INTERVIEW BY BEN YOSEF | MICHAEL BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHY

I TRULY JUST FOCUSED ON HAVING FUN AND DOING MY BEST TO SHOWCASE ALL MY HARD WORK.”

New to the IPL stage, Vince Cline was definitely impressive at the 2018 3^rd  Annual IPL California Championship on May 5^th in Sacramento, CA.

     Arizona-based Cline would travel to Cali and enter two classes. Men’s Athletic Open and Men’s Athletic Masters 40+. Between the two, Cline’s toughest fight proved to be in Masters. There, he would go up against none-other than IPL Pro Steve Poyer. Poyer, who won his IPL Pro Qualification in both Open & Masters Athletic at the West Coast Pro/Am last September, had not yet competed as a Pro. So, this made him eligible to compete as an Amateur. After entering the Pro division for May 5^th, and having no other Pros enter, this is what he opted to do.

     Vince Cline versus Steve Poyer was a sight to see. The two would trade shot for shot, with Poyer seeming to be gaining the upper hand…until Cline came alive and fought back, even harder. Heading into Finals there was just ONE POINT separating 1^st place from 2^nd. Then, at Finals, the two would tie in score for the Model Walk, keeping the one point margin intact. In the end, it was Cline who had the extra point as he went on to win the class and the Pro Masters qualification.

    Then, it was on to the Open. Bringing plenty of momentum into the Open, Cline dominated the class, taking 1^st and the Open Pro Card as well. Shout out to Alfredo Ascencio (2^nd) and Luis Briseno (3^rd). With the look that Vince Cline brought to Cali, there is no doubt that he will do some damage in the Pro ranks. Is he ready to pose a threat to Pros like Alejandro Sigala, Zack Smith, Karlos Velazquez, Andrew Kang, James Niezen and Pro Champions Zyrian Apurillo, Jason Lubag and Angel Aulet??? We think so!

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BEN YOSEF: Congratulations on your wins in Cali! We were all super impressed by the package you brought. How are you feeling about the show?

VINCE CLINE: I loved my experience! Having coached so many athletes that have done an IPL contest, it was great to experience it myself as an athlete. I recommend anyone who’s competed, or considering competing, to compete in an upcoming IPL show!

YOSEF: Awesome, brotha! Really happy to hear you had a such a great time! So, your toughest competition was Steve Poyer. Steve was already IPL Pro Qualified but had not yet competed as a Pro. So, he was still eligible to compete at the Amateur level. Which is what he did. This guy is a solid competitor. What was it like going up against him?

I’LL BE MAKING MY PRO DEBUT IN 2019!”

CLINE: I knew that I’d have to work once we got out there. He is in great shape and had already won shows. I truly just focused on having fun and doing my best to showcase all my hard work. I’m very grateful that I was able to walk away with the win!

YOSEF: Sweet. So, I know we discussed this a bit after the show… At Prejudging it was looking like Steve was getting the upper hand in that class. Then, midway through, you seemed to really come alive. We all (the judging panel) and maybe even the crowd, felt a shift. What happened there?

CLINE: I was dealing with nerves. I had forgotten my posing briefly and didn’t have my flow. After a couple turns I got comfortable, remembered everything I had worked on, and started feeling it.

YOSEF: Well, it’s refreshing to know that even coaches can get a case of the nerves! What would you say to athletes out there who find themselves a bit “off” when they hit the stage? And maybe even to those who may fear this happening to them?

CLINE: Practice, practice, practice before getting to the stage. Then don’t get discouraged if you’re not nailing it 100% because you’re judged on not just one aspect in the IPL, but your entire package. I always encourage everyone to focus on seeing themselves doing amazing and hitting their poses 100%!

BEN: Well said! I am sure you are familiar with the current crop of IPL Men’s Athletic Pros. Who are you especially looking forward to going up against? And, when will we get to see you make your Pro Debut?

CLINE: I’m very impressed with all of the IPL Men’s Athletic Pros and very excited to get up there and compete with all of them! I’ll be making my Pro Debut in 2019!

BEN: Awesome, man! Love it! I am super pumped to see you battle it out in the Pros. There are some incredibly talented guys at this level, so it certainly will be exciting! Any final thoughts?

CLINE: Thanks, Ben! I’m just excited to be a part of the GROWING IPL! GAINZ