Conan Buddy...I've been to many novice shows...I was at that Tarrytown show you were talking about....Flex Fitness puts it on..I was there a couple years ago too...a couple of my bros competed in it....my best friend won it a couple years ago....I've been to the NYS show in Rochester in '97 (when Coleman guest posed) as well as several others..and believe me when I tell you ....you zone in on your diet and get shredded...and you will be a serious threat....I remember the kid who won the overall at Tarrytown this past fall...he was about your size, maybe a little smaller...just totally diced...you have a great future in the sport...my buddy has some great experience with shows and we are friends with Russ Testo...the guy who creates many of the Pros posing routines...I also have a list of shows that are going on over the next year or so..its in my desk at the gym I work at...E-mail me if you want any help with all of this ok bro?? Good Luck!