2022 SOUTHERN STATES JUDGING PANEL
The NPC Southern States Championships have forever been known for having the best judging panels. Athletes, it’s a unique experience to be seen by a full panel of IFBB Pro League Judges at the Amateur level. What is even more special is that two of our judges are Mr. Olympia judges! Unlike local NPC judges, these judges have around for many years, are highly trained & respected, have been on Professional Shows, and know the physique of a Pro Athlete. This is a plus for our competitors as they will be evaluated at a higher standard than a normal judging panel.
If you plan on one day going pro or wish to improve your craft these judges will be a massive asset to your journey. It is invaluable that they are able to help you with critiques that can correct your on stage package (whether it is in one’s physique or their presentation).
In addition, these are many of the judges that you will be in front of at National Shows across the country. Sometimes all it takes is to make a good impression here at the Southern States Championships to be remembered when you are seen again on the big stage.
Let’s meet this year’s judging panel!
TIM GARDNER | TAMPA, FL
NPC Florida & Zone III Chairman | 2019 – Current
NPC Puerto Rico Chairman | 2014 – Current
IFBB Pro League International Judge | 2017 – Current
IFBB Pro League Head Judge & Official | 2016 – Current
Olympia Judge | 2015 – Current
IFBB Pro League Judge | 2008 – Current
NPC National Judge | 2002 – Current
Gene Massey Award Recipient | 2000
About:
Tim Gardner competed in the NPC in Men’s Bodybuilding from 1988 till 1998. Tim competed successfully in his 10 year span collecting bodybuilding titles throughout the local, state and regional levels, while eventually cracking the top 8 in the National rankings. After retiring in 1998 he started judging and promoting shows. His first show, the HURRICANE & TYPHOON BAY has been running for over 20 years. In his “spare” time he is travelling the world as owner of TIM GARDNER PRODUCTIONS.
Southern States Memory:
“While competing in the 1998 Southern States, Emcee, Mike Katz brought my son Brett on stage during the awards ceremony. It was his 10th Birthday and it was a very special moment for both of us. This was the last show I competed in, as I retired right there in that moment.” In addition, Tim was awarded our prestigious Gene Massey Award for this contributions to the sport in 2000.
TIM GARDNER PRODUCTIONS SHOWS:
NPC MEL CHANCEY CHAMPION MUSCLE CLASSIC
IFBB PUERTO RICO PRO | IFBB PUERTO RICO MASTERS PRO | NPC WORLDWIDE WORLD CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS | NPC ENCHANTED ISLE CLASSIC
IFBB CHICAGO PRO | IFBB CHICAGO MASTERS PRO | NPC WORLDWIDE MS. INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING PRO QUALIFIER | NPC CHICAGO EXTRAVAGANZA
IFBB TAMPA PRO | IFBB TAMPA MASTERS PRO | NPC TAMPA EXTRAVAGANZA
IFBB SAN ANTONIO PRO | IFBB SAN ANTONIO MASTERS PRO | NPC SAN ANTONIO EXTRAVAGANZA
NPC PUERTO RICO CHAMPIONSHIPS
IFBB HURRICANE PRO | IFBB HURRICANE MASTERS PRO | NPC HURRICANE BAY CHAMPIONSHIPS
IFBB RISING PHOENIX WOMEN BODYBUILDING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS | IFBB ARIZONA WOMEN PRO | NPC ARIZONA WOMEN EXTRAVAGANZA
IFBB ROMANIA MUSCLE FEST PRO | NPC WORLDWIDE ROMANIA MUSCLE FEST
IFBB ATLANTIC COAST PRO | IFBB ATLANTIC COAST MASTERS PRO | NPC ATLANTIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS
DENNIS “DEKE” WARNER | ORLANDO, FL
IFBB Pro League Judge | 2018 – Current
NPC National Judge | 2015 – Current
NPC Regional Judge | 1990 – Current
Gene Massey Award Recipient | 2020
About:
Deke’s NPC journey started in 1981 after being sidelined with a football injury. He competed as a bodybuilder and always looked up to Mike Ashley as his inspiration. After his on stage days came to an end Deke became a judge and started promoting as well. He has been the promoter of the NPC Mid-Florida for the last 25 years and the promoter of the NPC Florida State for 12 years now.
Southern States Memory:
Deke competed in the Southern States in 1998. He was the oldest HeavyWeight winner than year at the age of 35. Also competing that year were Flex Wheeler and Shawn Ray. Deke started judging at the Southern States in the late 80’s and has been a regular on the judging panel.
JOHN HNATYSCHAK | DELRAY BEACH, FL
Mr. Olympia Judge | – Current
IFBB Pro League Judge | – Current
NPC National Judge | – Current
About:
Hnatyschak started competing in the NPC at the age of 23 in New Jersey and competed for 12 years. In 1984 he won Nationals and the Mr. Universe. He then became a judge and has been doing so in the NPC and IFBB Pro League for over 30 years. John was also the promoter of the BLUE RIDGE CLASSIC in Virginia. He now travels the world with the IFBB Pro League
Southern States Memory:
Guest posing for the Southern States in 1985. This will be John’s fith time judging the show.
DR. PETER-JOHN RHODEN | MIAMI, FL
IFBB Pro League Judge | 2009 – Current
NPC Broward County Chairman | 2014 – 2019
NPC National Judge | 2004 – Current
NPC Regional Judge | 1993 – Current
Gene Massey Award Recipient | 2007
About:
Dr Pete was once an NPC competitor before he sat on a judges panel. He started to officiate in 1993 and 2019 will mark his 26th year as an NPC Official. At one time, Dr. Rhoden was the promoter of the SUPERIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. He now is the owner of his own practice, CROSS MEDICINE, where he is Dr. of Medicine and Acupuncture. He received the Alex Guerra Award in 2018.
Southern States Memory:
Dr. Peter Rhoden was awarded our prestigious Gene Massey Award for this contributions to the sport in 2007.
SERGE SARIC | POMPANO BEACH, FL
IFBB Pro League Judge | 2018 – Current
NPC National Judge | 2014 – Current
NPC Regional Judge | 2010 – Current
NPC Competitor | 2005 – 2012
About:
Born in Croatia, Serge came to the US in 1998. He came into the industry as a NPC Competitor. He competed in Men’s Physique for many years until he became a judge in 2010. If he looks familiar, you may have met him behind the table as the face of NPC Wear at all the Florida Shows.
Serge is the promotor of several shows himself. Most notably the NPC & IFBB Pro League Florida Grand Prix which is also a Pro-AM.
He would like to thank his mentors Peter Potter, Dr. Peter John Rhoden, Bill Neylon, & Tim Gardner for their guidance and for teaching him the business of the NPC. Most importantly how to do things the right way and how to give athletes the highest quality experiences. He would also like to send his love to his two favorite people Mariane and Isa.
Southern States Memory:
One of his favorite memories is when he competed in Men’s Physique at the Southern States in . He placed 10th but it was such a funny year for Men’s Physique. Jeans, large Texas-sized belts & Cowboy hats covered the stage as the then new division figured itself out. (See below)
NPC WORLDWIDE CARIBBEAN GRAND PRIX PRO QUALIFIER
NPC FLORIDA GRAND PRIX PRO-AM
NPC ULTIMATE GRAND PRIX
NPC WORLDWIDE & IFBB ROYAL GRAND PRIX PRO-AM