"I just got back from Bakersfield; you run a first class show, my friend. Your team did a fabulous job with the West Coast Classic...it couldn't have been better run. Kudos to you and your staff. It was great catching up with you, got to see some long lost bodybuilding friends. I hope to catch a few more shows, although NONE could be better. I have been away far too long."
Tom Touchstone, 1985 NPC California State champion
"I really enjoyed attending/performing at your West Coast Classic. Michelle and I were talking about how cool it was to watch you being so personal with the audience, performers, staff and competitors. What great stories of triumph you shared with the fans! Anyway I can be a part of your great show again, just let me know." PD Devers, IFBB Professional
"This was the first contest I competed in, and I have been blown away by the experience. It was way beyond my expectations. I just got the October issue of IRON MAN, and was thrilled to see my picture not only in your News and Views column, but to be featured as one of your Rising Stars. Is that really me in that 8x10 photo? You really give a "family" atmosphere to the contest with your super friendly attitude with the competitors, and having the best emcee in the sport announce my name as the winner added to the special feeling. Also, I can't believe how much exposure the show has received. I'm coming back next year, hoping to win a title in the Unlimited division."
Rafael Begluyan, Novice Overall and Collegiate winner
"I'm not surprised that you are surprised by the success of the show, but, believe it or not, you're as big a name in the sport as any. From a fan's perspective, there's a level of integrity your name is associated with. You're one of the few representatives of the sport that is universally liked. You always go out of your way to make each and every competitor sound very special, and your word is accepted as one of honesty. Very well done."
Anthony Racanelli, personal trainer for 37 years
"You bring so much enthusiasm and character with your presense. You are not just a regular emcee, you entertain the fans, and make people laugh. Also, you are the best interviewer in the sport."
Henry Urango, top NPC competitor
"I had the pleasure to compete in the West Coast Classic. I won the Men's Unlimited Middleweight and also placed second in the Masters 40+. I just wanted to say thank you. It was my first show ever in California; I began competing in Sweden since 1979. The reason I entered was because of the great reputation you have. It is deserving."
Mike Gustavsson, Tucson, AZ
"I know this is your business, but also it's a passion. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed competing for my first time in your event. What a journey! I'm turning 46 in a few weeks, and finished third in the Novice Middleweight. I have been bit by the bug!. Thanks again."
Joe Perry, Corona, CA
"Just wanted to say that we had a great time at your show on Saturday. We would love to be a part of it again next year!."
Jerry Hanessian, Cage Alliance
"I was a participant in the West Coast Classic this past weekend, and want to complement you on how well the contest was organized and carried out. With a record number of contestants, many things could have gone wrong, but they didn't. It made us feel special that you appreciate and respect us. Thank you for a truly enjoyable experience.
Dave Vito, Unlimited Bantamweight and 60+ winner, Cleveland, OH
"Just wanted to say thanks! The show was FABULOUS! Beautiful venue, great turnout and terrific competitors. I love that you make a point to get around and talk to all of your competitors. See you next year for sure!
ackie Ambrose, Bakersfield, CA
Had a BLAST last night, Lonnie...awesome show! And it keeps getting better!"
Nell Tolentino Bautista, top NPC competitor
"Thank you for the wonderful experience! I had a great time...a great show...you did a FABULOUS job as the promoter and emcee!"
Gloria Lifschutz, Palm Desert, CA
"Congratulations, LT! We had a blast at your show. Bigger and better!"
Meriza DeGuzman, IFBB Pro Figure competitor
"Mr. L.T., thank you again for your help. I really enjoyed being a sponsor at
your new event, and am...coming back next year. As a competitor, too! Congrats on
the great success."
Michael Bautista, Owner, Posing Suits by Mishko, NPC competitor
"Lonnie, Team OC Nutrition had a BLAST! We all placed well!! Thank you so much for letting me make my comeback at your show after not competing for 14 years!!"
Art B. Decuna, Owner, OC Nutrition (Laguna Nigel), NPC competitor
"Another super job, L.T.! Your contest gets better every year. I really like the new venue. We'll be back supporting you again next year!"
Pete Ciccone, top NPC competitor
"Winning the Overall at Lonnie Teper's West Coast Classic was absolutely exihilerating! Meeting Lonnie, and entering his contest, has really helped my bodybuilding career. He did a huge feature story on me for IRON MAN Magazine that ended up appearing in the same issue where Lonnie featured the WCC in his column. I was astonished when I opened up the magazine and saw my name and photos all over the place. I was proud to compete in Lonnie's contest...it was extremely well organized, competitive and fun. I will encourage people to enter this show, they'll have a great time."
Eli Blahut, 2010 West Coast Classic Overall Men’s champion
"I wanted to enter Lonnie's contest in the past, and finally got to do it in 2010. It was even better than people told me it would be! Lonnie not only made sure everyone backstage was comfortable, but his humor, stage presence and background information on the competitors as the MC really made this event special. The venue was great...state of the art and clean, inside and out. Definitely one of the best shows around."
Khay Rosemond, 2010 West Coast Classic Bikini Overall champion
"I was so impressed with the job Lonnie Teper did as the promote/emcee of the West Coast Classic. He did a great job, and I had a lot of fun. I live in Arizona, but just opened up a gym in Virginia. I've already had several people call me to tell me they saw my picture in his column in IRON MAN Magazine. What a great surprise.!"
Roxanna Brady Wood, 1st place, C class, Bikini
"As a fan of this sport for many years, and now a competitor, I want to thank Lonnie Teper for putting together awesome shows...the old Junior Cal and now the West Coast Classic. When I first moved to Southern California four years ago, it was the first contest I ever attended. I was very heavy and out of shape. But, watching the competitors, and getting to take a picture with Jay Cutler, inspired me to work hard and some day be a part of it. And that's what happened. The show will always have a special place in my heart because it's one of the key factors in helping me finally decide to get fit for the first time in my life. Thank you, Lonnie, for all you do to keep this show&em;and the sport&em;alive and growing!"
John King, Fullerton, CA
"The West Coast Classic (Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Competition) is a wonderful platform for the aspiring contestant as well as the seasoned competitor. It provides a friendly environment and a high degree of respectability. It's an NPC sanctioned show, so it serves as an excellent stepping stone for higher level competitions. I made my comeback at the 2010 WWC - after 10 years of not competing - and had a blast!
Doug Brignole, NPC Competitor
"Thanks for a great show Lonnie! Terrific location and auditorium. Nice taking home some of those superb trophies. Plus all the coverage you gave the athletes was a great bonus. Definetely going to be one of the main shows of the NPC in Southern California from now on. See you in 2011!
Brian Whelan, Owner Foothill Gym, Monrovia CA, NPC Competitor