After suffering from dehydration and failing to place very high at last year's USA Nationals in Las Vegas, former Delta graduate Justin Granzella was the hands down winner of the welterweight division of Tokyo Joe's Colorado State Body Building Chamionships held at the Buell Theater in Denver on July 14. The win marks Granzella's second win in three years as he was the bantam weight division winner in 2010.

Granzella lived in Grand Junction the previous time he was crowned the winner in Denver. A move to Denver in October of 2011 enabled Granzella to train at Colorado Pro Gym in Aurora where he had a chance to see several competitors in other divisions who worked out in his gym.

The training regime, as with Amy Manzanares (see related story), begins approximately 16 weeks away from the actual competition date. A strict diet of protein-rich foods is a constant staple for Granzella with an occasional free-day for one meal.

Regardless of the time of year, Granzella is a fixture at Colorado Pro Gym seven days a week for cardio-vascular and lifting sessions. His wife, Mandie, often is a workout companion and spotter for Granzella.

Granzella was in good shape after winning his last title at the welterweight division. The weight limit for this division is from 154 and a quarter pounds up to 164 pounds. There were no ill effects from competing as seen in 2011 in Las Vegas and Granzella was quick to share how he felt after his win. "I feel good, nothing like last year. I'm a little tired, but I feel good."

With his July 14 win comes a pass to a nationals competition. Granzella has not fully committed to any of the several locations possible for his next competition.

Some possible cities where nationals competition are to be held include Chicago (Junior Nationals show), Atlanta, and back to the USA's in Las Vegas.

Unless plans change, Granzella will be competiting at the Chicago Junior Nationals in June of 2013.

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