Strength & Health, Page 18

Final Scoring For 1969 Mr. America CONTESTANTPOINTS 1.Boyer Coe, Laffayette, La.70½ 2.Chris Dickerson, Jamaica, N. Y.70 3.Ken Waller, St. Louis, Mo.67 4.Bill St. John, Glassboror, N. J.65½ 5.Bill Seno, Nilles, Ill.65½ 6.Robert Moore, Nashville, Tenn.63½ 7.Michael Dayton, Napa, California58 8.Paul Love, Cupertino, California56½ 9.Joseph Sasso, Lynnfield, Mass.56½ 10.Ellington Darden, Tallahassee, Fla.56½ 11.Tommy Johnson, Columbus, Ohio56 12.Tom Muscolino, Chicago, Ill.54 13.Jerome Currin, Indianapolis, Ind.53½ 14.Carl Smith, Richmond, Kentucky53½ 15.Alex McNeil, Jackson, Miss.52½ 16.Willie Johnson, Akron, Ohio52 17.Curtis Haywood, Pataskala, Ohio51½ 18.Melvin Meriweather, Michigan City, Ind.51 19.Paul Devine, Chicago, Ill.50½ 20.Dan Howard, Tulsa, Oklahoma48 21.Harry Brown, Atlanta, Georgia46 22.Willaim Collins, Washington, D. C.44½ 23.Tom Howard, Indianapolis, Ind.42 24.Steve Sakoulos, Chicago, Ill.40

The 1969 Mr. America Contest saw a lineup of superbly built bodybuilders vying for America's top physique crown. The tension was terrific during the final minutes before the posing began. Announcer Len Bosland called the group out into three sections of eight and let the audience see them in a relaxed state under normal lighting. Then the lights were dimmed and Dr. Harry Brown began the posing. He was followed by Boyer Coe, who presented a fantastic display of the ultimate in size and musculature. He finished his routine with an arms overhead stretch pose that brought the house down, and left the stage in a wave of applause. Bill Collins, a personable veteran from Washington followed. Jerome Currin of Indianapolis combined muscularity, excellent abdominals and an excellent posing routine. Ell Darden showed a golden Florida tan, a fine "V" shape and a huge chest. Mike Dayton, of T-A Mr. A fame, showed improved symmetry and size. Paul Devine looked very massive under the bright lights. The audience greeted Chris Dickerson with a warm round of applause and he responded with one of the most masterful posing displays of all time. His physique is classical, and his knowledge of art and sculpture enabled him to display it perfectly. His physique is of a different mold than Coe's, and like Coe, he is at the very head of his class. It was obvious that a very close battle was in store. Curt Haywood showed improved muscularity and symmetry over last year. Daniel Howard represented Tulsa, Oklahoma quite well in this great lineup. Thomas Howard also showed very good possibilities. Tommy Johnson of Texas displayed good arms and a solid midsection. Will Johnson, written up in MD, showed enormous potential, and a really magnificent taper. Paul Love of California showed power and intense muscularity. Melvin Merriweather represented Michigan City, Indiana well. Alex McNeil of "Man of the Month" fame looked very powerful and will be a factor in future contests. Robert Moore presented a spectacular appearance with a golden tan and blonde hair. He is a powerlifter and a good one. Thomas Muscolino showed good muscularity. Steve Sakoulos seems to have worked out a compromise with Father Time. He has lost a little hair, but his physique is still powrful and lithe at 44. Joe Sasso showed massive deltoids. Bill Seno, the Chicagoan's favorite, was massive and muscular. He benches over 450 and his power was obvious Carl Smith of Kentucky has evidently worked quite hard on his leg development. Bill St. John presented a powerfully athletic appearance, with magnificent abdominals and muscularity. he was also a contestant in the Best Back competition. The last contestant was Ken Waller, featured last year in S&H. Ken is powerful and possesses excellent symmetry. His back especially was massive and muscular.

The tension mounted still further as groups of athletes were called to pose for various bodypart awards. When the dust settled, Bill Seno had won Best Chest, Ken Waller had taken Best Back, Bill St. John had copped the Best Abs award, Chris Dickerson had won Best Legs, and Boyer Coe had won Best Arms and Most Muscular. Now there was only the big one left, and the audience was on the edge of their seats. The announcer started at fifth place. Bill Seno walked away with the coveted award. Fourth place went to greatly improved Bill St. John, a deserving winner. Third place went to massive Ken Waller, and the audience held its breath as the deciding envelope was opened. Chris Dickerson was second. Thunderous applause rocked the hall as the last envelope was unnecessarily opened and the reign of Boyer Coe as 1969 Mr. America began. Chris Dickerson had lost by half a point, and is the heir apparent. Seldom has their [sic] been such a close contest, with two men so worthy of the Mr. America crown.

Boyer coe of Lafayette, Louisiana will be a worthy Mr. America. His spectacular physique and rugged good looks will help to bring many converts to the weight game, as will his warm personality and good speaking voice. We know the readers of Strength and Health join us in wishing Boyer Coe a successful and happy year as Mr. America.

Highlights of the 1969 Mr. America Contest

By Don Reed

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