TheArnoldFans.com: News

Exclusive Arnold Classic Security Detail!
Roger Bir Back with New 2006 Adventures!
Reported By: TheARNOLDFANS.com Staff
Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Over the years when TheArnoldFans has attended The Arnold Classic, we have seen giant, menacing Arnold security guards but one particular guard has always stood out. A man taller than Arnold with a mustache always looked like he was ready to kill. His intimidating look made us cower so we were in for a big surprise when this security legend, Roger Bir, contacted TAFs a few years ago to say hello.

For over three years now, Arnold's security chum, Roger Bir, has given us an exclusive in-depth recount of the Arnold Classic weekend. This year is no different so let's get right down to Roger's report!

2006 Arnold Classic

This year’s classic proved to be a first for our group. Since Arnold became governor, his primary security has been the responsibility of the California Highway Patrol. Our security duties switched in 2004 with Sylvester Stallone and in 05 to Wesley Snipes. This year was an open year with no celebrities visiting Columbus. So, we filled in when needed and enjoyed our status as spectators.

The 2006 Classic has expanded three-fold. Last year, we were located at the Columbus Convention Center and the Veteran’s Auditorium. This year, Lorimer Productions expanded to meet the needs of several new and exciting ventures. They secured the Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets hockey club. The Arena served as the home venue for figure skating, marital arts, boxing and ultimate fighting.

According to some estimates, 120,000 enthusiastic fans attended the three-day bodybuilding and fitness expo. They would witness over 15,000 athletes (more than the Olympics, according to posted flyers) participate in activities ranging from arm wrestling and martial arts to archery, cheerleading and volleyball. The 650 vendor booths filled the convention center and displayed goods from all kinds of fitness gear, supplements, training equipment and the ever present Marine Corps recruiting booth. Each year, the Marines challenge all-comers to a fitness contest of pull ups. With my shoulder replacement surgery just eight weeks prior, I was an interested spectator and not an active participant.

There were several body building legends in attendance at this year’s expo. Bill Grant, a former Mr. America and Mr. World was there and is in tremendous shape. Through my association with the Classic, Bill and I were able to renew a friendship which started back in the early 70’s when we trained together in southern California. As in days past and that which holds true today, Bill remains the consummate friend of bodybuilding. Bill will turn 60 in September and looks as though he could still compete.

Another legend on hand was Danny Padilla. Danny was featured in the movie “Pumping Iron” and was called “the Giant Killer” during his competitive days. Danny spent time at the classic interviewing people for a local television station in Rochester New York, his home town. Like Bill Grant, Danny is still in great shape.

For those who have a copy of “Pumping Iron” then Ed Corney requires no introduction. I’ve known Ed for 20 plus years and he continues to amaze me. After suffering a near fatal stroke a couple of years ago, Ed still remains a fixture in the sport of body building. Through the course of the Expo, Ed and I were able to chat and discuss how our sport has evolved since the days in southern California and muscle beach.

Several booths down from Ed we came across body building’s first Mr. Olympia, Larry Scott. I had never met Larry prior to his first appearance at the Classic in the mid 90’s, but since then our friendship has continued to grow. Larry won his first title back in 1960 (Larry Scott) and to see him now you’d wonder if his real name wasn’t “Dorian Gray.”

TV’s “Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno was there as well with his daughter. Shawna Ferrigno is hoping to follow in her famous father’s footsteps and is pursuing a career in Hollywood. Lou’s son, Lou Jr. is hoping to walk-on the University of Southern California football team. Like his father, Lou Jr. is an exceptional athlete. Alongside Lou and his daughter was the German champ, Gunther (Gunter) Schlierkamp. Gunther has taken a hiatus from Classic competition to focus his sights on the Mr. Olympia.

For those who wonder where competitors at the Classic get their tanning products, they turn to Jan Tanna. Jan has been a major sponsor of the Classic for and is a longtime friend.

An added event to this year’s expo was a middle school wrestling tournament. Prior to my transfer to Virginia, I was stationed in Ohio and worked as a high school and college wrestling official. For me, this event was an opportunity to visit with several wrestling officials and get caught up on “old times.” A surprise visitor was Olympic Heavyweight Gold Medalist, Rolan Gardner. Several of us watched as Rolan talked with young wrestlers and gave them insight into a sport as demanding as bodybuilding and weight training. Watching him relate to the younger wrestlers was a pure pleasure.

A surprise return visitor to the Classic was Ronald McDonald. Ronald’s last appearance was five years ago and his homecoming was a welcome addition to those in attendance.

Tony Nowak and his commemorative jackets were back again in 06. For those who don’t remember Tony, he appeared in the original “Pumping Iron” and was seen in numerous scenes talking with Arnold and Ken Waller and company at the original Gold’s Gym. For those who plan on attending the Classic in 2007, stop by Tony’s booth and take a look at his jackets. They’re a limited addition, fine quality jacket and well worth the purchase price.

On Friday evening, Arnold presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. I was able to chat with Joe at the after classic party held in a lounge at Arnold’s hotel. Even though he has long since retired, the former heavyweight still has a championship grip and winning personality.

Another backstage visitor at the Saturday performance was 8-time former Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney. Lee posed with Bill Grant after receiving an achievement award from Arnold during Saturday night’s men’s performance.

Other visitors backstage on Saturday night was IFBB Secretary, Winston Roberts. Several years ago, Winston gave me an IFBB pin which I still wear. An interesting note is this year for some odd reason, the folks at the Classic reversed Winston’s name to read, “Robert Winston.” Hopefully next year, they’ll correct the mistake.

For those who have never attended the Arnold Classic and the men’s finals on Saturday evening, there is a rare opportunity to mix and mingle with the many of the classic’s participants. As part of the expo package, fans can purchase tickets to the awards dinner. In years past I’ve had the pleasure of dining with former champions Mike Katz and Frank Zane. Another legend and someone whom Arnold considers his mentor is Reg Park. For the past several years, I’ve been able to sit and chat at length with this bodybuilding great and his lovely wife Marie. Through our conversations, Reg has given me a once in a lifetime look at some of the worlds greatest competitors. I consider myself blessed to call him friend.

Another benefit of being associated with Arnold and classic would be the numerous photo opportunities. You could title this picture, “the tall and short of things.” The model on my left was wearing platform heels which made her almost 6’8” to my 6’5”.

As was true with previous Classics, Arnold’s schedule continued to be a hectic one. During Saturday’s walk through, we were able to chat for about five minutes. He asked what had happened to my shoulder (I was in a sling) and after telling him of the shoulder replacement surgery he commented, “remember when I tore my rotator cuff?” We chatted briefly regarding Maria and the kids before his schedule dictated he press on with additional appointments.

While our role at this year’s Classic was limited, we still enjoyed being a part of the 2006 Arnold’s Classic. I’m hoping next year the staff of The Arnold Fans can put together a junket and enjoy three days of the nation’s best bodybuilding expo. We look forward to seeing you next year in Columbus Ohio.

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TheARNOLDFANS.com Staff