I used to see Sam at the gym all the time, but never really talked with him at all until he developed an interest in competing. I noticed he trained very hard, so when he asked if I would diet him for the 2003 Northern Alberta, I knew I had a guy that EXPECTED to suffer, and understood it would be the challenge of his life.

We actually started working together about six months before the show to add more mass to his frame and improve some weak points. By the time his diet rolled around, he was almost 230lbs, and by far the biggest he had ever been.

We aimed for the middleweights, and I knew he would do very well if he could come in shredded. His body was stubborn, but he pumped the cardio and really low carbed it for several weeks. After 16 weeks of dieting, he weighed in at 173 pounds, and was beautifully conditioned.

As soon as he stepped on stage I knew the class was his. I knew he would be going at it for the overall so I tried to fill him up a bit more for the night show. It payed off, and he captured the overall title.

With only a week to provincials, we had to try to re-peak him and it turned out great. His glutes were even tighter. He placed second, and was extremely happy with his rookie year.

I can honestly say that seeing what he looked like in his hotel room the morning of his first show was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in 14 years of bodybuilding. He suprised me by looking better than I actually thought he could.