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Published on Wednesday, 31 October 2012 23:48
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Written by Corey Young
Stepping Up To Reach That Pro Card: An Exclusive Interview With Anthony Pasquale
In a few weeks the bodybuilding
world will converge on Atlanta for the 2012 NPC National Championships. All eyes will be on the stage to see who will earn their pro card and who will be the next big thing to make an impact on the pro stage. One name that will be conspicuously absent from competition that weekend is Anthony Pasquale. Anthony etched his name in our minds this year by presenting a jaw dropping package at this year’s Jr. Nationals. Anthony’s combination of fullness and density combined with his best in show conditioning allowed him to decimate the field and catapult him into contention for a pro card at the USA Championships. Although he brought his best to the stage at the USAs, Anthony came up just short, and managed to take 2nd in the Heavyweight class, just narrowly missing his pro card. Recently Anthony sat down for an Rx Muscle exclusive to talk about his past, present, and what his future plans are.
Q.) Before we get into your more recent contest history let's talk a little bit about your past. As some fans may already know you're from the same hometown as Jay Cutler. Growing up how aware were you of Jay and his status in the sport? Did that play a role in inspiring you to start training?
A.) Prior to 2001 I had never heard of the Mr. Olympia, my exposure to bodybuilding as a sport was limited. I had already been lifting and following a meal plan for quite some time, but I was unfamiliar with the sport. I moved away in 2001 because I was in the Air Force, therefore when Jay made that big splash at the 2001 Olympia I hadn't really heard about it. I discovered we were from the same place sometime later after reading an article on him.
My initial inspiration came from WWE stars like The Rock. I enjoyed wrestling as a kid and wanted to have those Lex Luger type of muscles. Also, my father really pushed me to train with weights. He believes in the importance of health and functional strength.
Q.) After high school you enlisted in the Air Force from 2001-2005. Give us an idea of what a typical day was like for you.
A.) I worked on a rotating schedule in a 24 hour operation center. I would work 6am-6pm for 2 weeks, then 6pm-6am for two weeks. 3 days on followed by 2 days off. Unfortunately, I struggled with a rotating schedule so I never really got good sleep. My body was too confused by the constant change. In many ways my job was similar to a conventional office job, the main difference was the information you're dealing with is more critical to either the nation or the well-being of troops.
Q.) You've been competing now since 2006, but you really gained national attention when you won the 2011 NY Metropolitan Championships. After that win did you think you were ready to make the jump to the national level?
A.) No, I still felt that I needed another year before I could be relevant at a national level show. Frankly, I still feel the same way in some regards. At this moment I am transitioning from the Heavyweight to the Superheavy weight class. I am optimistic that the gains I make between now and April will help spring me into contention for next year’s USA's as a legitimate super heavyweight. A balanced 5'8, conditioned 240lb bodybuilder can toggle with a 6 feet 260lber any day.
Q.) Let's talk about Jr. Nationals. You came into that show, and by everyone’s account, decimated the field. What were your expectations heading into the show? How did you feel about the package you were able to present onstage?
A.) I never have expectations because at any time things can change. For instance, 10 days before the NYC Metropolitan I had some sort of stomach bug that knocked me on my ass for a good 5 days. I was thankful to be able to rebound in time for the show. Although I didn't have expectations, I went into the Jr. Nationals with the mindset "If I can't win the overall here I'm not ready for the USA's." So, in that sense I was putting a lot of stock in the outcome of the Jr. Nationals. I knew I'm only as good as I place.
I was happy with the improvements I made from 2011 to 2012 in some of lagging body parts. However, I was most proud of the conditioning I consistently kept bringing to the stage.
Q.) You decided to carry the momentum from your Jr. National win into the USAs where you placed 2nd in the Heavyweight Class. By most people’s estimation that decision was really a tossup. I
s there anything you could've done differently to edge out that first place win and earn your pro card?
A.) I don't feel being any harder or fuller would have made a difference in the outcome. What hurt me most was my presentation. I could've executed some of the rear shots better. For those who don't know the head judge said "shows are won from the back, let’s see it again." Basically it was quite close, so close to the point they decided the outcome on the 2 rear poses. He presented his physique better than I did. I’m not sure if it would have changed the outcome, but it's an area I could have been better, anything you can control is an area you should be flawless.
Q.) For both the Jr. Nationals and the USAs you managed to make weight and sneak in at the top of the class. With the gains that you plan on making this offseason are you going to be able to compete as a heavyweight again? Or will you have to make the jump to the Supers?
A.) I was READY at 232. I am hoping to add some quality mass to my legs and back over the off season. I put on 10 pounds every offseason, and I plan on doing it again. These gains in conjunction with my c
onditioning should make me a threat in the Supers. I am eager to make the transition and see how I do against the class that is thought to have the most depth in NPC.
Q.) Now that you're not dieting or prepping for a show you have time to take a look at your physique and make an honest assessment. What improvements do you think you have to make in order to take the next step and earn your pro card?
I am training for a pro card BUT ultimately I am focused on building a pro caliber physique. I recognize the card will come if the physique warrants it. So with that in mind I feel to be a good pro I need more overall mass with emphasis in larger glutes and hamstrings, fuller quads, and bigger biceps.
Q.) Are there any people you'd like to thank for their help or support thus far?
Thank you to my friends and family for their support, it was great having them at the Jr. Nationals and USA's cheering me on.
Also, thanks to Dave Palumbo for guiding me in many ways, not just with my meals. People don't realize there is a business end to the sport too. Dave has been tremendous in mentoring me through both the stage and business side of bodybuilding. He has gone above and beyond helping me break into the sport.
I’d also like to thank SPECIES Nutrition for their support and great products. I'm thankful to be with a company who has such fantastic tasting, high-quality products.
Q.) How can people reach you for diet consultations or for guest p
osings?
A.) Facebook or anthonypasquale.com
Q.) Last question. Imagine Worchester, Massachusetts decided to hold a battle royal. At the end it comes down to you and Jay Cutler as the last two men standing in the ring. Who wins?
A.) Bad bicep or not I have to think the 4x Mr. Olympia would be king of the mountain when it’s all said and done. Unless Mr. Fuji sneaks me a chair ringside, if that were the case I could take him out. Honestly, Jay has always been tremendous to me. Several years back he gave me one of his DVD's for free when I tried to purchase it, he also sent me some free shirts and recently complimented me on my showing at the USA. He's a great person to emulate in this sport if success is your primary goal.
For most bodybuilders winning Jr. Nationals and coming within a breath of winning their pro card would mark a great year. But, for Anthony, it was just a small step towards his ultimate goal. With preparations already under for the 2013 contest season Anthony plans to continue doing what he knows best. He’s going to train hard, diet harder, and bring the absolute best version of Anthony Pasquale to the stage that he possibly can. If last season was any indicator of what’s in store for the future, next year will be a very scary year if you’re the competition. Anthony hopes that next year ends with those seven magic letters following his name. IFBB Pro.
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