A male swimsuit competition? No, it's actually the Mr. Tucson and Mr. Southwest body-building contests and the Miss Collegian beauty event. On Sept. 24, 1977, the contestants took center stage at Tucson High School. According to the Star reviewer, a packed house of more than 500 gurgled in awe and cheered the contestants on. "Do a bicep, Bert baby," "Let's go, Niles," and "Sweat, Marlin, sweat" inspired the glistening strainers. The contestants ranged in age from 17 to 39, and included students, truck drivers, pipe fitters, pre-med students and a rehabilitation psychologist. The Mr. Tucson winner, Lance Prickett, blew kisses to his fans. In the Mr. Southwest event, hometown favorite Marlin Darden captured most of the individual body-building trophies, such as "best biceps," "best arms," "best chest" and "best back." Anthea Fenwick of Los Angeles took first place in the Miss Collegian event.
JIM DAVIS / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 1977