Bartlett fans root for winner in 'Biggest Loser'

While Bartlett's Michael Ventrella has undergone a physical transformation and shed 227 pounds as a contestant on NBC's "The Biggest Loser," his friends say he's still the guy they remember from high school.

"He's still the same kid," friend Maryann Napolitano said Monday.

The 31-year-old Ventrella started the show in January at 526 pounds, but is down to 299 pounds as the season wraps up at 7 p.m. Tuesday with a two-hour installment. He's among three finalists, joining Ashley Johnston from Knoxville, Tenn and a third contestant to be chosen in an online vote. The winner earns $250,000.

Television crews visited Life Time Fitness in Bloomingdale three times where Napolitano works and Ventrella and his mother - former show contestant Maria Ventrella - work out. Maria Ventrella and most of Michael's immediate family are in Los Angeles for the finale.

"We're all excited when we see them on a regular basis," Life Time General Manager Stu Polley said. "Maria especially since she's home. She's here, I guess, about every day, if not six out of seven days a week."

The Ventrellas mentioned their Italian heritage and its carb-heavy cuisine as one of the reasons for their weight problems. However, as they became more educated with nutrition while on the show, they discovered ways to make Italian food healthier.

Marino's Pizza and Italian Cafe in Wood Dale hosted Ventrella's family and friends in March when the show's cameras visited and captured Michael having a weigh in. Marino co-owner Mike Marino said having an Italian restaurant host the event was important to the Ventrellas. He'll be watching Tuesday's finale.

"He's awesome, he's doing a great job," Marino said.

The Ventrellas have inspired those wanting to be more fit. Polley said one female gym member joined Life Time because it was Maria's gym and a class in which Maria enrolled later sold out. Other members have been seen around the gym wearing a T-shirt supporting Michael.

While Michael's work ethic during last week's episode where he ran a marathon impressed Polley, so has his mother.

"We'll talk about lunch, it doesn't have to be about the show, she can talk about anything. She's very friendly," he said.

Polley said the family will have plenty of community support Tuesday.

"It's very exciting to see him and his progress," he said.

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