s success.

9-7, division winner

ARIZONA CARDINALS – They will find out the hard way that Kevin Kolb is not the second coming of Kurt Warner.

7-9

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – A Cinderella story last season when they won the division with a sub-.500 mark and knocked off the defending Super Bowl champs in the playoffs. Too bad Pete Carroll won’t be smiling like that this year with Tavaris Jackson at QB.

6-10

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – You know things are bad when Alex Smith wins the starting QB job again.

4-12

Photo by Bill Menzel

It isn’t very common for someone as young as 11 to become interested in weight training. As a matter of fact, most kids that age are still getting their feet wet with team sports such as baseball and football. But for William Neco, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the old days, the sport of bodybuilding was known as ‘physical culture’ and was represented by strong men such as The Mighty Atom. Now at 49, Neco marvels at the long list of champions he has had the pleasure of meeting, and that of course includes the aforementioned, whose given name was Joseph Greenstein. The 5’4″, 140-pound Atom was able to perform feats of strength that men twice his size could only imagine doing. This was the type of role model that Neco has used to enjoy what has become a lifelong dedication to fitness.

“I started out with a 110-pound weight set,” the Brooklyn native said, “and by the age of 13, I won my first competition – going against grown men.”

Neco weighed a mere 145 pounds “soaking wet” when he took home the first place trophy at an open powerlifting event held in Bensonhurst. He competed in powerlifting for four more years before an injured knee put him on the shelf. The year was 1981 and Neco found himself rehabbing the injury at the famous Ritchie’s Gym in Sunset Park.

“Bodybuilding became my new passion but because I had little knowledge of the sport, I grew discouraged after about two years,” said Neco, who eventually gave up the long hours at the gym. By 1998, he gained weight and suffered a herniated disc through an unfortunate accident when a 30-pound piece of a roof fell 13 floors onto him.

Where lesser men would stayed on the sideline, Neco decided to return to the site of his previous accomplishments and was once again a member at Ritchie’s. He needed to deal with the pain and discomfort in his back and find exercises that would not aggravate the injury any further, while also strengthening his core.

That was 13 years ago and Neco can still be found at his favorite gym. “Ritchie’s has always been my inspiration” he said with a smile, but said that he also trains at Spartan Gym. He has had success on the stage, winning Muscle Mania on three separate occasions and Mr. New York, but is still hoping to earn his pro card. “It’s my ultimate goal,” Neco concluded.

After persevering through so much, who would doubt him?

‘This is Your Magazine’ is merely one of the reasons why MuscleSport Mag is far and wide better than any other publication out there. What other media outlet features the up and coming athlete, the same as if he or she was a professional in their industry? This is the place to get your face and story out there, and who knows what opportunities may arise from that type of exposure?

The Men’s Physique Division has been the subject of a number of debates, but it was hard to argue with the proverbial applause meter. Women of all ages could easily be heard and the competitors looked as if they enjoyed being a part of the show.

Panexce Pierre was one of those pro card recipients and was voted the overall men’s bodybuilding champion, and Cynthia Colon was the women’s counterpart. In the fitness category, Sheri Vucick was the overall winner and was joined by Angelica Nebbia (figure overall) and Roya Tehrani (bikini overall).

Douglas Peaney was the overall MPD winner and Jennifer Smythe took the overall top spot in women’s physique, which was another new class at the contest. The competitors were a mix between women’s bodybuilding and figure and all looked to be in great condition. This is a division to watch and it will be interesting to see which direction competitors will go in when they are preparing for show – bodybuilding or physique?

And we are proud of two MuscleSport Magazine staff writers that competed at the Team U. Allison Moyer tied for 10th place in the open figure E class and Stacey Naito placed eighth in the open bikini D class, 11th in the Masters over 35 and first in the Masters over 45. Congrats, Ally and Stacey!

MEN’S BODYBUILDING

Overall – Panexce Pierre

Heavyweight – David Coleman

Light Heavyweight – Panexce Pierre

Middleweight – Kingsley Deslorieux

Welterweight – Bill Moschelle

Lightweight – Luis Santiago

Bantamweight – Shaun Clarida

Masters Overall – Castro Durlan

Masters 35+ >176 lbs – Paul Olivera

Masters 35+ <176 lbs – Castro Durlan

Masters 45+ – Bill Moschelle

Masters 55+ – Bill Young

WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING

Overall – Cynthia Colon

Heavyweight – Cynthia Colon

Middleweight – Pam Wentz

Lightweight – Patricia Watson

Masters Overall- Karen Gatto

Masters 35+ – Pamela Franklin

Masters 45+ – Karen Gatto

MEN’S PHYSIQUE

Overall – Douglas Peaney

A – Craig Capurso

B – Douglas Peaney

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE

Overall – Jennifer Smythe

A – Jennifer Smythe

B – Marlinea Echohawk

FIGURE

Overall – Angelica Nebbia

A – Angelica Nebbia

B – Keisha Smith

C – Melissa Erickson

D – Amber Spina

E – Kavvy Sonhos

F – Rebecca Bowers

Masters Overall – Shannon Ditmer

Masters 35+ A – jami Frenkel

Masters 35+ B – Shannon Ditmer

Masters 35+ C – Patty Zariello

Masters 35+ D – Diana Harbot

Masters 45+ – Patricia Vignola

FITNESS

Overall – Sheri Vucick

A – Amy Peterson

B – Tiffany Robinson

C – Sheri Vucick

BIKINI

Overall – Roya Tehrani

A – Sara Moylan

B – Yeshaira Robles

C – Marisa Lee

D – Roya Tehrani

E – Heather Nappi

F – Lisa Lutz

Masters 35+ – Michelle Hutton

Masters 45+ – Stacey Naito