Rick Marquis

Tower of Strength Henry Droughter (with Richard Marquis)

You have no doubt seen the myriad television advertisements about diets, losing weight, and the avalanche of sales pitches for the parade of devices designed to improve each area of your body. This article is about a man who bypassed all the gimmicks to earn his physique the old-fashioned way: through hard work. Massachusetts Assistant Division Administrator Richard (Rick) Marquis is a native of Massachusetts. His interest in bodybuilding began in college. He had friends who participated in sports; but because he had no specialty, he chose physical fitness that included lifting weights. That interest was elevated to competing and once he won several trophies he was hooked. Rick worked hard and competed successfully for about six years and decided to hang up his weights. Luckily, it was not a permanent decision.

     During his more than 14-year hiatus, Rick gained about 60 pounds and completely tore an anterior cruciate ligament in one knee while playing softball. His approach to returning to competition was organized and systematic. First on the list, ”lose 60 pounds”, which he did. Then, there came a speed bump in the road. He was promoted to Director of Technical Services in the Pennsylvania Division.

     Balancing the demands of a new assignment did not deter his renewed interest in bodybuilding and competition. In the spring of 2006, Rick entered the United States Bodybuilding Federation (USBF) Silver Cup in York, PA, where he finished fifth in the open competition. Then he competed in the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) Spirit of America in Cape Cod, MA, where he placed first in the Men's Open Middleweight Division, qualifying him for the Nationals. A few weeks later, he placed second at the OCB Iron City Classic in Pittsburgh, PA. In the fall of 2006, he competed in the USBF Northeast PA / Nationals in Scranton, PA where he garnered several trophies, including fourth place in the Men's Open Middleweight class, the first and second place winners were pros. He took second in the Men's Masters 35 and Over Division, and second place in the Men's Nationals Open Light Heavyweight Division (a professional event). Although, he did not win a first place trophy, his image was featured on the events Web site. Rick then ventured on to New Hampshire to compete in the National Gym Association (NGA) Granite State Open, a preparatory event for his Pennsylvania finale. He completed the 2006 season with a stellar showing in the OCB Yorton Cup Nationals, the top amateur competition in natural bodybuilding, in Pittsburgh where he took fifth place honors in the Men's Masters 35 and Over Division and third place in the Men's Open Lightweight Division.

Having lost the weight to return to competition is noteworthy, but is a mere whisper when you take into account that all his competitors belong to a gym, have been continuously working out for 10 to 15 years or more, and the majority of them have personal trainers. Rick's gym was his basement and he is his trainer. He worked out twice-a-day: once before and once after work. His winning is no surprise. Yet, his physical development is deceiving due to his symmetry, a feature that does not escape the attention of the judges. In its coverage of the OCB Yorton Cup III National Bodybuilding & Figure Championships, the summer 2007 edition of Fitness & Physique Magazine published this observation: "Richard Marquis looked larger than he had in the past. He undoubtedly added size to his frame recently. His great chest development and all-around excellent symmetry led him to third place in the Open Lightweight class." Photos of Rick and write-ups of his accomplishments have been featured in two issues of this magazine for natural bodybuilding.

     Watching Rick collect the 10 trophies he earned in one year was the perfect conclusion to the discipline he exhibited with his diet, his workout schedule, and his regimen prior to an event. Rick's plan is to qualify for pro status and be recognized as the best in his age group, a feat that is within his reach. For now, that plan is temporarily on hold because he was selected as the Assistant Division Administrator in Massachusetts. He still plans on competing in several competitions later in 2007, leading up to the Nationals in Washington, D.C. on October 28-29, 2007.

     Beyond his basement, Rick's strength emanates from several behaviors. Among the most outstanding are the professional and personal relationships he developed while in Pennsylvania. We were inspired by his leadership and encouraged by his example. We wish him the best in his new position and in future competitions.

I met Rick at the 2006 USBF Northeast PA / Nationals in Scranton, PA. through a mutual friend. Although Rick was living in PA. at the time, his family lived less than 30 minutes from me in MA. We competed together in the Granite State Open in NH. a couple of weeks later and became instant friends. Our friendship continued, and when Rick moved back to MA. in 2007, we became workout partners. We train together 5-6 days a week. He is as every bit intense about his workouts as I am. He's a great competitor on stage, but it all starts in the gym. I look forward to training and competing with Rick for years to come.

Co-promoter of the 2009 OCB Bay State Natural held in Northampton, MA on July 11th.