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2009 NATIONALS: YOUNG GUNS

24-year-olds Steve Kuclo and Trey Brewer are two top contenders at the '09 Nationals

By Greg Merritt

November 18, 2009

FLEXONLINE.COM

These guys turned pro before their 25th birthdays at the first three NPC Nationals (1982-84): Lee Haney (age 22), Bob Paris (age 23), Rich Gaspari (age 21). In ‘86, Shane DiMora won the Nats middleweight class at only 19, and the following year Shawn Ray took the overall at 22. But what have we had over the 20 years since 24-year-old Franco Santoriello won the ‘89 Nats light-heavy title? Since the ‘80s, only one man under 25 has gone pro via the Nats. Jay Cutler won the heavy class in ‘96 at age 23.

"Cuts" might soon have company, because this year two of the top contenders have a chance of winning at 24: Steve Kuclo and Trey Brewer. They finished three-four, respectively, in last year’s Nats super class, and as both men above them moved on, these young guns have stepped up as the two supers most likely to turn pro. Both have similar physique strengths (legs) and weaknesses (back), and neither has yet to master the peaking process to maximize their cuts and size. But consistent conditioning comes with diet experience just as muscle maturity comes with gym time, and as both took a full year to focus on this year’s Nationals, there’s a good chance for a rare event on November 21. One of these 24-year-olds may soon join the likes of Haney, Cutler, Gaspari and Ray in an exclusive club of early achievers.

STEVE KUCLO
AGE: 24
HEIGHT: 6’
WEIGHT: 255 pounds
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: 2008 Nationals, super heavyweight, 3rd; 2004-05 Teen Nationals heavyweight winner

TREY BREWER
AGE: 24
HEIGHT: 5’10”
WEIGHT: 260 pounds
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: 2008 Nationals, super heavyweight, 4th; 2008 Junior Nationals, super heavyweight, 5th; 2006 Excalibur super-heavyweight and overall winner

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