The Modern Apollo - Alan Stephan

by Ray Van Cleef

PHYSIQUE contests are not a recent innovation in athletic competition. Bernarr Macfadden was one of the pioneer promoters of such tournaments. In 1903 the "father of physical culture" sponsored a "most perfectly developed man" contest as one of the feature attractions of his huge physical culture show at Madison Square Garden. Incidentally, this contest was won by Al Treloar, physical director of the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Macfadden has conducted other "most perfectly developed man" contests since his initial one. For example, Zell Pettet of Chicago was the first prize winner of the 1905 competition. In 1921 the publisher and editor of Physical Culture sponsored a similar contest to determine the most handsome man on the basis of facial and physique qualifications. The following year Macfadden again resumed the emphasis on the physique merits in the contest to select "America's most perfectly developed man."

Though the physique contests that Bernarr Macfadden sponsored in past years were the predominating ones a considerable number of other contests of this nature were sponsored by other individuals and organizations. The publicity attached to these physical development contests was for the major part confined to physical culture and athletic publications. Thus, so far as the general public was concerned these contests bordered on obscurity.

Some years ago the famed "Miss America" contests came into being. These contests from the very first one at Atlantic City skyrocketed into the spotlight of public attention. There had been many beauty and perfect woman contests conducted prior to the ones bearing the title "Miss America." Though some of them had been accorded considerable publicity compared with the universal fame of the "Miss America" contests all of the others are insignificant. The title "Miss America" has almost magical appeal and "clicked" with the general public. This title has played a major role in making these contests so successful in so far as publicity is concerned. In fact, the "Miss America" contests for years greatly overshadowed any of the male physique contests in fame.

In 1939 the first employment, to my knowledge, of the title "Mr America" in connection with a physique contest commenced. It was on June 10th of this year that John Hordines sponsored America's Best Physique contest at Amsterdam, New York. The grand prize winner, who was selected from the winners of the various height divisions, was to be titled "Mr America."' Bert Goodrich, who is now operating a gymnasium in Los Angeles, won the distinction of being chosen as the first holder or this much coveted title. John Hordines, a former noted college athlete and capable physical director, deserves much praise for attaching the title "Mr. America" to what has proved to be the most outstanding and successful of all annual physique contests. This ideal title plays a role of immeasurable importance, like the "Miss America" title, in enabling this particular competition to secure extensive publicity through the medium of newspapers, magazines and movie news reels.

The title "Mr, America'" has become symbolic of physical perfection, The contests bearing this title have proved to be of immense value to the welfare of physical training, particularly in the form of body building employing the use of barbells and dumbells. The widespread publicity connected with the "Mr. America" competition serves to accomplish invaluable missionary work in educating the general public as to what magnificent physiques can be cultivated through the medium of progressive weightlifting exercises. Such enlightening publicity unquestionably fosters a more intelligent appreciation of physical development on the part of the general public and undoubtedly encourages many to strive to improve their own physical state.

The popularity of the "Mr. America" contests has not been confined to the general public's interest in these events. This annual amateur national physique competition, which is conducted under the auspices of the A.A.U. and governed by their regulations, is without a question the most outstanding event of the year in the opinion of the vast majority of body builders and lifting fans. More importance is attached to this title than any other championship in the "iron game". No other honor in this field of endeavor provides the winner with such great opportunities and such extensive publicity.

Prior to the recently transpired National A. A. U. Weightlifting Championships and "Mr. America" contest my thoughts frequently were focused on the then known leading contestants scheduled to participate in these championship events at Detroit. In pondering over the forthcoming weightlifting contests I felt confident that my deductions in selecting the men in each division, that would be most likely to place within the first three positions, would prove quite accurate. But in endeavoring to analyze the candidates for the "Mr. America" title my mind functioned in a kaleidoscopic fashion. Knew I was "in the dark" even though I was well acquainted with the merits of several of the most prominent contestants.

While attending the contests at the Boys' Club of Detroit gymnasium I was circulating about like a social butterfly at a reception in an effort to acquire as much data as possible and still witness most of the lifting. The time spent in the gym adjoining the main gymnasium auditorium was chiefly devoted to observing the lifters warming up and the "Mr. America" candidates exercising. Among the extraordinarily developed athletes that were visually scrutinized there was one particular superman that impressed me more favorably than any of the others. His admirable physical qualities were so obvious and outstanding that I was readily convinced that he would make an ideal "Mr. America". Though he was a stranger there was something familiar about his appearance. Soon after I observed him I proceeded to become acquainted with him. Found him friendly from the very outset of our association. Was evident that he did not suffer from an inflated ego. His likeable personality encouraged the desire to become well acquainted with him. Soon learned his name, Alan Stephan, and that he came from Cicero, Illinois. Assumed that he was unknown so far as national publicity was concerned for I could not recall seeing published photos of an Alan Stephan.

That Saturday evening, June 1st, when Alan Stephan participated in most of the subdivisions, to determine the winners of the awards such as best chest development, it was evident from the very instant he appeared upon the platform to pose that he was likely to be Clarence Ross's successor. It was evident from the first that Alan Stephan "clicked" with the rather critical audience. This was to be expected for even among the select group of rival contestants this Adonis was the most outstanding potential "Mr. America." Stephan personifies all of the attributes that this title is symbolic of. In physique he is a combination of an Apollo and a Hercules; an ideal type. His taller than average stature, graceful and manly carriage and his at ease attitude contributed to his distinguished appearance. All of these admirable qualities combined with the fact that he is unusually handsome make him a model of physical perfection. His facial countenance is handsome in a genuinely masculine way and registers intelligence, vigorous health and a winning personality. In appealing to the fair sex this Adonis can take the spotlight from the Robert Taylors, Frank Sinatras and Charles Boyers. He certainly had the hearts of the women spectators fluttering judging from the romantic sighs they were emitting. Yes, it. was evident that a new star among body builders, Alan Stephan, was destined to attain the pinnacle of success in this outstanding physique competition.

In the course of the events in the first physique posing session Alan Stephan was awarded the prize for possessing the best back development. His back development is truly superb. The musculature in this region has unusually fine definition combined with impressive bulk. His shoulders are broad and his exceptionally well developed latissimus dorsi give his back the much desired V taper. All of these merits are accentuated by his imposing posture.

On the second and final day of the championships I had the opportunity to become much better acquainted with Alan and learn many more details pertaining to his background. He was most co-operative and friendly. Could sense that he was genuinely modest and had an intelligent perspective of life. His personality was not marred by a narcissus complex which unfortunately develops in some body builders. Though our conversation was chiefly confined to athletics and body building I was fully aware that this intelligent and refined individual did not have a "one track mind". Alan Stephan is a "regular guy" and the sort of person one desires as a friend.

That Sunday evening, June 2nd, was the eagerly awaited "Mr. America" contest. Being acquainted with the qualifications of the officials and knowing they were capable judges, I felt confident that Alan Stephan would be selected as the 1946 "Mr. America". In making this prediction I did not overrate the Adonis from Cicero and neither did I underestimate the merits of his very impressively developed rivals in this competition. Stephan came through with flying colors and conducted himself creditably in true championship fashion. In the judges' evaluation of his qualifications as a. "Mr. America", he deservingly received a nearly perfect score. Their decision was acclaimed by the spectators with enthusiastic approval. And thus Alan Stephan takes his rightful place among the most eminent physical culture athletes in the world.

Since winning this much coveted and much publicized honor Alan has been swamped with a variety of offers, including attractive movie and stage contracts. But these enticing proposals and the overnight world fame that he has acquired have not upset this sensible young man's equilibrium. In fact, the very next day after he won the "Mr. America" title he, his sisters and his advisor, Dick Trusdell, made a trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan so that he could make arrangements to enroll as a student at the University of Michigan. Alan will commence his studies at this university this Fall. As to be expected, he will major in physical education. He does not intend to rest on his laurels for he plans to take an active part in collegiate athletic competition. Will participate in wrestling and track and field events. Very likely that he will also compete in gymnastics since he is a capable all around gymnast. Alan's next major goal in the realm of athletics is to compete in the 1948 Olympic Games as a member of one of the United States teams. Knowing how versatile Alan is as an athlete it is not possible to forecast this far in advance what sport he will be most likely to compete in. However, I feel confident that this superman will attain this objective for he has the perseverance and idealism to utilize and develop his extraordinary physical capacities to a championship level.

In many ways nature has been generous to Alan Stephan but without his high standards and enduring ambition to develop his inherent potentialities he never would have become extraordinary in a physical sense, less alone a "Mr. America". Alan has abetter than average hereditary background. His father possessed a herculean physique and it was employed to advantage in occupations needing brawn; farm work and employment in steel mills. Both his mother and father were born in Lithuania; a nation where vigorous people are prevalent. They immigrated to this land of opportunity when in their teens. They contributed much to this nation's most vital resource, healthy citizens, by being the parents of seven American children. Alan is the "baby" of the family. Has four older brothers and two sisters. His brothers are of average physical size.

Alan was born April 25, 1924 in Cicero, Illinois and, except for the years he served in our Armed Forces during the war, he has spent most of his life in Cicero. Living near to Chicago he has, of course, spent much time in the nation's second largest city. Attended the J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero and graduated from this institution. Incidentally, Alan is another debunker of the slanderous "strong back and a weak mind" theory for his class marks were much above average

Up until he was 15 years old he was only average in a physical sense. At this age he weighed 135 pounds and presented a Skinny appearance being above average in height. It was then that his athletic ambitions commenced to play a major role in his life and future plans. Watching the athletes at Douglas Park train and perform unusual physical feats did much to spur on his ambition in a desire to emulate them. There was one particular athlete that proved his chief source of inspiration. This exceptionally well developed athlete, George Hanus, was already famous for his Grimek-like physique. During the early part of the war Hanus was killed while serving as a member of our Merchant Marine.

Joe Evans, the instructor at Douglas Park, deserves much credit and praise for his coaching of Alan, especially during the initial stages of his athletic development when expert guidance is so especially important. Our present "Mr. America" was a "greenhorn" when he commenced his body building and gymnastic training under Joe Evans' capable guidance. Joe Evans has the ability to demonstrate his instructions in an inspiring way. This talented coach can climb a regulation gymnasium rope with comparative ease while wearing a pair of Iron Boots with 15 pounds of weight attached to each boot. Joe Evans is still active as the instructor at Douglas Park and Alan continues to train there regularly.

With capable guidance and possessing superior physical possibilities Alan made rapid progress in his body building activities. Represented his high school in gymnastic and wrestling competition. Though he did not specialize in the three Olympic lifts in an effort to become an outstanding weightlifter, he was able to make a very creditable showing in this sport. Representing Douglas Park while in his teens he won first place in a novice park weightlifting contest, was second in a city meet, and third in a Central States A. A. U. meet in 1943. In this latter contest, which took place in Chicago, Alan pressed 260 pounds while lifting in the heavyweight division. He was a comparative novice lifter then and only 19 years old. Yet he made the highest press in this meet and seasoned lifters, such as Steve Gob, Erwin Roger and Hubert Curtis, participated in this competition. To press 260 pounds successfully in competition is a convincing demonstration of the lifter's exceptional physical strength.

Alan Stephan has been credited with some extraordinary lifts, including a straight arm pullover with 200 pounds, 6 squats with 420 pounds, and a press with 270 pounds. His advisor, Dick Trusdell of Chicago, reports that he has witnessed Alan curl 215 pounds. He also mentions that Alan has performed a supine press with 330 pounds on the floor and a press with 355 pounds in this position on a bench.

This superman from Cicero first acquired international fame through the medium of publicity in Strength & Health in 1943. Three photos of Alan appeared in the March issue of that year. It was mentioned in the caption for these photos that Alan then possessed "one of the most phenomenal physiques we've shown on these pages for many, many months". Other photos of this Apollo appeared in Strength & Health since then. The December, 1944 issue featured an outdoor snapshot photo of Alan on the front cover of the magazine.

In July, 1943 Alan joined the Navy. His boot camp training took place at Farragut, Idaho. It was here that Alan was "discovered" by Lt. Gustafson, the center's Public Relation Officer. This officer realized that this unusually handsome and impressively developed sailor would be an ideal model for publicity and propaganda purposes. Alan was then assigned to serve as a model for photographs and art work in the Navy. As a result of this assignment his likeness appears on an official Navy recruiting poster and during the war years he was the model for a number of the posters used by the Treasury Department in War Bond campaigns. In fact, a picture of Alan was on display in the Naval Headquarters in Washington.

After the session at Farragut was completed he was then shifted to the Seabees at Camp Perry, Virginia. Because of his athletic ability and superior physical qualifications he was assigned as a judo, wrestling and physical training instructor. While serving in this capacity he had the good fortune to have Ray Moore as his coach and commanding officer. Ray Moore was a National A.A.U. Wrestling Champion and rates as one of the most skillful judo experts in the world. Alan gained considerable in knowledge and skill in these arts of self-defense during the period he was associated with this champion wrestler. After spending six months at Camp Perry he was sent to Davisville, Rhode Island and from here he was transferred to Pearl Harbor. Was in Hawaii for eight months before being shifted to Guam where he spent another eight months. On April 2nd of this year, which is exactly two months prior to the date he won the "Mr. America" title, he received his honorable discharge from the service.

While serving in the Navy and Seabees Alan did considerable training with a pair of York adjustable 40 pound dumbells and a York cable set. Carried this exercising equipment everywhere in his sea bag. Imagines that the sailor who loaded this sea bag of his on the ship when he had it shipped home from Guam was plenty surprised when he first picked the bag up, if he succeeded on the first attempt. Besides his body building exercises with the York dumbell set and York cables he included hand stand press ups in his regular workouts. Also trained with barbell sets when they were available at the bases where he was assigned.

Soon after Alan returned home after being released from the service he resumed his body building activities under normal conditions. Had no intentions of taking part in this year's "Mr. America" contest. Dick Trusdell, his advisor, and Marvin Urvant after much persuasion succeeded in convincing him that it would be advisable to take part in this competition at Detroit. Alan agreed to compete because he was convinced that it would provide good experience and prove an asset to him in his serious efforts to win this much coveted title in 1947. Only six weeks prior to the contest he commenced to train intensively again. Worked out 5 days a week during this period, mostly at the Douglas Park gym. Two of his brothers trained with him quite frequently during this period. Besides his strenuous gymnasium training he spent considerable time at one of the nearby beaches. Here he continued his training, went swimming and took sun baths.

Not only did Alan enter the "Mr. America" contest without any expectation of winning but he participated as a comparatively unknown athlete. It so happens that soon after he was released from the service he changed his name legally from Steponaitis to Stephan. All of the other members of his family, except his mother, had already made this change to a name easier to pronounce, spell and remember. He did not make it known at the contest that he was the Steponaitis that was already famous. So he did not benefit by his past fame in this competition. This is an example of his admirable character qualities.

Like the vast majority of outstanding bodybuilders, Alan Stephan's training consists of a wide variety of exercises. His exercise routine includes about 15 of the major barbell and dumbell exercises. One of his pet exercises is performing back of the neck chins, both with and without weights. When employing weights in this advanced exercise he either uses Iron Boots or holds a barbell in the crook of his knees while chinning. Attributes much of his back development to this particular exercise. Besides the weightlifting movements he does some gymnastic work on parallel bars, rings and horizontal bars. Hand balancing is also an active factor in his exercising, especially hand stand pressups. Does not train for competitive weightlifting. Prior to joining the Navy he trained regularly three nights a week for a period of three and a half years. During the first two years of this body building period Alan increased his bodyweight from 135 to 205 pounds.

Not having a suitable opportunity to take Alan's measurements prior to the "Mr. America" contest I requested Alan and Dick Trusdell to provide these desired figures. They are: Height 5 ft. 11 1/2 in., bodyweight 205 pounds, chest normal, 48 1/2 in., chest expanded, 50 1/4 in., waist 31 1/2 in., neck 17 1/2 in., upper arm flexed 18 1/8 in., forearm 14 1/2 in., wrist 7 1/2 in., thigh 26 in. and calf 17 in.

The present "Mr. America" is a genuine physical culturist. Does not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages. Candy and coffee are also taboo. Milk is an important item in his diet. Is not a diet faddist. His meals are well balanced with a variety of wholesome foods. Alan Stephan is an ideal "Mr. America" in that he possesses the degree of physical perfection that this title symbolizes and provides an inspiring example, by his conduct and personality, of the character and mental qualities that should be embodied in the possessor of this title.

PHOTO CAPTIOS

- Our new "Mr. America" -- handsome ALAN STEPHAN of Chicago. Notice the beautiful wide spreading latissiumus muscles. Al is credited with a pullover of 200 pounds - no wonder he has such a magnifient upper body! (photo by Ray Mungai of Chicago)

- "Mr. America" flexes his massive 18 1/8 inc. biceps! Curling is one of Al's favorit arm buidling exercises and he has done 215 pounds! (photo by Ray Mungai of Chicago)

- Al has a back packed with powerful muscle - when only 19 years of age he pressed 260 pounds in official competition. (photo by Ray Mungai of Chicago)

- A beautiful relaxed pose of AL STEPHAN by Paul stone of Chicago. At a bodyweight of 205 pounds, Al has a 48 1/2 normal chest.

- The fine finalists in the 1946 "Mr. America" contest come up for the judges' review. Left to right: FARBOTNIK of Philadelphia, LAURIANO of York, STEPHAN of Chicago, LOPRINZI of Portland and STERN of Long Beach. Loprinzi was selected as the most muscular athlete. Note Joe Lauriano's impressive physique asa displayed so effectively in this group photo. (Photo by Ray Mungai of Chicago)

- ALAN STEPHAN as he posed for the newreel cameramen after winning the title. (Photo by Mason Pawlak of Detroit)

- A dramatic shot of "Mr. America" that shows the superb musculature of his upper back. (Photo by Ray Mungai of Chicago)