IronMan, Vol 7, No 1, Page 14, est. Fall 1946
Without a doubt the Nationals of 1946 will rank as one of the best championships ever held in America with all those who had the opportunity to attend them. Your Editor and his Wife were two of those priviliged to attend this great meet. New Champions were crowned in most classes and many surprises materialized. Some of the best lifting the world has ever seen took place. Any one. who missed this great meet missed some of the thrills of his life time. In the Mr. America Contest there appeared what was probably the finest array of muscular perfection ever seen in one group in America or for that matter in the world. The judges of this contest had a herculean task deciding the winner as well as the winners of the best developed arm, chest, back, abdominals, and legs.
We realize that so many of you couldn't be there and that many of you who had planned on attending, found it impossible to make the trip at the last minute so we will take considerable space in this issue to give you a complete picture of the meet in words and pictures. We will show you quite a number of pictures in this issue and more will appear in subsequent issues. We feel that every one of our readers will be vitally interested in this great meet whether they are bodybuilders or weightlifters because both are represented in the Nationals. We feel that the Mr. America Contestants are representative of the bodybuilders of America. They represent the ultimate of perfection that most bodybuilders are striving for just as do the lifters represent the peak of the development of strength and lifting technique that all weight lifters seek.
Mrs Rader and I arrived in Detroit the morning of May 30th, tired from a long trip but excited at the prospects of the meet and meeting new friends. We were not disappointed in any way. We were fortunate in that we had asked George Yacos to get us a room reservation, as many of the fellows found it impossible to find a room in Detroit as the "Golden Jubulee" of the Automobile industry was in progress and the city was crowded to capacity, so much so that people were warned not to go down town because of the traffic jam which would prevent their returning for the evening sessions of the lifting. However cots were placed in the beautiful auditorium of the Boys' Club where the meet was held and all were taken care of.
Many of you will express surprise over the fact that the meet was held at the Boys' Club after it had been announced for Cass Tech. High School. This was done, we were told because of the coal strike which prevented them from obtaining coal necessary for operating the air conditioning system at the High School. There was some question as to whether the Boy's Club with a capacity of 1200 would hold the crowds expected at the event. However as it developed it was large enough -- possibly because of the charge of $1.20 each for reserved seats for each of the four sessions. The Boys' Club is a beautiful building located about 6 miles from the business section of the city. Under the circumstances it was a fine place for the meet. Much credit must be given to the hard working committee for the preparations for the meet. Don Wille was chairman of the committee which included Dietrich Wortmann, Helmut Frank, E. Rommeck, Frank Romano, A. Maleski, John Krill, E. A. Wright, George Yacos, George Fraser, Frank Kalbfell, Stanley Cieslak John Wlodyka, Edward Wlodyka, C. H. Brennan.
As soon as my wife and I had cleaned up and had our breakfast, we went at once to George Yacos Gym. George has a wonderful place there for musclemen to train. We show you a fine photo of it in this issue which will tell you better than words just what it is like. George devotes his full time to his gym and his large list of famous pupils. Some of the best built and strongest men in the country train at his place. Emerick Ishikawa, the featherweight champ, and N. Schemansky the Jr. Nats. heavyweight champ, both train at the Yacos gym. While visiting at the gym on the 30th we also met the mighty little giant, Joe DePietro, who later won the 123 pound class and made a world record in the press with 217 pounds. What a physique he has. We show a photo of him in this issue. Orville Wertzbaugher, former lightweight champion of Calif., now with Uncle Sam's forces stationed at Denver dropped in. Orville had bad luck in his lifting as he failed with all his presses and decided to drop out as he didn't want to slow up the contest. Orville was not in his best shape and overestimated his strength. In his best condition he could have won the lightweight class.
We also met Leo Stern the "Mr. California" of 1946 at the Yacos Gym. Leo is a fine young fellow, honest and sincere with a pleasing personality. You will hear more about him later in this report. Leo had trained down to 185 pounds from 205 for this event and was in very fine condition.
The following day we visited the Boys' Club and also met a lot more of the fellows arriving for the contest the following day. Then back to the Yacos Gym where we found more of the fellows coming in for the meet. The York boys came in that evening. We also met Ray Van Cleef there and went out to dinner with him. Ray is now an associate Editor of Strength and Health working at the thing he loves best. We had a very enjoyable visit with him. Most of the lifters and enthusiasts came in the evening of the 31st so they could get a good night's rest. The truth of the matter is, your Editor and his wife got very little sleep -- we were so busy getting acquainted with many barbell men from all over the country and we wouldn't have missed a moment of it. We wish we had room to tell about all the fellows we met and what we talked about but there just isn't room. Perhaps it will come out later in Iron Man.
About noon of June 1st, we found everyone gathering at the Boys' Club. What a great congregation of might and muscular magnificence went on display there in the next two days. The first lifting session began at about 3 o'clock before a full house of about 1000 spectators. The 123 lb. and the 148 lb. classes were run off in this afternoon session. They were both run off together and tho this caused the contest to run along faster, yet it slightly confused the audience who were not all able to determine whether a featherweight or a lightweight was lifting. Bob Hoffman was Master of Ceremonies throughout the whole meet. Officials were changed for each lift. Most of the officials being picked from the National Weightlifting Committee of which there was a large delegation present. Mr. Wortmann presided over the whole meet from his place on the platform beside the announcer and score-keepers. [...]
The evening session of Saturday the 2st, was devoted to the 181 pound class and the subdivisions of the "Mr. America" contest. [...]
After the lightheavy class had lifted and the platform had been cleared, we were treated to one of the finest displays of the perfect male physique most of us have ever been privileged to see. Fifteen marvelously developed men participated in the "Mr. America" contest and on Sat. night they contested for the "Best Legs", "Best Back", Best Abdominals", and "Best Chest". Moving pictures were taken both of the lifting and the "Mr. America" contest, most especially of the "Mr. America" contest. If they come to your theater don't miss them.
The men posed on a raised platform with an overhead light and against a background of green curtain. Personally I liked the first night better because the flood lights used for the movies spoiled the overhead lighting the second night.
The judges for both nights were: Harry Paschall, Chester O. Teegarden, Art Gay, Fred Hoffmeister, and Emmett Faris. The contestants were all called to stage at one time. What a breathtaking sight that was. Everyone of them perfectly developed with beautiful tans, and superb posture. They were an imposing sight such as few people there had ever even dreamed of. It is impossible for photos to do any of these fellows justice. After the contestants had retired they were called out one at a time and given an opportunity to pose for the best arm then again for the best legs, then again for best back and so on for all the sub-divisions. In some cases several were asked to return to the stage that the judges might view them together -- say those judges had a terrific task. There wasn't a one of those boys who didn't have marvelous arms. I guess the judges could do nothing else than give it to the man with the biggest arms -- John McWilliams. His arms Were 18.5 and all muscle. They were beautifully shaped. His triceps were terrific. We will show photos of all those boys from time to time. You will see group photos of them in this issue. Kimmon Voyages won the best legs without a question. His legs are beautifully shaped with good separation and large size. I believe he said they measured 27 inches and he is about 5' 6" in height. In photos his legs look a little out of proportion but in the flesh this is not the case as he has a terrific upper body too. He had been doing 10 sets of 10 repetitions each of the squat with 300 pounds and over in preparation for this contest. He has done 10 squats with 385 pounds. Correct me if I'm wrong on this Kimmon, but as I recall it this is what you told me.
Everyone of those boys had wonderful backs but none of them had the separation shown by Alan Stephan who was to win the Mr. America contest the next night. Never before have I seen such muscular mass and separation combined on a back. Most of you will remember Alan under the name of Steponitis. He is a very strong lifter and is especially good on the curl.
Joe Lauriano, last year's Jr. Mr. America, won the best abdominals with his unusual development and separation. Joe has a marvelous all round development and photos fail to do him justice.
John Farbotnik won the best chest with his amazingly deep chest. We would say that John has just about reached the limit of chest depth. He is really barrel chested with a pair of highly developed pectoral muscles to match.
[...]
The evening session on Sunday started at 7 P.M. The first even was the heavyweight lifting. [...]
After the heavyweight lifting, the stage was again cleared for the big event for many people, the Mr. America contest. The hall was certainly packed this Sunday evening for the big events of the heavyweight lifting and the Mr. America contest. The Judges called all the contestants up to the stage at one time as they did the first night. The audience was again treated to an amazing sight. The entire stage was highly lighted this evening with overhead lights and also the flood lights of the movie cameramen. Some little difficulty was experienced arranging the lighting satisfactory for the judges. The contestants were then called to the stage one at a time and allowed one minute for posing. They were allowed to use any poses they wished. Most of them did not use the full minute of time. All of them gave an amazing show of muscularity, shape, posing and personality. After each had his turn at posing alone the judges called back some of them and had them pose together again. We show photos of these groups in some of their poses. Various contestants and groups were called back several times before the judges had completed their work and made a decision for the Mr. America and the Most Muscular awards. You will see a complete tabulation of points for each contestant elsewhere.
The audience roared its approval when it was announced that Alan Stephan of Chicago won the Mr. America and tied with Sam Loprinzi for the Most Muscular title. Sam was awarded the title by the judges. Alan Stephan, whose family name was formerly Steponitis but has been officially changed to Stephan is a tall handsome blond with a very strong personality. His winning smile as well as his marvelous physique endeared him to everyone. He has very good separation. His measurements are large enough to satisfy the boys looking for bulk. He possesses tremendous strength as he is credited with a two arm curl of 225 pounds as well as other fine lifts. He was at one time considered as a great prospect for the heavyweight class but his interest has turned more to bodybuilding recently. He had a beautiful light golden brown tan with a flawless skin and beautiful teeth. He carried himself with magnificent posture and had excellent posing ability.
It was a very close contest between Alan and Sam Loprinzi. All that we have said about Alan can also be said of Sam. We would say that had Sam been a little taller he would probably have won. He is extremely muscular. He is perfectly developed in every respect. He showed very good separation, has wonderful posture and is very good at posing. He had a little darker tan than Alan. This is probably because he is a brunet with beautiful black curry hair, beautiful teeth and a winning smile. We believe that he probably had the most attractive personality of any contestant (and we say this with all due respect to the others as it was hard to choose between any of them in any way). Sam is opening a Studio in his home town of Portland, Ore. shortly and is sure to succeed.
Joe Lauriano fourth place winner, has a wonderful physique. He has unusual development of the abdominals and chest muscles, and is much improved over last year. Leo. D. Stern who was recently chosen Mr. California, won third place. He surprised everyone with his wonderful development, excellent separation and general appearance. Leo is opening a studio in San Diego as soon as he returns home and we wish him the best of luck. As we know, California is full of perfect physiques. Leo was chosen as the best of them all and sent to the Nationals to represent California. The fact that he took 3rd place is some indication of the high class physiques represented at this meet. Abe Goldberg just out of the service has a beautiful physique and particularly fine abdominals. Victor Nicoletti is a handsome brunet with a very dark tan and a fine development. He was heavier and more compact than most of the other contestants. Farbotnik is very good all over but his deep chest was outstanding. He took fifth place. Kimmon Voyages has a very heavy build but is withal very shapely. His legs are outstanding. They are very shapely as well as massive, with good separation -- a refutation of the old saying that specialized squatting will not give you shapely legs. Sinderoff who won the Jr. Mr. America contest has a fine physique. Jantzen, handsome blond is quite shapely but seemed lighter and more slender than we remembered him before. With more bodyweight he would be a strong contender. Dubel has a fine physique and will doubtless improve a great deal. Joe Thaler has a nice physique and will show great improvement as he is quite young yet. John McWilliams is the man with the huge arms. He likewise has a marvelous chest and back. He has the most fully developed triceps we have seen. His biceps are tremendous too. He has overcome great handicaps in developing his wonderful physique. He will be a strong contender in future contests. Due to an injury his legs were but 13" but now they are well developed tho they appeared slender compared to his great upper body. Bob McCune has a fine physique as has Bonny. Both these, boys will improve a great deal.
Every man had outstanding posture. All of them had nice tans. All contestants were forbidden to use oil on their bodies. Some of them were confused in their posing. More thought should be given to a posing routine. Each pose should be carefully studied for effect. Wiggly or moving poses should be avoided. Each pose should blend with the last one and the one following. There should be no hesitation between poses. It should be a smooth flow of rhythm and muscular beauty. The best points of your physique should be shown in each pose. Avoid poses that show up any defects. Do not hold a pose too long. Also do not hold it too short a time. Just long enough for judges to get a good overall view of your physique but not long enough for them to start picking flaws. When you are through with your routine, leave the stage at once. Don't stand there hesitant and trying to think up some new poses to use up your time period. And always remember that a pleasing smile helps a lot. Be courteous to judges and audience no matter how hard it is at times.
Now I think a few thoughts on preparation procedure and judging are in order. It is our belief and suggestion that all perfect man contests be conducted under uniform rules and conditions. We suggested that a rule book be made up for this purpose and that all contests be conducted strictly according to these rules. Thus every contestant will know beforehand what poses he can use how much time he has, what lighting will be used, what make up if any he can use, and a number of other things that may come to their mind.
It will also give a uniform point system for judging. The judges can become familiar with the entire procedure so that they will be more capable of doing an efficient, honest and satisfactory job.
This suggestion met with the approval of the members of the weightlifting committee that were there. We believe that now is the time to start the ball rolling. We therefore are asking that our readers send in any suggestions they may have for the makeup of this rule book. When we have collected all possible material and suggestions we will arrange it and present it to the Committee through our chairman, Mr. Dietrich Wortmann.
Special Act -- Guy Gibby who billed himself as the "All-American Boy", put on two special acts during intermissions in the second day's performances which kept the audience in good humor. Guy was entered in the Mr. America contest but did not compete. He did some handbalancing tumbling, and a few strong man stunts. Dressed as "Superman" he lifted a high stack of tables and chairs precariously balanced with his teeth by biting the corner of the bottom table. He also gave a nice exhibition of chain breaking and cable stretching, having 10 men of the audience come up and attempt to duplicate his stunts.
| Name | City | Points Mr America | Points Most Muscular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Stephan | Chicago, Ill. | 72 | 34 |
| Sam Loprinzi | Portland, Ore. | 68 | 34 |
| Leo Stern | San Diego, Cal. | 63 | 31 |
| Joe Lauriano | York, Pa. | 61 | 31 |
| John Farbotnik | Phila., Pa. | 59 | 29 |
| Abe Goldberg | New York City | 58 | 29 |
| Vic Nicoletti | Brooklyn | 58 | 29 |
| Kimmon Voyages | New York | 55 | 23 |
| Everett Sinderoff | Fall Riv. | 55 | 24 |
| Gene Jantzen | Bartelso, Ill. | 54 | 23 |
| Mike Dubel | Detroit, Mich. | 52 | 24 |
| Joseph Thaler | Brooklyn | 51 | 23 |
| John McWilliams | Columbus | 50 | 23 |
| Robert McCune | Amsterdam | 49 | 22 |
| W. Bonny | Spring Lake, Mich. | 45 | 18 |
Tie for Most Muscular was given to Loprinzi by judges. Best arm, John McWIlliams (18 1/2"). Best Legs, Kimon Voyages (about 27"). Best Back, Alan Stephan. Best Abdominals, Joe Lauriano. Best Chest, John Farbotnik.
Judges - Harry Paschall, Chester O Teegarden, Art Gay, F. Hoffmeister, Emmet Faris.
- We believe that most of our readers will admit that this is about the finest photo of Male Physical perfection they have ever seen. These are the divisional winners in the Mr. America contest. Left to right is ALAN STEPHAN best back. JOHN FARBOTNIK, best chest. KIMMON VOYAGES, best legs. JOHN MC WILLIAMS best arms. JOE LAURIANO best abdominals. Due to the flat lighting caused by movie flood lights much of the detail and separation is lost but you can get some idea of the superb physiques of these boys.
- Here are the five finalists in the Mr. America contest. Left to right they are. John Farbotnik (The two boys on the ends had not yet taken a pose when the photo was taken so were caught in relaxed and unposed positions). Farbotnik certainly had a deep chest. Then Joe Lauriano of the wonderful abdominals. Alan Stephan the winner. he has great separation of all muscles. Sam Loprinzi -- what an amazing specimen. You can't find a flaw in his development. Last we have Leo Stern. Leo surprised everyone with his wonderful physique. Both these Photos by Bay Mungai of Chicago..
- The beautiful YACOS GYM where the visiting barbell men congregated and trained. George YACOS, a clean cut energetic young man conducts one of the finest muscle men's gym here and has given much time and energy to the game he loves so much. He has the finest display of photos on the wall that we have seen. He has a well equipped gym with lots of weight and special equipment. The gym is located in what use to be the banquet room of the Taft hotel and is near the downtown business district. Many big names bands played in this room where now big name lifters and muscle men hold forth. You will notice many of the best lifters representing the Yacos gym such as Ishikawa, featherweight champ, Schmansky Jr. Nat. heavy champ, Koernke, Bidak, and others. George made all visitors feel welcome.
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