THE ATHLETE NEXT DOOR
By Angie Fenton | Photos by Tony Bennett & David Harrison
Tough Stuff
Tucker’s co-owner Dee Kestner shares
how she stays fit and fierce
D
eane “Dee” Kestner
is no stranger to the world
of sports.
She and her partner in business and life, Trey Myers, own Tucker’s
American Favorites, a popular sports restaurant/bar located at 2441 State Street in
New Albany, which is frequented by regulars, families and in- and out-of-towners
seeking good eats and great viewing of televised matches and games.
But as Dee hustles and bustles around her venue, it’s hard not to notice the
diminutive 42-year-old packs more than a ready smile and commitment to do her
customers right: Watch her carry a tray of food to a table, and you’ll peep a fit femme
who clearly takes her health seriously.
Recently, Dee competed in the figure division of the NPC Derby Festival
Championships, a bodybuilding competition produced by Brent Smith of Kentucky
Muscle.
“This was the fifth show I’ve done,” she said.
And her hard work paid off.
Dee was awarded third place in her class and was awarded sixth place in another
category.
“I got a sword” – the prize for top finishers – “which was pretty cool,” she admitted.
Dee and Trey, her significant other for what will be 20 years in August, “live
together, work together and train together.”
In fact, she added, “Trey is my coach and my trainer.”
Although she’d made a commitment to being fit years ago, it wasn’t until she
started working out with Rob Conway (of WWE fame) and hired Stavan Bhatt to
direct her nutrition that Dee realized she might be able to take her fit lifestyle to the
bodybuilding stage.
“My first show was the (NPC) Tricky Jackson Classic. I got third in open in masters,”
she said.
Then, she placed third in the figure divisions of the 2013 Kentucky Muscle
Championships.
10 EXTOL SPORTS / JUNE 2017