New areas of the Anthracite coal region are represented every year in the annual Mr. Anthracite Natural Bodybuilding Competition and that will continue when the competition returns to Pottsville for the fourth time April 9 at Majestic Theatre.
Sponsored by the National Gym Association, the natural bodybuilding and men’s physique contest was a fixture in the coal region that was brought back after about a 30-year hiatus by Warren Egebo, Hegins. It is a pro-qualifier and open to anyone who lives, works or attends school in the five counties making up the Anthracite coal region: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northumberland, Carbon and Schuylkill.
“It’s fun to do annually in Pottsville and use the whole image of the coal miner,” Egebo said.
Caleb Shilko, 24, of Palmerton, joined the competition this year and is the first participant from Carbon County, Egebo said Wednesday.
The Tamaqua High School graduate said he lifted weights for sports but has since focused on bodybuilding.
“I love it,” Shilko said.
Shilko said he has engaged in a friendly competition with his brother over the years and winning the title of Mr. Anthracite would give him “bragging rights.”
This will be Shilko’s first bodybuilding show, although he has done strength competitions. He said he started dieting about two months ago and is down to about 190 pounds.
“I’m a little nervous, but I’m starting to set in,” Shilko said. “Everything is starting to come in focus, especially the diet. When I set my mind to something, I am really focused.”
Egebo said he has had about 18 people express interest in this year’s event, many of them returning competitors. He said last year’s Mr. Anthracite, Jim Sulima, Pittston, will be featured as a guest poser.
A “classic physique” category will join the previous six of junior’s, novice, open, master’s, grandmaster’s and men’s physique, Egebo said.
“The person that wins the show is a professional bodybuilder and can get cash awards,” Egebo said.
All the contestants are also eligible to compete in Egebo’s Mr. Natural Philadelphia Show on May 7.
Prejudging for Mr. Anthracite will be at noon and the finals will be at 6 p.m., both at the Sovereign Majestic Theatre, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Tickets are $10 for prejudging and $15 for the finals. Advanced tickets are also available by calling Egebo at 215-200-1680.
Participants must pass a polygraph test prior to the competition. For an entry form and more information, visit www.mrnaturalphilly.com or email klon@epix.net. Advanced tickets are available by calling 215-200-1680.