Even before he captured his second Hawaiian Islands Bodybuilding open title Saturday night at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, Brian Copeland had a history in Hawai'i's sports scene.

While a running back for Colorado State from 1989 to 1992, he scored touchdowns to contribute to Rams' victories against the Rainbows — that's what they were called then — during the 1990 and 1991 seasons. In the former, he scored the last two touchdowns on a run and reception to rally the Rams to a 30-27 win at Aloha Stadium.

"I never dreamed that I'd move here," Copeland said.

But moving here eight years ago from Colorado has enabled him to thrive in the sport he loves. After working as a personal trainer at various gyms in Honolulu, today he opens his own personal training studio called BFit Lifestyles Executive Fitness at 627 South Street. And he will still be able to train for the National Physique Committee (governing body for amateur bodybuilding) USA Bodybuilding & Figure Championships July 25 and 26 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Michelle Abraminko, winner of the Open Figure's title Saturday night, also qualifies. (Both will have their expenses picked up by the promoters of the Hawaiian Islands, Ricky Suzuki, Gunter Schlier-kamp and Kim Lyons.)

This will be Copeland's second try on the national level. If he finishes in the top two of his weight class (heavy weight), he can then enter a pro contest, he said. He won the Hawaiian Islands in 2004, competed at the nationals, but didn't do well back then.

"I wasn't ready," he said. "I just did it to get experience, see what I needed to work on."

Because eligibility for a national meet expires after two years, the 38-year-old Copeland had to win the Hawaiian Islands again. But the 5-foot-8 1/2 Copeland took advantage of those four years to get bigger, while maintaining definition and symmetry. He was 198 pounds in '04. Last night, he checked in at 221. A chunk of the weight was evident in his thighs, which were the most massive of the seven open competitors.

"That was the main (area)," he said of his improved legs. "I worked on them three times a week ... It paid off."

He feels better prepared for the national stage now. He hopes to finish in the top five.

"I'm ready," he said "I'll be able to hold my own against those guys."

Copeland, who won the heavyweight class (198 1/4 pounds and higher), beat out the other three weight-class winners for the overall title. Adam Dupart won the bantamweight (up to 143 1/4); Aaron Madriaga took the lightweight (up to 154 1/4); and Fran Sur captured the light-heavy (up to 198 1/4). Each weight class had two competitors, except for the bantam, which Dupart was the only entrant.

In the women's Open Figures competition, classifications are by height. Abraminko, winner of the tall class (5 feet, 6 inches or taller) beat out short (up to 5-4) champion Lori Cruz and medium (5-4 to 5-6) champion Sarah Shea.

Maria Kahumoku won the masters division (35 years and older), being the sole contestant.

In the Junior Hawaiian Islands competition, middleweight Bernard Landford beat out lightweight Dominick Ventimiglia and heavyweight Kaui Kauhi for the overall title.

In the men's masters, heavyweight Joe Lake beat lightweight Eddie Damasco.

A crowd favorite in the masters was 69-year-old Henry Sistoza, easily the oldest entrant.

Between competitions, entertainment was provided by Mario Rieger, who did a Terminator dance routine and Bill Burgher, who performed as a Hawaiian Elvis Presley. Professional bodybuilders Victor Martinez, Melvin Anthony and Troy Alves were the guest posers.