Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums
Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: gracie bjj on September 17, 2014, 04:13:00 AM
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WE HAVE SOME GOOD BODYBUILDERS HERE IN THE GARDEN STATE
http://www.diamondgym.pro/medias/gallery#
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crazy chest
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:)
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We had a lot of greats come out of Jersey. Draper was one.
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Rich Gaspari
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I don't know if Harold Poole was a Jersey native but he lived in Jersey for so many years. Some said he should have beaten Larry Scott for the first Olympia. He was known for eating a ton of ice cream at the local Dairy Queen when I lived in the same town.
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SOME OTHER GREATS FROM JERSEY
guy ducasse on far right in both photos
and derrick whitsett(rip)
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Rich Gaspari
yes indeed oldtimer,i remember training at golds in milltown back in 82 and richie was there every morning
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beau matlock,almost got pro card but lost to mattarazzo that year
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John Grimek was a Perth Amboy Jersey guy. Won the AAU Mr. America and Universe. He competed in the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany in Olympic lifting. He was a light heavy and should have won the Gold medal. They had a strange rule back then if you competed in a heavier class you could never compete in the lighter class again. Grimek tried in America to compete in the heavy weight class in America but found the light heavy is where he belonged. They made him compete in the Olympics in the unlimited heavy weight class where he was out weighed by a lot. He was in shape his whole life until he was challenged by a young punk to a squatting challenge in his 70's. He wrecked his hips in the challenge. Died around 80 in his sleep.
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stokely palmer known for his huge arms
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arntz
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santoriello
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and we cant forget the man who helped build most of these guys,john kemper(rip)
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mrs olympia carla dunlap
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stokely palmer known for his huge arms
Whatever happened to Palmer?
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santoriello
cybergenics of peace
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VINNY GALANTI'GREAT BUILD'
RICHIE BARETTA
CASEY KUTCHURACK
TONY ALICEA'DIAMOND GUY'
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Johnny Morant, Arnold and Lou
3 best chest in my all time list.
WoooSSHHHHHHH
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santoriello
this guy should/could have made a good pro,shape/big legs/turned pro and nothing...he had better look/balance than gaspari ,not as shredded..
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santoriello
Manlet of peace.
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John Hnatyschak trained in the same Jersey city gym as I did. He was a Hudson county cop. He stopped being a cop when he turned pro. I thought it was a stupid move but he returned to one of the highest paying police departments in the beautiful town of Mahwah.
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John Hnatyschak trained in the same Jersey city gym as I did. He was a Hudson county cop. He stopped being a cop when he turned pro. I thought it was a stupid move but he returned to one of the highest paying police departments in the beautiful town of Mahwah.
FORGOT HIM...AMAZING BUILD,DELTS..
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WE HAVE SOME GOOD BODYBUILDERS HERE IN THE GARDEN STATE
http://www.diamondgym.pro/medias/gallery#
Minus the "pre-film", here is "The Executioner" (the original).
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WE HAVE SOME GOOD BODYBUILDERS HERE IN THE GARDEN STATE
http://www.diamondgym.pro/medias/gallery#
Morant, also had huge quads.
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mrs olympia carla dunlap
This was a bodybuilder back then today its a fitness chick, now female bodybuilding is a frankenstein freak show.
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This was a bodybuilder back then today its a fitness chick, now female bodybuilding is a frankenstein freak show.
These days Carla would get smoked in fitness (unless she's a gymnast) and she'd have to slap on 15 pounds to make it in figure.
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Whatever happened to Palmer?
he owns a gym now in bellville or bloomfield i believe,im not 100% sure tho where it is to be honest,its in essex county tho i know this much. i saw him preacher curling with 2 45 lb plates on each end of the bar,thats 180 plus the bar,225. nice strict reps also,no cheat or swing. he had some huge ass bi,s
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VINNY GALANTI'GREAT BUILD'
RICHIE BARETTA
CASEY KUTCHURACK
TONY ALICEA'DIAMOND GUY'
yes they where awesome also, great shape on the bunch u just mentioned
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gerard dante
matt duvall(RIP)
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gerard dante
matt duvall(RIP)
DENTE WAS A BEAST,,HUGE AS A KID..THIS CLOSE TO PRO..MATLOCK WAS A LOCK HAD IT ALL..ROBBIE LOPEZ ...
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stokely palmer known for his huge arms
also known for posting here as BFG
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also known for posting here as BFG
cool,didnt know that,thanks ex coelis i appreciate it.stokleys a good guy,i used to train at 430 am at diamond back in 99-2000 and see him there almost every morning getting ready for the nationals,really good build imo
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craig richardson-this kids a total freak,look at that shape n size :o
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craig richardson-this kids a total freak,look at that shape n size :o
RICHARDSON incredible build ,teenager was awesome already.knock on him was lats/tris ,otherwise great shape/condition,sick legs as u could see...nice guy to very chill..
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RICHARDSON incredible build ,teenager was awesome already.knock on him was lats/tris ,otherwise great shape/condition,sick legs as u could see...nice guy to very chill..
njflex where u at that suburban in 94 i believe where matt duvall and craig richardson both came out and where battling for 1st place?it was in cranford high school,man i remember when they walked out all u heard was the crowd go totally quiet and then u heard everybody start cheering away loud as hell,what a great time for me back in 90,s,especially early to mid
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njflex where u at that suburban in 94 i believe where matt duvall and craig richardson both came out and where battling for 1st place?it was in cranford high school,man i remember when they walked out all u heard was the crowd go totally quiet and then u heard everybody start cheering away loud as hell,what a great time for me back in 90,s,especially early to mid
YES...I WAS AT JERSEY IN 91 U WOULD HAVE THOUGHT B MATLOCK WAS A PRO GUESTPOSING THE WAY HE LOOKED...
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John Grimek was a Perth Amboy Jersey guy. Won the AAU Mr. America and Universe. He competed in the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany in Olympic lifting. He was a light heavy and should have won the Gold medal. They had a strange rule back then if you competed in a heavier class you could never compete in the lighter class again. Grimek tried in America to compete in the heavy weight class in America but found the light heavy is where he belonged. They made him compete in the Olympics in the unlimited heavy weight class where he was out weighed by a lot. He was in shape his whole life until he was challenged by a young punk to a squatting challenge in his 70's. He wrecked his hips in the challenge. Died around 80 in his sleep.
and this guy was from the same town, first man to total 1000 lbs in the 3 olympic lifts also aau mr america.
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YES...I WAS AT JERSEY IN 91 U WOULD HAVE THOUGHT B MATLOCK WAS A PRO GUESTPOSING THE WAY HE LOOKED...
yea matlock was shaped like a statue,perfect and no weak points.he used to train with daryll james in morning when i was training in diamond back in 95.he had a problem with his suger n that messed up his chances at pro card,he would have gotten it imo
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yea matlock was shaped like a statue,perfect and no weak points.he used to train with daryll james in morning when i was training in diamond back in 95.he had a problem with his suger n that messed up his chances at pro card,he would have gotten it imo
HE WAS TIGHT WITH KEMPER/ARNTZ AS WELL I BELEIVE...THE DAUGHTER RIP WAS PRETTY ..STORIES ;)
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HE WAS TIGHT WITH KEMPER/ARNTZ AS WELL I BELEIVE...THE DAUGHTER RIP WAS PRETTY ..STORIES ;)
lol ;D,bro i seen/heard more shit in that gym than most people would believe,that gym was like a world of its own
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lol ;D,bro i seen/heard more shit in that gym than most people would believe,that gym was like a world of its own
THATS WHAI I HEARD ANYTHING/EVERYTHINGN GOES..
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THATS WHAI I HEARD ANYTHING/EVERYTHINGN GOES..
they got a broad who cleans the locker rooms and she just walks in the shower and everybodies cocks are hanging out n she just starts kicking it about training,football ect. really cool lady,shes about 50yrs old tho but shes cool,first time she came in i was covering up my meat with a towel and my buddy said its cool bro,shes cool with it ;D. kempers christmas parties where legendery back in the 80,s and 90,s,to this day ive never had so much fun at a christmas party like i had at kempers,kemper was a really good guy(rip)
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they got a broad who cleans the locker rooms and she just walks in the shower and everybodies cocks are hanging out n she just starts kicking it about training,football ect. really cool lady,shes about 50yrs old tho but shes cool,first time she came in i was covering up my meat with a towel and my buddy said its cool bro,shes cool with it ;D. kempers christmas parties where legendery back in the 80,s and 90,s,to this day ive never had so much fun at a christmas party like i had at kempers,kemper was a really good guy(rip)
cool end of an era there...
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he owns a gym now in bellville or bloomfield i believe,im not 100% sure tho where it is to be honest,its in essex county tho i know this much. i saw him preacher curling with 2 45 lb plates on each end of the bar,thats 180 plus the bar,225. nice strict reps also,no cheat or swing. he had some huge ass bi,s
Was at the 2003 Nationals in Miami, that Matt Duval won. Palmer got 5th huge Arms he was off, believe he placed higher in the years before. BSA placed 7th I believe, he is from South Jersey I think Toms River. Spoke to BSA for a long time after prejudging he was very cool.
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cool end of an era there...
i feel fortunate to have been there when he pretty much first opened,it was a magic time in the jersey bodybuilding scene.kemper was like a mad scientist creating all these monsters,i used to him doctor frankenstien ;Du know how many guys he saved from a life of crime opening up his gym,alot.kemper had a great eye for spotting potential with the morants,matlocks ect, he knew right away who had what it took to go all the way
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Don't forget Phill Hill
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Great physiques..
Johnnie Morant looks to be a tall man with great size.
Craig Richards is he still competing he was a year or 2 ago.
Grimek & Gaspari both from same area.!!
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njflex do they still have that dude the mighty stephan bending nails and ripping phone books evry year at the jersey and suburban? i remember in the 90,s he was always there,bill grant was the MC also
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and this guy was from the same town, first man to total 1000 lbs in the 3 olympic lifts also aau mr america.
Stanko, one of the bigger, certainly natural guys of the era.
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Phil Hill's from Trenton.
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Don't forget Phill Hill
TRENTON NJ..BEAT ME REP..
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Phil Hill's from Trenton.
damn cant believe i forgot phil,hes one of the hugest dudes to come out of jersey,total monster.i talked to him on phone in 87 and hes real big on red meat,he told me eat tons of LEAN red meat if u wanna grow.a buddy of mines sister was freinds with phil and when he called her phil was there and hes like u wanna talk to phil,i was like yea cool,my buddy knew i was a bodybuilding junky so he knew id have a blast talking to phil
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damn cant believe i forgot phil,hes one of the hugest dudes to come out of jersey,total monster.i talked to him on phone in 87 and hes real big on red meat,he told me eat tons of LEAN red meat if u wanna grow.a buddy of mines sister was freinds with phil and when he called her phil was there and hes like u wanna talk to phil,i was like yea cool,my buddy knew i was a bodybuilding junky so he knew id have a blast talking to phil
Eat red meat if you want to grow?... lol
I hope he gave you his drug regime too.
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njflex do they still have that dude the mighty stephan bending nails and ripping phone books evry year at the jersey and suburban? i remember in the 90,s he was always there,bill grant was the MC also
???DON'T KNOW HAVEN'T SEEN THAT SHOW LONG TIME..NJ BBING IN 80/90'S HAD THESE GREAT SHOWS /TITLES
NATURAL MIDLANTIC CLASSIC ...STILL GOING RON CAPODANNO PROMOTER
SUBURBAN 'INSERT YR,GOOD TITLE TO HAVE
NJ STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS,,KEMPER SHOW,THE BEST TITLE TO HAVE IN NJ/NY AREA
SUMMER SHOWS..
MUSCLE BEACH,GOOD SHOW
PHYSIQUE'INSERT YR'SAME GOOD SHOW
JERSEY CLASSIC...RETIRED SHOW
BLUE THUNDER..RETIRED SHOW
SOUTH JERSEY..GREAT SHOW FOR LONG TIME...
RICH GASPARI CLASSIC...RETIRED SHOW
FALL SHOWS END SEASON NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
GOLDS CLASSIC BIG SHOW..PHIL HILL WON THIS TO QUALIFY 87 NATIONALS..
EAST COAST BIG SHOW STILL GOING STRONG..
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one summer night in 94 i remember it was awesome at diamond,u had morant there,dente there,matlock there,ducasse there,whitsett there,arntz there as well as shirley and john kemper :o it was almost like a mini muscle camp having all these awesome dudes around training in a gym,talk about a great atmosphere,u cant get much better than that imo
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don't forget Harley Brite- craig richardons training partner
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Dear old-school-lifter,
Thanks so much for mentioning me along with all those great guys. Although I am no bodybuilder, nor have I ever competed, I have had the good fortune to train with IFBB Pro Craig Richardson for the past 15 years.
I first entered a gym in the mid-1980's. It was Westside Muscle in Rutherford, N.J. The place was filled with great competitors such as Tom Shoebridge, Chris Catena, Vinnie Galanti, Rob Lopez and a host of others. My training partner, Rick Jones (he competed and beat Mike Morris) and I soon began training with one of the true greats, Darryl Perry.
I was at all those shows mentioned by gracie bjj and njflex and remember guys guest posing just before they hit all the magazines and became "famous."
I later trained with Vinnie Galanti in preparation for his 1997 USA show in Texas where he placed a very respectable 4th Place.
Soon thereafter, I met up with Craig Richardson and have trained with him ever since.
I have had the most incredible experiences in having trained in so many different gyms, meeting so many bodybuilders and seeing it all from "behind the ropes."
Bodybuilding is certainly not without its multitude of problems and divergent opinions, but for most of us, it has provided us with a bit more purpose and enjoyment in our lives, no matter what personal sacrificies we chose to make.
Harley
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Harley,,,great guy period,,,yes we talked a lot on the craig Richardson thread yrs ago here,,class act all the way...thanks for stopping in,,,craig adjusted to the 212 class,,he still a beast,,wish he could have played size game but his metabolism was nuts just to get bigger,,
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???DON'T KNOW HAVEN'T SEEN THAT SHOW LONG TIME..NJ BBING IN 80/90'S HAD THESE GREAT SHOWS /TITLES
NATURAL MIDLANTIC CLASSIC ...STILL GOING RON CAPODANNO PROMOTER
SUBURBAN 'INSERT YR,GOOD TITLE TO HAVE
NJ STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS,,KEMPER SHOW,THE BEST TITLE TO HAVE IN NJ/NY AREA
SUMMER SHOWS..
MUSCLE BEACH,GOOD SHOW
PHYSIQUE'INSERT YR'SAME GOOD SHOW
JERSEY CLASSIC...RETIRED SHOW
BLUE THUNDER..RETIRED SHOW
SOUTH JERSEY..GREAT SHOW FOR LONG TIME...
RICH GASPARI CLASSIC...RETIRED SHOW
FALL SHOWS END SEASON NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
GOLDS CLASSIC BIG SHOW..PHIL HILL WON THIS TO QUALIFY 87 NATIONALS..
EAST COAST BIG SHOW STILL GOING STRONG..
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Can't forget Joe Dodds Mr Trenton....
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Harley Brite--Always very cordial, trains hard and has time to talk body building--A great guy!
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Wasn't Juan Marquez from NJ?
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And Greg "Rocky" DeFerro...was he from NJ?
R I P!
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santoriello
santoriello was so underrated , had great balance
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Wasn't Juan Marquez from NJ?
YES...
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Dear old-school-lifter,
Thanks so much for mentioning me along with all those great guys. Although I am no bodybuilder, nor have I ever competed, I have had the good fortune to train with IFBB Pro Craig Richardson for the past 15 years.
I first entered a gym in the mid-1980's. It was Westside Muscle in Rutherford, N.J. The place was filled with great competitors such as Tom Shoebridge, Chris Catena, Vinnie Galanti, Rob Lopez and a host of others. My training partner, Rick Jones (he competed and beat Mike Morris) and I soon began training with one of the true greats, Darryl Perry.
I was at all those shows mentioned by gracie bjj and njflex and remember guys guest posing just before they hit all the magazines and became "famous."
I later trained with Vinnie Galanti in preparation for his 1997 USA show in Texas where he placed a very respectable 4th Place.
Soon thereafter, I met up with Craig Richardson and have trained with him ever since.
I have had the most incredible experiences in having trained in so many different gyms, meeting so many bodybuilders and seeing it all from "behind the ropes."
Bodybuilding is certainly not without its multitude of problems and divergent opinions, but for most of us, it has provided us with a bit more purpose and enjoyment in our lives, no matter what personal sacrificies we chose to make.
Harley
yes I remember Harley now seeing his picture,id see him at all the shows in mid 90,s,hes got a really good build
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id say the late 80,s to mid to upper 90,s was the best NPC competetors ive ever seen, even to this day. shows like the jersey where producing freak after freak,amazing guys back then and id say we will never see a crop like that again
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Dear Big Dub,
Just after competing in the Mr. Olympia a few years ago, Craig was admitted to the hospital for severe dehydration upon his return home to N.J. It was at that time discovered that Craig was genetically predisposed to an occasional irregular heartbeat. He was given some medication for 2 months and as corroborrated by all his medical tests, his heart is working just fine. He no longer needed the prescribed heart medication and was given a clean bill of health (yes, even liver functions).
The rumors as to anything other than that were simply just that, rumors.
Craig, not completely thrilled with the continued trend of bodybuilding and being honest with his own limitations, then set his sights on the 212 pound class. He has yet to hit his mark but is hopeful that 2015 will be a more successful year in terms of placing in shows.
It was well pointed out that Craig was not very successful in the "get as big as you can no matter what" arena. Craig is 5'7 and competes somewhere around 215 lbs. It is hard for him to get any heavier than 235 lbs. The real issue for Craig is that when he diets down and gets very close to a show, his metabolism just takes off and we can't yet figure out just how to stop it. For the 2014 NY Pro Craig actually hit the stage at around 202 pounds which is just ridiculously too low and completey uncompetitive.
Craig and I have always enjoyed training at Diamond Gym and still do on occasion. For me, as a fan, the pictures on the wall are worth the trip itself. That was a very crazy place back in the day. Nick Lavatola, Glen Burkhardt, "Dr. Death" and all those pros created probably the closest environment to the original Gold's Gym in Venice during the early 1970's.
The shows in the 1980's had great local battles with real posing routines. Tom Potenza and Vinnie Galanti would battle it out with great physiques and routines that actually captivated and excited the fans, as opposed to some of the stuff going on today. There was no S&M on stage. The guest posers would battle with the actual competitors and jump into the crowd to pose with and take photos with the fans. Back then, the fans mattered.
Today's gyms are laughable. Nothing against soccer moms and guys who do men's fitness, but back then, you didn't dare get to the squat rack and not think about 4-5 plates on each side with real and honest movements. Weight mattered back then but so did form. I saw Gerard Dente crush 200 lb. dumbells on the incline at Strong & Shapely Gym. He did it with conviction and purpose. Today, I see so many guys wearing baggy jeans and swinging from pull up bars like trapeeze artists.
I know everything changes but I am not sure that the sport I love has evolved as much as I had hoped. It's sad that ESPN shows "dart" tournaments while bodybuilding can't even be found on Pay Per View.
Just a few thoughts.
Harley
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Dear Big Dub,
Just after competing in the Mr. Olympia a few years ago, Craig was admitted to the hospital for severe dehydration upon his return home to N.J. It was at that time discovered that Craig was genetically predisposed to an occasional irregular heartbeat. He was given some medication for 2 months and as corroborrated by all his medical tests, his heart is working just fine. He no longer needed the prescribed heart medication and was given a clean bill of health (yes, even liver functions).
The rumors as to anything other than that were simply just that, rumors.
Craig, not completely thrilled with the continued trend of bodybuilding and being honest with his own limitations, then set his sights on the 212 pound class. He has yet to hit his mark but is hopeful that 2015 will be a more successful year in terms of placing in shows.
It was well pointed out that Craig was not very successful in the "get as big as you can no matter what" arena. Craig is 5'7 and competes somewhere around 215 lbs. It is hard for him to get any heavier than 235 lbs. The real issue for Craig is that when he diets down and gets very close to a show, his metabolism just takes off and we can't yet figure out just how to stop it. For the 2014 NY Pro Craig actually hit the stage at around 202 pounds which is just ridiculously too low and completey uncompetitive.
Craig and I have always enjoyed training at Diamond Gym and still do on occasion. For me, as a fan, the pictures on the wall are worth the trip itself. That was a very crazy place back in the day. Nick Lavatola, Glen Burkhardt, "Dr. Death" and all those pros created probably the closest environment to the original Gold's Gym in Venice during the early 1970's.
The shows in the 1980's had great local battles with real posing routines. Tom Potenza and Vinnie Galanti would battle it out with great physiques and routines that actually captivated and excited the fans, as opposed to some of the stuff going on today. There was no S&M on stage. The guest posers would battle with the actual competitors and jump into the crowd to pose with and take photos with the fans. Back then, the fans mattered.
Today's gyms are laughable. Nothing against soccer moms and guys who do men's fitness, but back then, you didn't dare get to the squat rack and not think about 4-5 plates on each side with real and honest movements. Weight mattered back then but so did form. I saw Gerard Dente crush 200 lb. dumbells on the incline at Strong & Shapely Gym. He did it with conviction and purpose. Today, I see so many guys wearing baggy jeans and swinging from pull up bars like trapeeze artists.
I know everything changes but I am not sure that the sport I love has evolved as much as I had hoped. It's sad that ESPN shows "dart" tournaments while bodybuilding can't even be found on Pay Per View.
Just a few thoughts.
Harley
Harley is the man....like I said craig has killer legs always,thats a nice shot there,i trained for few yrs in same gym as Potenza and he had great shows with galanti in nj and jr,,usa's for a few yrs great guy and saw him recently.
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Dear njflex,
Tom Potenza and I were in the same Physics class in college and I always found him to be a bright, friendly and very helpful person. He had no issues sharing his bodybuilding knowledge and technique with non-competitors like me. He became a very successful businessman and was kind enough to invite me many years ago to his beautiful home for a Christmas Party. Vinnie Galanti and Maz Ali, owner of Bodyworx Hardcore Gym and IFBB Judge were also there.
Many years ago, Tom called me and said that he was leaving bodybuilding and wanted to enter martial arts. He knew that I had been training martial arts for many years and wanted to ask my opinion on some things. We had a very nice talk. His bodybuilding work ethic translated well to the real world and I often admired his success, both on and off the posing stage.
His routine to "Bohemian Rhapsody" was one of the top five posing routines I have ever seen. Beau Matlock coming out to guest pose in either the Mr. NJ or Suburban in Union, NJ the late 80's to a crowd that practically exploded with cheer was also unforgettable. I wish someone had video or photos of that appearance as Beau looked as close to aethetic perfection as I could imagine.
I was working on a deal with John Kemper to have him lend me all of his videos of all the Mr. NJ contests as I agreed to put them all on DVD and let him market them anyway he could. I just wanted there to be an outlet where people could see what the NJ bodybuilding scene looked like throughout the entire 80's and even early 90's. John loved the idea but unfortunately, passed way too early.
Harley
PS- Here is Craig at the 1997 USA in which he took 2nd Place to Jason Arntz by literally a tie-breaker
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Dear njflex,
Tom Potenza and I were in the same Physics class in college and I always found him to be a bright, friendly and very helpful person. He had no issues sharing his bodybuilding knowledge and technique with non-competitors like me. He became a very successful businessman and was kind enough to invite me many years ago to his beautiful home for a Christmas Party. Vinnie Galanti and Maz Ali, owner of Bodyworx Hardcore Gym and IFBB Judge were also there.
Many years ago, Tom called me and said that he was leaving bodybuilding and wanted to enter martial arts. He knew that I had been training martial arts for many years and wanted to ask my opinion on some things. We had a very nice talk. His bodybuilding work ethic translated well to the real world and I often admired his success, both on and off the posing stage.
His routine to "Bohemian Rhapsody" was one of the top five posing routines I have ever seen. Beau Matlock coming out to guest pose in either the Mr. NJ or Suburban in Union, NJ the late 80's to a crowd that practically exploded with cheer was also unforgettable. I wish someone had video or photos of that appearance as Beau looked as close to aethetic perfection as I could imagine.
I was working on a deal with John Kemper to have him lend me all of his videos of all the Mr. NJ contests as I agreed to put them all on DVD and let him market them anyway he could. I just wanted there to be an outlet where people could see what the NJ bodybuilding scene looked like throughout the entire 80's and even early 90's. John loved the idea but unfortunately, passed way too early.
Harley
PS- Here is Craig at the 1997 USA in which he took 2nd Place to Jason Arntz by literally a tie-breaker
I trained in maz's early version of bodyworx as a kid,great guy and always respected him,i was there when maz learned a lot of bbing from his good friend at the time he was a mr south America bber and looked like a frank zane clone,,i competed later on in 90's and maz was judging so it was good feeling remembering his gym and the time I was there as a kid.RICHARDSON WAS MAZ'S GUY FOR A WHILE..Potenza and billy scarnaty another great local and now masters pro were very helpful and guided me to my 1st show and I won the open middleweights in 91..
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ill never forget the first time I saw craig on stage at the subarbun or jersey in cranford high school back in 94-95, me and the entire audience where just sitting there with our jaws hitting the ground like OMG this guy is a future pro and no one had any doubts about it,then we all erupted in cheers for craig as he posed,if im not mistaken I remember bill grant,who was the MC,saying craigs just a teenager :o
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ill never forget the first time I saw craig on stage at the subarbun or jersey in cranford high school back in 94-95, me and the entire audience where just sitting there with our jaws hitting the ground like OMG this guy is a future pro and no one had any doubts about it,then we all erupted in cheers for craig as he posed,if im not mistaken I remember bill grant,who was the MC,saying craigs just a teenager :o
YEAH I REMEMBER,,I WAS LIKE WTF...KID WAS SICK...
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WE HAVE SOME GOOD BODYBUILDERS HERE IN THE GARDEN STATE
http://www.diamondgym.pro/medias/gallery#
I conducted the interview and wrote the text to which that middle pic was accompanied at MuscleMag.
Nice guy, by the way.
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santoriello
I remember him doing a signing at some supps store in Toronto in the late '80s (I'd guess) ... and, like, NO ONE was there. Brutal. Then again, fuck him. He was a miserable prick to my friend and I, and we were seemingly his only "fans" that day.
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Back in the day, when Anadrol was real, the rumor was that Frank Santoriello took 10 per day. A guy I knew had nose bleeds from 2 a day. Today, if anyone says they have real Anadrol, I laugh. 2202s are long gone.
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Back in the day, when Anadrol was real, the rumor was that Frank Santoriello took 10 per day. A guy I knew had nose bleeds from 2 a day. Today, if anyone says they have real Anadrol, I laugh. 2202s are long gone.
I knew a guy who took 10 Anapalon 50s a day (oxitosona), he was a big fat sack of shit.
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I traning with Johnny Morant, here in Vegas, I think its right after he won his pro card.After we go through traning they were video tapping him.Walking down sahara blvd then Las Vegas BLVD.
All the pro bodybuilders and wrestlers used to train at George Eifermans gym.It was a hole in the wall.Maybe 1500sq, but it was as hardcore as it gets.
I just saw Jason Arntz at the Mr Olympia Expo.He works for Professional Supplements.I beleeive it was him.He is short, but he was really small.Maybe 160lbs? Not big at all.
I hung out with him when he turned pro.He was at the MHP booth, I am friends with Gerrard Dente.
Good guy.Atfer the Arnold Expo, we would all go out to eat at this nice Italina resteraunt downtown.We had a blast.
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and we cant forget the man who helped build most of these guys,john kemper(rip)
Kemper had a great Reeves-like build.
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Back in the day, when Anadrol was real, the rumor was that Frank Santoriello took 10 per day. A guy I knew had nose bleeds from 2 a day. Today, if anyone says they have real Anadrol, I laugh. 2202s are long gone.
I agree Harley,just like the real dbol,im sure u remember the ciba-giegy ones back in the early 80,s and man oh man did them things get u huge,i remember after 2 weeks of taking 7 a day I was strong as a bull and got round and hard,it was like magic
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The truth is that guys, even pros, took relatively less gear back then than do the pros of today. To begin with, Growth Hormone didn't really hit the hardcore gyms in a big way until the late 80's and even then, not many knew too much about it. I remember the first guy, Dean Barreca, who had something they called IGF and he told us it had to be taken in a very complex time-sensitive manner. No one could get but he had some connection with Porter Cotrell in Kentucky I believe. The drugs in the 80's were, for the most part, so real that high dosages just weren't needed. Of course, the guys with great genetics benefited the most but you would be surprised at how many guys won difficult high level NPC shows with just about 800 mg of test and 1 anadrol a day. And cardio? There was 1 stationary bike at Westside Muscle and it basically collected dust. High level NPC guys spent years in the gyms before they could break the top 3 at the Mr. NJ or Suburban. The guy who won those shows usually would go on to win the Jr. USA or Jr. Nationals the same year. Then, he would take 1-2 years to improve enough to break the top 5 at the Nationals. Amazing physiques like Gerard Dente, Beau Matlock, Edgar Fletcher, etc . didn't become pros!!!! Me personally, I would take each of their physiques over some of what I see in the top 10 of the Olympia, but again, I favor a little different style of physique.
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I agree Harley,just like the real dbol,im sure u remember the ciba-giegy ones back in the early 80,s and man oh man did them things get u huge,i remember after 2 weeks of taking 7 a day I was strong as a bull and got round and hard,it was like magic
I would never touch Anadrol because of all the stories of nosebleeds and also insane nightmares and of course toxicity. The Ciba Dbols were the best.
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I just saw Jason Arntz at the Mr Olympia Expo.He works for Professional Supplements.I beleeive it was him.He is short, but he was really small.Maybe 160lbs? Not big at all.
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False not true! Just saw Jason at the NPC NJ 4 weeks ago, big, full, hard I would say close to 200lbs. A very nice guy! We spoke about the late 80's early 90's and bodybuilding. A great family man and good business guy, he is keeping busy, but still puts his time in the gym!
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I just saw Jason Arntz at the Mr Olympia Expo.He works for Professional Supplements.I beleeive it was him.He is short, but he was really small.Maybe 160lbs? Not big at all.
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False not true! Just saw Jason at the NPC NJ 4 weeks ago, big, full, hard I would say close to 200lbs. A very nice guy! We spoke about the late 80's early 90's and bodybuilding. A great family man and good business guy, he is keeping busy, but still puts his time in the gym!
good to hear,when I heard he looked small and 160 I was shocked, it would be safe to say that Jason is always in top shape or close to it year round.when I trained at diamond I can honestly never remember a time when he was smooth,id always see him at the counter eating his yam with chicken breast. hes a very dedicated bodybuilder and he trains hard as hell,i remember being in the leg room doing legs while he was there doing legs also and he was very intense.just around the time he turned pro he was training at the same time as me in early morning,he was training with his brother and some Italian dude,pretty thick also.tony Fernandez used to help him with his dieting alot
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Whatever differences I may have with Jason Arntz, several things are for sure. He is never small (this is in terms of the real world, not the bodybuilding stage). Few guys ever carry around that amount of thickness for so long. He is still thick. To see him in clothes, up front, is to wonder how can a person achieve that type of girth. He really is thick for his height and considering he does not compete. Jason's eating habits are a lifestyle. That type of dedication and sacrifice have to be admired. He, in many respects, does still live the lifestyle.
I remember doing legs at Diamond Gym with Craig at the same time Jason was doing legs with now deceased Matt Duvall. I am not sure I ever met a friendlier, more down to earth pro bb than Matt Duvall.
I am one of those training partners that likes to yell at the other guy while training and get things amped up. I have been known to "trash talk" during training but without malice or mean intentions. Jason was a bit surprised when I started trashing him, in front of him, challenging him during our repsective yet simultaneous leg workouts. Matt, however, immediately began smiling and absorbed all of my hazing and gave it back just a bit. It was a very fun workout and we all thrived off each other's energy. I once, while doing legs with my old training partner, Vinnie Galanti, was asked to leave a gym (I believe it was a Powerhouse in Denville, NJ). I yelled and taunted Vinnie so much that the soccer moms got upset and called the front desk.
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u know whats cool is that diamond gym hasn't really changed at all in all these years as far as equipment and atmosphere go,dont get me wrong they still get new pieces from time to time but the leg room is pretty much the same since 1982 when I used to legs there,only difference is the locker rooms used to be downstairs next to the leg room,now they r upstairs.the atmosphere is still hardcore and basic,u know when u walk in there its time to get down to some good old fashioned busting ass training,both john and Shirley are awesome,it was sad to hear john died, everybody misses him
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I agree as Dwayne, the owner, does a fantastic job of paying homage to John and keeping the place hardcore. Dwayne really is a credit to the gym and bodybuilding and he too, possessed and still does, a great physique. He is very welcoming to bodybuilders and just a friendly, nice guy. There is though, compared to years ago, a paucity of true, hardcore bodybuilders in all gyms. You knew you achieved something back in the day if your photo was on the wall of Diamond, Westside or Strong & Shapely. Craig was always sure to film some Battle for the Olympia workouts at Diamond. We also did a good leg workout at Bev Francis' in Long Island which they captured on a Battle for the Olympia. I really enjoy those videos as you get a really good look at just how insanely impressive are all those physiques. Watching guys working out just before the Olympia really emphasizes just how incredible those guys, all of them, really look. When you watch those videos, it's very different than looking at pictures posted on the web of the guys on stage. I know many guys don't like Richard Jones, especially on stage, but when you see him walking around, training and posing, by himself on those videos, you wonder just how far from perfection is a physique like that. Any true fan should see what these guys look like in those videos and the impression is everlasting and quite motivating.
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I agree as Dwayne, the owner, does a fantastic job of paying homage to John and keeping the place hardcore. Dwayne really is a credit to the gym and bodybuilding and he too, possessed and still does, a great physique. He is very welcoming to bodybuilders and just a friendly, nice guy. There is though, compared to years ago, a paucity of true, hardcore bodybuilders in all gyms. You knew you achieved something back in the day if your photo was on the wall of Diamond, Westside or Strong & Shapely. Craig was always sure to film some Battle for the Olympia workouts at Diamond. We also did a good leg workout at Bev Francis' in Long Island which they captured on a Battle for the Olympia. I really enjoy those videos as you get a really good look at just how insanely impressive are all those physiques. Watching guys working out just before the Olympia really emphasizes just how incredible those guys, all of them, really look. When you watch those videos, it's very different than looking at pictures posted on the web of the guys on stage. I know many guys don't like Richard Jones, especially on stage, but when you see him walking around, training and posing, by himself on those videos, you wonder just how far from perfection is a physique like that. Any true fan should see what these guys look like in those videos and the impression is everlasting and quite motivating.
I agree,i remember all those cool photos up on the walls,nicky lavitola,Lucho,morant,duccasee,matlock,craig richardson,armando pires,julio Camacho,dwayne broadway ect, the names go on and on,i remember in between sets id be checking out all the pics.they still got that platz poster in the legroom which is cool
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Armando Perry and his brother had physiques like no one else. Talk about posing!!! Rock hard, no bloated gut, muscular and entertaining. Where is that today?
Would love to ask you one day about your BJJ background but I know this is a bodybuilding forum.
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Armando Perry and his brother had physiques like no one else. Talk about posing!!! Rock hard, no bloated gut, muscular and entertaining. Where is that today?
Would love to ask you one day about your BJJ background but I know this is a bodybuilding forum.
yea man Armando and gill,hes known as jesse now,had sick legs,armando was another beau matlock as far as shape went,totally flawless imo,i miss it there,i remember in 1983 I was working out and in comes ricky steamboat and mr wonderful paul orndorff,i was like oh shit :o also I was training one morning in 82 and worked in on lat pulldowns with mrs Olympia Carla dunlap,i had some great times there
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Armando Perry and his brother had physiques like no one else. Talk about posing!!! Rock hard, no bloated gut, muscular and entertaining. Where is that today?
Would love to ask you one day about your BJJ background but I know this is a bodybuilding forum.
Is Armando Perry's brother Manny Perry who became a stunt man and stood in for Lou Ferrigno in the Incredible Hulk? I met Manny a few times in Venice. Really nice guy with a good sense of humor. Great physique as well!
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I conducted the interview and wrote the text to which that middle pic was accompanied at MuscleMag.
Nice guy, by the way.
I enjoyed your articles, and Zulak's honesty about competitive bodybuilding over 20 years ago was a breath of fresh air. I read MMI religiously from the late 80's into about the mid 90's. Not so much after they got carried away with the whole Muscletech thing. :-\
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I once accompanied Craig to the MMI headquarters in Canada for Craig's photoshoot. The people there worked out of a massive warehouse. They couldn't have been nicer. Robert Kennedy himself came out and shook hands and chatted with us for a short time. He was very nice. I remember a long conversation in the office of their main writer who had a funny nom de plume (I think it was Johnny Fitness) who just loved the old school bodybuilding, especially Arnold.
At some point, I found myself alone wandering throughout the mostly empty building and came upon their many stacks of inventory. There they had every MuscleMag magazine ever printed. It was great going through them all and then looking at all the boxes of videos and clothes and equipment you just sadly knew they were never going to ever be able to sell again.
Their photoshoots were long and exhausting. They got everything they could for the money they paid the bodybuilder.
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Is Armando Perry's brother Manny Perry who became a stunt man and stood in for Lou Ferrigno in the Incredible Hulk? I met Manny a few times in Venice. Really nice guy with a good sense of humor. Great physique as well!
no his brother has long blond hair and his name is gill,but hes a stripper and known as jesse the last 15 yrs or so
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Back in the day, when Anadrol was real, the rumor was that Frank Santoriello took 10 per day. A guy I knew had nose bleeds from 2 a day. Today, if anyone says they have real Anadrol, I laugh. 2202s are long gone.
I find that hard to believe. Anadrol 50 was probably the most powerful steroid in pill form ever made. I don't know what type of garbage passes for real Anadrol in the black illegal drug trade today. I just would bet a lot of money it's not the same as the one that was made in a legit pharmaceutical company back in the day. I know guys that would take one a day. If they were insane two. Ten a day would have been toxic.
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I did say that that was the "rumor" in the day but it came from a very reliable source. Santoriello didn't last very long anyway. I agree with you as per the stength of Anadrol from Syntex in the orange box. Guys who legitimately benched 550-600lbs. (right in front of everyone every Monday at 4:30 pm at Westside) only took 2 per day (along with other stuff).
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maz's gym when u were there had some great bbers/powerlifters,when i started in his original gym in fair;lawn ,,we had big andre douglass legit 500 lb incline he was massive he loved abombs...dean barreca as u mentioned was just getting into competing he was lightweight at the time...when u were with craig and he was tight with maz u had andre now competing bbing,joe cruz nice build we competed on stage for an overall,dean now in prime doing suburban and the jersey,john riggo riggins rip ,like craig was great teenager shredded and went full bore into evrything,,maz had good crew...
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Dear old-school-lifter,
Thanks so much for mentioning me along with all those great guys. Although I am no bodybuilder, nor have I ever competed, I have had the good fortune to train with IFBB Pro Craig Richardson for the past 15 years.
I first entered a gym in the mid-1980's. It was Westside Muscle in Rutherford, N.J. The place was filled with great competitors such as Tom Shoebridge, Chris Catena, Vinnie Galanti, Rob Lopez and a host of others. My training partner, Rick Jones (he competed and beat Mike Morris) and I soon began training with one of the true greats, Darryl Perry.
I was at all those shows mentioned by gracie bjj and njflex and remember guys guest posing just before they hit all the magazines and became "famous."
I later trained with Vinnie Galanti in preparation for his 1997 USA show in Texas where he placed a very respectable 4th Place.
Soon thereafter, I met up with Craig Richardson and have trained with him ever since.
I have had the most incredible experiences in having trained in so many different gyms, meeting so many bodybuilders and seeing it all from "behind the ropes."
Bodybuilding is certainly not without its multitude of problems and divergent opinions, but for most of us, it has provided us with a bit more purpose and enjoyment in our lives, no matter what personal sacrificies we chose to make.
Harley
hey Harley
great to have you back on the boards
always enjoyed the BFO with you training with craig
in case folks didn't know, Harley is a BJJ world champion as well as avid lifter
and he doesn't like to blow his own trumpet which is why im stating the above!
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Dear old-school lifter,
Thanks for the kind words. I did come on board many years ago but admittedly, didn't care too much for the very harsh criticism just because I had a personal confrontation with Dorian Yates. I didn't realize peoples' heroes were infallible. I first came on to offer an honest inside to the sport since I am so lucky to be "behind the ropes" for a few things. Training with Craig for 15 years has really given me a unique insight into bodybuilding, its players, its despots, its gurus, its money-men and its idols. I thought people might want to know some stuff and I offered to answer questions as honestly as I legally could. I knew you needed thick skin for this board but it just seemed a bit too unwarranted solely for a difference of opinion or someone not believing "the dosages."
I wanted to come back on just because I miss the stories of real bodybuilding, reading opinions, especially those which differ from my own and engaging in discussions and seeing pictures. I just found the mean spirited racism not really relevant to a board supposedly designed to talk about bodybuilding related issues. Sure, bodybuilding, like all aspects of life, has its corruptions and abuses, but we are all drawn to it for at least other good reasons. Bodybuilding, while I am sure having shortened my life span and caused much of the daily pain I feel as soon as I crawl out of bed, is worth it to me. I achieved things, meaningless to most, but things no one thought I could do but me, and that mattered. And in the end, we all want to be judged well by others but if we do the things we oursleves admire, then the rest of the world can take their criticisms of us and shove it up their self-defeeating, pessimistic, non-achieving and non-aspiring asses.
Of anything I've done in my life, the photos I have of me in shape mean more to me than any Ph.D., law degree or anything else. Anyone can sit down for 3 years and earn a law degree. Most people, if they really wanted to, could earn enough money to buy a Ferrari. But, like most people on this board, it's the things you can't be which we admire most and chasing those things and achieving some of them, to me, has made all the difference.
Harley
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I meant to write, "its the things you can't buy..."
Sorry, learning how to post and spell check and attach photos.
Just happy to be here.
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Dear old-school lifter,
Thanks for the kind words. I did come on board many years ago but admittedly, didn't care too much for the very harsh criticism just because I had a personal confrontation with Dorian Yates. I didn't realize peoples' heroes were infallible. I first came on to offer an honest inside to the sport since I am so lucky to be "behind the ropes" for a few things. Training with Craig for 15 years has really given me a unique insight into bodybuilding, its players, its despots, its gurus, its money-men and its idols. I thought people might want to know some stuff and I offered to answer questions as honestly as I legally could. I knew you needed thick skin for this board but it just seemed a bit too unwarranted solely for a difference of opinion or someone not believing "the dosages."
I wanted to come back on just because I miss the stories of real bodybuilding, reading opinions, especially those which differ from my own and engaging in discussions and seeing pictures. I just found the mean spirited racism not really relevant to a board supposedly designed to talk about bodybuilding related issues. Sure, bodybuilding, like all aspects of life, has its corruptions and abuses, but we are all drawn to it for at least other good reasons. Bodybuilding, while I am sure having shortened my life span and caused much of the daily pain I feel as soon as I crawl out of bed, is worth it to me. I achieved things, meaningless to most, but things no one thought I could do but me, and that mattered. And in the end, we all want to be judged well by others but if we do the things we oursleves admire, then the rest of the world can take their criticisms of us and shove it up their self-defeeating, pessimistic, non-achieving and non-aspiring asses.
Of anything I've done in my life, the photos I have of me in shape mean more to me than any Ph.D., law degree or anything else. Anyone can sit down for 3 years and earn a law degree. Most people, if they really wanted to, could earn enough money to buy a Ferrari. But, like most people on this board, it's the things you can't be which we admire most and chasing those things and achieving some of them, to me, has made all the difference.
Harley
great post Harley
and hope you stay on the boards
any pics, stories you can post would be great
don't get too caught up about getbig- that's just the nature of it- a lot of the folks here ARE negative, passive-aggressive, racist, etc
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i like harley's stories...
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Harley
you have prob met many pro's over the years- who was the biggest in person?
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There are a few pros who really stood out as massive.
I met Lee Priest at the 1998 Arnold Classic and he was enormous. I will say this however, he had to climb up 3 (yes, three) steps and he was exhausted. He was filled with so much fluid he couldn't walk very far or fast but he was enormous at his height.
Paul Dillet guest posed at a show run by Maz Ali in New Jersey perhaps in the early 90's and he was the biggest bodybuilder I ever met. He appeared as if someone filled every bodypart with air. I thought he was a balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade he was so round. If ever a comic book character fell to earth, it was Paul Dillet. Not the nicest guy. Mattarazzo was one of the all time best guys to ever meet.
But there was one time, perhaps in South Carolina, where Dennis James competed and we saw him walking around and then hung out with him. He and Craig are quite friendly so I have spent time with Dennis. Well, either he or Branch I think won that show but walking around, in a tank top, he was truly a sight to see.
In person, those guys impressed me the most. Yes, Dorian was big but it was a guest posing and he was bloated big. Kevin was large too and Flex was Flex, but the first 3 guys I mentioned really made you stop and wonder, damn, how does that even work?
Craig has told me that backstage, the guy who most surprised him with just how big he was, and again, Craig has stood next to them all, was Milos. Craig said that Milos was just so much bigger than any photo or video he ever saw of him. Backstage in NY, Milos made most guys look small. I was surprised too.
Craig also told me that in person, as opposed to actually on stage next to other guys, one of the biggest and most impressive guys ever was Pavlo. Knowing he is one of my favorites, Craig called me over to show me backstage just how big was Pavlo and I too was really surprised. Craig and I don't have the same "favorite" bodybuilders so when he came out and said how big both Milos and Pavlo were, I knew it was real.
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Harley, good post man. We must know each other. I worked at Gold's Venice from summer 1991- 1997. I was in Gold's Venice working or training 6-7 days a week, 10-12 hours a days for years. Trained with Titus many times. Titus came to my house many times.
Keep posting. Ignore the nonsense from the candyass runts that have never been onstage.
Tom
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even in the very early 80,s diamond gym had giants walking around,i remember morant musta been no more than 15 or 16 when I started working out there and he was already 230-40lbs then,micheal Johnson was a beast also,nick lavitola worked out there also and he had the widest delts ive ever seen back then.lucho was the first guy I seen to have cross striations in his thighs,mike calabrese was another awesome dude,there was a dude who used to work out with kemper in the early AM with long black hair,i think his name was pete or gary,not sure but he was massive also. kemper stayed true to his word and kept it hardcore,john knew his stuff,he was like E.F HUTTON,when john spoke everybody listened in
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Dear Tom,
Thanks for the kind words. I have long enjoyed your posts.
They remind me of a book, "Little Big Men" written by an Anthropologist named Alan Klein. Klein spent many years living in Gold's Gym, submerging himself in the culture in order to study a target society. His book basically reads like an ethnography and even more so like a dissertation. He reveals no names and appears to draw his own preconceived conclusions as to why we all started lifting weights. The book was disappointing in many ways but did give some insight.
Your experiences, if coupled with names, would make a much more interesting book.
The idea that these larger than life heroes I met in the magazines could ever be involved in such salacious, soul-selling acts could never occur to me, a teenager rifling through the pages and thinking, "ok, I am short so I could look like Franco if I keep lifting.
Sometimes knowing less about your heroes is a more rewarding state of being.
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i like harley's stories...
yea me to his stories r cool and interesting,especially to a guy like me and u who have a huge place in our hearts for the NJ bodybuilding scene back then,mid to late 80,s to late 90,s.i know when someones been on the scene and u do to njflex,we r old school and we can smell bullshit a mile away. Harley is a straight up guy and everything he says is spot on and totally true,only people who where there would know what he knows,even me and u njflex,people in the know can tell we where in the mix back then cause we know stuff that aint in the magazines or on the internet,its only stuff u hear being in places like diamond or strong and shapely ect.i really miss those days,the divisions where stacked with unreal talent and I honestly don't think we will ever see such a great crop of talent for along time to come thru the new jersey state shows,suburban,and the nationals
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Back in the day, even the top 15 at the USA and Nationals was an incredible placing. It was no coincidence that the guys who won their class at The Nationals were almost always immediately competitive as pros. Did Mattarazzo and DeMayo dramatically change once they became pros? I didn't see too much of that. When Levrone walked on stage at the Jr. USA or Jr. Nationals, did anyone have a doubt where he was soon heading?
What I saw was guys committed to grueling workouts, each and every day, in small gyms that you could barely find, that had no carpets, no real air conditioning, dust filled machines, with very few "posers." This was not limited to NJ. California was producing mega tatlents as well. Florida guys seemed to just party way too much and in my opinion, never really put it together for very long.
I remember Mike Quinn livid over the obviously mistaken placing of his good friend at a show in Hackensack (I think it was the East Coast). Quinn called out all the judges for a fight, including, and especially Maz Ali and Steve Weinberger. Quinn told them he woudl be outside in the front waiting to personaly fight them. I must admit, the excitement got to me and I waited outside to see it all unfold. Let's just say that apparently, Bergen County Tech High School has a back door exit.
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Back in the day, even the top 15 at the USA and Nationals was an incredible placing. It was no coincidence that the guys who won their class at The Nationals were almost always immediately competitive as pros. Did Mattarazzo and DeMayo dramatically change once they became pros? I didn't see too much of that. When Levrone walked on stage at the Jr. USA or Jr. Nationals, did anyone have a doubt where he was soon heading?
What I saw was guys committed to grueling workouts, each and every day, in small gyms that you could barely find, that had no carpets, no real air conditioning, dust filled machines, with very few "posers." This was not limited to NJ. California was producing mega tatlents as well. Florida guys seemed to just party way too much and in my opinion, never really put it together for very long.
I remember Mike Quinn livid over the obviously mistaken placing of his good friend at a show in Hackensack (I think it was the East Coast). Quinn called out all the judges for a fight, including, and especially Maz Ali and Steve Weinberger. Quinn told them he woudl be outside in the front waiting to personaly fight them. I must admit, the excitement got to me and I waited outside to see it all unfold. Let's just say that apparently, Bergen County Tech High School has a back door exit.
lol,quinn was a maniac ;D
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I met Mike Quinn several times and he was very nice. He guest posed at a show in the late 80's and was selling autographs and even posters. I bought a black and white poster and asked him to sign it to me. He did so very graciously and we spoke.
I then went over to the Shawn Ray table and asked him, "If I buy a poster (yes, he too had a poster for sale) will you sign it for me?" He said, "no." I didn't buy the poster.
I met Jim Quinn at Rutgers College in New Brunswick at the Jr. USA I think and we spoke for awhile. I told him I was actualy attending Rutgers College and he told me to earn my degree and that bodybuilding was not something anyone should pursue on a professional level (not that I was). He was very intent on telling me the value of staying in school and that there woudl always be time for the gym, but not to make it a career.
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maz's gym when u were there had some great bbers/powerlifters,when i started in his original gym in fair;lawn ,,we had big andre douglass legit 500 lb incline he was massive he loved abombs...dean barreca as u mentioned was just getting into competing he was lightweight at the time...when u were with craig and he was tight with maz u had andre now competing bbing,joe cruz nice build we competed on stage for an overall,dean now in prime doing suburban and the jersey,john riggo riggins rip ,like craig was great teenager shredded and went full bore into evrything,,maz had good crew...
I lived in Fairlawn for about 4 years. I remember training at a gym there in 1986 but my memory is fuzzy.
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I COULD READ THIS THREAD AND NO OTHER FOR DAYS WITH HARLEY HERE....VINNY G WAS DEF MY KINDA BUILD TO LIKE BACK EARLY 90'S AND I WAS A MIDDLEWEIGHT TOO..I KNEW THE GUY LANCE COLORETTI WHO DIETED HIM FOR THE JR AND HIS USA WIN,HE SAID WAIT TO U SEE VINNY AT THE 93 USA LIKE A TOTALLY BIGGER/HARDER VERSION OF HIS JR USA SHOW WHICH HE WAS PEELED TOO BOOT AS WELL..VINNY AS A LIGHTHEAVY WAS GREAT AS WELL HELD THE SIZE/LOOK HE WAS KNOWN FOR LIGHTER ,,KNOCK ON HIM HE LISTENED TO TOO MANY PEOPLE AND COULD NEVER GET HIS IDEAL SIZE/WEIGHT AT TIMES AND ESP AS A PRO,,DUDE HAD A KILLER BUILD..
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Dear old-school-lifter,
Thanks so much for mentioning me along with all those great guys. Although I am no bodybuilder, nor have I ever competed, I have had the good fortune to train with IFBB Pro Craig Richardson for the past 15 years.
I first entered a gym in the mid-1980's. It was Westside Muscle in Rutherford, N.J. The place was filled with great competitors such as Tom Shoebridge, Chris Catena, Vinnie Galanti, Rob Lopez and a host of others. My training partner, Rick Jones (he competed and beat Mike Morris) and I soon began training with one of the true greats, Darryl Perry.
I was at all those shows mentioned by gracie bjj and njflex and remember guys guest posing just before they hit all the magazines and became "famous."
I later trained with Vinnie Galanti in preparation for his 1997 USA show in Texas where he placed a very respectable 4th Place.
Soon thereafter, I met up with Craig Richardson and have trained with him ever since.
I have had the most incredible experiences in having trained in so many different gyms, meeting so many bodybuilders and seeing it all from "behind the ropes."
Bodybuilding is certainly not without its multitude of problems and divergent opinions, but for most of us, it has provided us with a bit more purpose and enjoyment in our lives, no matter what personal sacrificies we chose to make.
Harley
Holy shit! I have a video of you training with Craig Richardson prior to the 2004 Mr Olympia. It's the BFTO 2004. You guys were training chest in the segment!
The first time that I saw the video, I thought that you were X-PAC lol
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CHUCK WILLIAMS WAS ANOTHER FANTASTIC BODYBUILDER FROM THE GARDEN STATE.
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Great stuff Harley. You mentioned Florida, I trained in two great hardcore gyms in South Florida. Gold Coast Gym and Golds Gym in Sunrise. Golds Gym in Sunrise was the absolute best, the owner Ken Beley was a good friend of mine, unfortunately he died in 93 and the Gym was eventually sold buy his wife and then closed. Every pro or major amateur bodybuilder, wrestler etc that came to S.FL found their way there.
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CHUCK WILLIAMS WAS ANOTHER FANTASTIC BODYBUILDER FROM THE GARDEN STATE.
Crazy biceps. Little guy but very good.
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Crazy biceps. Little guy but very good.
Wasn't he a light heavyweight.
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I am not sure who or what X-PAC is but I hope it's someone kool who is good with the ladies. LOL.
I have quite a few good Vinnie Galanti stories as I did train with him prior to training with Craig. We would go to Sonny's Gym in Jersey City just to do legs. Vinnie possessed a great physique and he was on the wall of Westside Muscle when I first walked into that gym. So many people wanted to be associated with him that I think he found it hard to say "no" to some people. Everyone wanted to be the "guy who got Vinnie ready." I remember Lance too. A bit of an extremist even back then.
It was hard for Vinnie to play that size game and he realy didn't want to do it. He looked like a Greek statute and for fans like me, that was great enough. Vinnie did not train all that heavy when I met him, in fact, he had never squatted 500 lbs. until we trained legs together.
One time, doing legs at Sonny's, I got him to puke during a leg workout. I then continued to taunt him so badly that I actually got a hold of the gym's microphone and announced over the intercom that Vinnie Galanti was throwing up and eveyrone needed to come and see it. It was my way of amping up and my partner, in my opinion, had to be more amped up than me. He had to out-work me every workout or I failed him as a training partner.
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I am not sure who or what X-PAC is but I hope it's someone kool who is good with the ladies. LOL.
I have quite a few good Vinnie Galanti stories as I did train with him prior to training with Craig. We would go to Sonny's Gym in Jersey City just to do legs. Vinnie possessed a great physique and he was on the wall of Westside Muscle when I first walked into that gym. So many people wanted to be associated with him that I think he found it hard to say "no" to some people. Everyone wanted to be the "guy who got Vinnie ready." I remember Lance too. A bit of an extremist even back then.
It was hard for Vinnie to play that size game and he realy didn't want to do it. He looked like a Greek statute and for fans like me, that was great enough. Vinnie did not train all that heavy when I met him, in fact, he had never squatted 500 lbs. until we trained legs together.
One time, doing legs at Sonny's, I got him to puke during a leg workout. I then continued to taunt him so badly that I actually got a hold of the gym's microphone and announced over the intercom that Vinnie Galanti was throwing up and eveyrone needed to come and see it. It was my way of amping up and my partner, in my opinion, had to be more amped up than me. He had to out-work me every workout or I failed him as a training partner.
X-PAC = pro wrestler
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I COULD READ THIS THREAD AND NO OTHER FOR DAYS WITH HARLEY HERE....VINNY G WAS DEF MY KINDA BUILD TO LIKE BACK EARLY 90'S AND I WAS A MIDDLEWEIGHT TOO..I KNEW THE GUY LANCE COLORETTI WHO DIETED HIM FOR THE JR AND HIS USA WIN,HE SAID WAIT TO U SEE VINNY AT THE 93 USA LIKE A TOTALLY BIGGER/HARDER VERSION OF HIS JR USA SHOW WHICH HE WAS PEELED TOO BOOT AS WELL..VINNY AS A LIGHTHEAVY WAS GREAT AS WELL HELD THE SIZE/LOOK HE WAS KNOWN FOR LIGHTER ,,KNOCK ON HIM HE LISTENED TO TOO MANY PEOPLE AND COULD NEVER GET HIS IDEAL SIZE/WEIGHT AT TIMES AND ESP AS A PRO,,DUDE HAD A KILLER BUILD..
I agree, when I saw vinny at the nats in 2000 in new York I said out loud how do the over look such a perfect and pleasing build,people in audience who heard me agreed,i mean the guy looked like a greek god with perfect lines and no real flaws,ive liked vinnys build from way back in the 80,s
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I am not sure who or what X-PAC is but I hope it's someone kool who is good with the ladies. LOL.
I have quite a few good Vinnie Galanti stories as I did train with him prior to training with Craig. We would go to Sonny's Gym in Jersey City just to do legs. Vinnie possessed a great physique and he was on the wall of Westside Muscle when I first walked into that gym. So many people wanted to be associated with him that I think he found it hard to say "no" to some people. Everyone wanted to be the "guy who got Vinnie ready." I remember Lance too. A bit of an extremist even back then.
It was hard for Vinnie to play that size game and he realy didn't want to do it. He looked like a Greek statute and for fans like me, that was great enough. Vinnie did not train all that heavy when I met him, in fact, he had never squatted 500 lbs. until we trained legs together.
One time, doing legs at Sonny's, I got him to puke during a leg workout. I then continued to taunt him so badly that I actually got a hold of the gym's microphone and announced over the intercom that Vinnie Galanti was throwing up and eveyrone needed to come and see it. It was my way of amping up and my partner, in my opinion, had to be more amped up than me. He had to out-work me every workout or I failed him as a training partner.
great stuff....I know these stories word for word...from other people ..billy scaffold great usa winner lightweight no less used to say vinny 'squatting 500 shizz never gonna happen he's not into it,,then he later said fuking did it..billy had great line he would say ya gotta get on the 'ketchup'meaning drugs..vinny had great following,,like I said in 91/92 he was peeled to the bone and weighed a light 170 ish when he won usa he was up enough lbs to be at limit middles and carbed over and looked insane for that show..at the jersey 91 Potenza who we were there cheering on was next to vinny ,I said damn tommy's built like a brick shithouse this guy vinny looks'pretty'great battle..
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You mentioned Andre Douglas before. He trained at Maz's Gym and was that strong. One day, he found out that Billy Saffold, who you just mentioned, was trying to kick it with his girlfriend. Andre went after him. I don't want to say more as I forgot the details but I can check that story for you.
Billy trained at Strong & Shapely went it was slammin' back in the day.
There was a middleweight whose last name was Jiminez. He had thick arms and was sometimes rock hard. He either won the USA or did very well in the Nationals but I don't think he made it to the pros. He had made quite a few enemies but I thought is arms, shoulders and abs were crazy. I forget his first name but he was a regular back then.
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You mentioned Andre Douglas before. He trained at Maz's Gym and was that strong. One day, he found out that Billy Saffold, who you just mentioned, was trying to kick it with his girlfriend. Andre went after him. I don't want to say more as I forgot the details but I can check that story for you.
Billy trained at Strong & Shapely went it was slammin' back in the day.
There was a middleweight whose last name was Jiminez. He had thick arms and was sometimes rock hard. He either won the USA or did very well in the Nationals but I don't think he made it to the pros. He had made quite a few enemies but I thought is arms, shoulders and abs were crazy. I forget his first name but he was a regular back then.
ANDRE was flat out one of the nicest guys you could ever meet..was a bounty hunter,i think he went into sheriffs dept later on,,jiminez had great build..billy was a character,nice guy,but yeah smiled a lot and smooth talker...
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It was Tom Jiminez. A bantamweight from NY State trained there too named Troy and he was very good too.
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It was Tom Jiminez. A bantamweight from NY State trained there too named Troy and he was very good too.
yeah...some good memories /lists man thanks...my bro in law does a lot of work for vinny's wifes family 'electrician'and he also dealt with vinny's wife 'say's she's nicest person and her family...vinny's nephew competes now too,,middleweight ..
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Wasn't he a light heavyweight.
Thinking back, I believe you're right. Perhaps I remember a smallish frame. Black dude.
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Vinnie's wife, Sheila, is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. She has never waived in her support of Vinnie. I admire that in any spouse. My wife doesn't like to see me fight, but she still supports me, even when I fight Brazilians (she is from Brasil).
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Craig competing in Houston. I hope I downloaded the photo properly.
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Craig competing in Houston. I hope I downloaded the photo properly.
LEGS ARE AWESOME AS USUAL,DELTS..NEEDS TO GET RIGHT FIT WEIGHT WISE,DUDE GETS RIPPED ,,HE WAS TOP 10 IN THE OPEN MRO FORGOT WHAT YR?
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The best Craig did in the open Mr. O was 13th. How Jonnie Jackson beats him still puzzles me, especially when JJ is not spot on 100%. I thought you needed wheels to get on stage. Craig even has calves.
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prime vinny ..
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Some more pics of Johnny
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:)
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I believe joe deangelis was originally from jersey.......great wheels!
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If one were to go down the list and examine year by year, just who won the Mr. NJ, it would be quite the list. Then, if you took that list and discovered how many guys who won the Mr. NJ also won the Jr. USA and Jr. Nationals and then the USA and Nationals, it would be quite the testament to NJ bodybuilding.
One might have to concede that Rich Gaspari, having taken 2nd place at the Mr. O, was the most successful NJ bodybuilder.
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I believe joe deangelis was originally from jersey.......great wheels!
yes..
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Back in the day, even the top 15 at the USA and Nationals was an incredible placing. It was no coincidence that the guys who won their class at The Nationals were almost always immediately competitive as pros. Did Mattarazzo and DeMayo dramatically change once they became pros? I didn't see too much of that. When Levrone walked on stage at the Jr. USA or Jr. Nationals, did anyone have a doubt where he was soon heading?
What I saw was guys committed to grueling workouts, each and every day, in small gyms that you could barely find, that had no carpets, no real air conditioning, dust filled machines, with very few "posers." This was not limited to NJ. California was producing mega tatlents as well. Florida guys seemed to just party way too much and in my opinion, never really put it together for very long.
I remember Mike Quinn livid over the obviously mistaken placing of his good friend at a show in Hackensack (I think it was the East Coast). Quinn called out all the judges for a fight, including, and especially Maz Ali and Steve Weinberger. Quinn told them he woudl be outside in the front waiting to personaly fight them. I must admit, the excitement got to me and I waited outside to see it all unfold. Let's just say that apparently, Bergen County Tech High School has a back door exit.
great story
thanks for sharing these Harley
ive always heard Weinberger is nothing but a bully
apparently he backed down when Nasser challenged him to a fight in the mid 90's- know anything about that?
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I met Mike Quinn several times and he was very nice. He guest posed at a show in the late 80's and was selling autographs and even posters. I bought a black and white poster and asked him to sign it to me. He did so very graciously and we spoke.
I then went over to the Shawn Ray table and asked him, "If I buy a poster (yes, he too had a poster for sale) will you sign it for me?" He said, "no." I didn't buy the poster.
I met Jim Quinn at Rutgers College in New Brunswick at the Jr. USA I think and we spoke for awhile. I told him I was actualy attending Rutgers College and he told me to earn my degree and that bodybuilding was not something anyone should pursue on a professional level (not that I was). He was very intent on telling me the value of staying in school and that there woudl always be time for the gym, but not to make it a career.
hahaha
yet another story confirming Shawn Ray the arrogant douchebag prima donna!
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I represented a client whom I had already known since he was 14 years old and he had become personal friends with Nasser.
I don't know anything about a fight between Nasser and Steve Weinberger but my client used to invite me around when Nasser came by to NJ or NY.
I can't say that my encounters with Nasser lead me to be able to tell any crazy stories but we did interact on more than one occasion and there were quite a few things that struck me about Nasser that I didn't get from most other bodybuilders.
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I represented a client whom I had already known since he was 14 years old and he had become personal friends with Nasser.
I don't know anything about a fight between Nasser and Steve Weinberger but my client used to invite me around when Nasser came by to NJ or NY.
I can't say that my encounters with Nasser lead me to be able to tell any crazy stories but we did interact on more than one occasion and there were quite a few things that struck me about Nasser that I didn't get from most other bodybuilders.
Harley
please share your observations and insights on Nasser that you thought were not typical for most other BB's?
was he one of the bigger pro's in person?
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Nasser came out to uncle charlies with us guys from diamond back in mid 90,s when he guest posed at the jersey and he got bombed drinking shots,lol,he was a really cool guy imo
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;) some great old school diamond gym pics from way way back
pictures of lucho,kemper,also the 81 east coast bodybuilding show in Irvington highschool with big vic szczerbinin and the legendery LEG DUNGEON in diamond gym
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;) more lucho,john and Shirley kemper in painting by boris, vic in diamond ect
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;)old chool diamond pic when it was still in Irvington befor it moved to Maplewood,lucho,kemper,vic and johnnie morant next to low pulley row in diamond,big nick lavitola(rip) nick was strong,he was often seen using over 800lbs on deep squats in the leg room :o,kemper down the shore with vic,his 2 daughters and wife Shirley.that pic on the wall of diamond gym with platz,padilla and franco,its in the pic with kemper,morant,vic and lucho,is still in that same spot some 30 yrs later,the wall of fame is eternal ;)
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;)more lucho,kemper and the awesome micheal Johnson in 1978,man look at the cross striations in lucho,s thighs in that pic :o
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lets not forget mr world bill grant and mr universe jerry scalesse,2 very awesome bodybuilders.i think jerry might be from new York tho,close enough ;)
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Dear old-school-lifter,
You asked me to share my thoughts on Nasser. Again, I met him only a few times but here they are:
Nasser immediately struck me as different from most bodybuilders in that he didn't need to announce he was the biggest man in the room, he just let nature speak for him. But for his Leviathan physique, his quiet introverted nature would have caused him to become lost in the crowd.
Somehow it came up that my sister was born in Germany and apparently, so was he. I mentioned that I was born in Switzerland and then he took a curiosity as to what my parents were doing in Europe and how I became an American. I explained to him that my Father survived being in Hitler's death camps and actually saw Hitler live, twice. This fascinated Nasser and he asked me all about it. I told him my grandfather was shot at point blank range by a rife held by an SS member and left for dead. When I told him my grandfather survived and wrote a book, he asked me if I could get him a copy. I joked and said, "You read funny books for a coal-miner." This is a line from W. Somerset Maugham's "The Razor's Edge" and when Nasser said he was familiar with Maugham, he immediately had my complete admiration.
I asked Nasser how many languages he spoke and he joked, "That is a funny question for an American." I told him my Dad spoke 11 languages and played 9 instruments and Nasser was astute enough to state that this is almost always a result of being born in a place in which nations conquer, merge and then dissolve. Nasser talked about the troubles that plagued Egypt but more so of Yugoslavia. He seemed surprised that I even knew where it was. I told Nasser I enjoy studying languages and culture and he laughed when I told him my Godparents live in Pakistan. Ironically, we talked about the Sunni/Shiite issues.
Nasser was a prodigious eater. His plates of food were enormous. I just don't understand how these guys can eat and digest all that food.
Nasser laughed and made fun of guys and seemed to really despise the transparent people in bodybuilding. He complained that there were many fake people and that they would lie to your face just to steal some money or drugs. The topic of gay for pay came up and he heartily laughed at those who sold themselves like that. I got the impression that while bodybuilding was important to him, it remained only part of his lifestyle. He didn't seem to taken in by cars or fancy items, but rather, he seemed intrigued by anyone who claimed to know something about anything. I got the impression that he was looking through you at first and then, if you had any real substance to you, he would look at you and speak with you.
I found him soft-spoken, polite and intelligent. I don't know who on GetBig hates or likes what bodybuilders but for me, Nasser stood out, both in physical stature and humble intellect.
Harley
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dear Harley
thankyou very much for your insights and views on Nasser
a very candid and accurate summation of Nasser I think
the thinking man's BB
looks like you guys had many things in common- Nasser also had much interest in history, politics and sociology
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I taught college part-time for 9 years in the Sociology Department to help pay for my education.
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Dear old-school-lifter,
You asked me to share my thoughts on Nasser. Again, I met him only a few times but here they are:
Nasser immediately struck me as different from most bodybuilders in that he didn't need to announce he was the biggest man in the room, he just let nature speak for him. But for his Leviathan physique, his quiet introverted nature would have caused him to become lost in the crowd.
Somehow it came up that my sister was born in Germany and apparently, so was he. I mentioned that I was born in Switzerland and then he took a curiosity as to what my parents were doing in Europe and how I became an American. I explained to him that my Father survived being in Hitler's death camps and actually saw Hitler live, twice. This fascinated Nasser and he asked me all about it. I told him my grandfather was shot at point blank range by a rife held by an SS member and left for dead. When I told him my grandfather survived and wrote a book, he asked me if I could get him a copy. I joked and said, "You read funny books for a coal-miner." This is a line from W. Somerset Maugham's "The Razor's Edge" and when Nasser said he was familiar with Maugham, he immediately had my complete admiration.
I asked Nasser how many languages he spoke and he joked, "That is a funny question for an American." I told him my Dad spoke 11 languages and played 9 instruments and Nasser was astute enough to state that this is almost always a result of being born in a place in which nations conquer, merge and then dissolve. Nasser talked about the troubles that plagued Egypt but more so of Yugoslavia. He seemed surprised that I even knew where it was. I told Nasser I enjoy studying languages and culture and he laughed when I told him my Godparents live in Pakistan. Ironically, we talked about the Sunni/Shiite issues.
Nasser was a prodigious eater. His plates of food were enormous. I just don't understand how these guys can eat and digest all that food.
Nasser laughed and made fun of guys and seemed to really despise the transparent people in bodybuilding. He complained that there were many fake people and that they would lie to your face just to steal some money or drugs. The topic of gay for pay came up and he heartily laughed at those who sold themselves like that. I got the impression that while bodybuilding was important to him, it remained only part of his lifestyle. He didn't seem to taken in by cars or fancy items, but rather, he seemed intrigued by anyone who claimed to know something about anything. I got the impression that he was looking through you at first and then, if you had any real substance to you, he would look at you and speak with you.
I found him soft-spoken, polite and intelligent. I don't know who on GetBig hates or likes what bodybuilders but for me, Nasser stood out, both in physical stature and humble intellect.
Harley
Nasser seemed like a really nice guy and a intelligent guy also,i met him once and he was very nice to us and everyone around,great sense of humor also. that's great u guys talked and got to know each other alittle
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The more I think about all my conversations and interactions with Professional Bodybuilders, the harder it is to find someone very similar to Nasser. The truth is, my interactions with the female professional competitors have produced a wider range of topics and discussions, almost as if they really understood it was all a hobby and that things such as books, education, newspapers, pizza and even life itself, do truly exist. LOL
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I remember seeing nasser guest posing at the jersey/suburban in 95-6 ???cant remember if it was 95-96,but anyway I remember saying to my buddy that hes the hugest fuckin dude ive ever seen,and ive seen them all in my day(90,S)he was off season but man he was around 305 and totally a monster,only other person ive seen that big was dorian in 93 when dorian came to my gym offseason to guest pose at the jersey state
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jj marsh was very cool to me after a show I did ,saw him eating out and he chatted with us like he knew us,,,
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TTT
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The more I think about all my conversations and interactions with Professional Bodybuilders, the harder it is to find someone very similar to Nasser. The truth is, my interactions with the female professional competitors have produced a wider range of topics and discussions, almost as if they really understood it was all a hobby and that things such as books, education, newspapers, pizza and even life itself, do truly exist. LOL
the more stories I read about Nasser and what people say about him, it becomes clear that he most certainly was not the stereotypical musclehead BB, in fact it would seem he was the anti thesis of this intellectually
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the more stories I read about Nasser and what people say about him, it becomes clear that he most certainly was not the stereotypical musclehead BB, in fact it would seem he was the anti thesis of this intellectually
i agree also, when i met him i thought he was gonna be the typical meathead type talking loud and starving for attention,he was just the opposite,didnt have a bad word to say about anyone and was really polite to everyone
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Very much unlike Melvin Anthony.
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Very much unlike Melvin Anthony.
yea i never met Melvin but heard he was a very nice guy, down to earth type of guy.to be honest most bodybuilders ive met in the last 35 yrs have been all pretty cool, mrs Olympia Carla dunlap was one of the nicest women ive ever met in my life,i trained back with her in 82 or so and she was so helpful and helping me out on form and stuff,i didn't even know it was her until kempers wife Shirley asked me how my back feels after training with mrs Olympia,i was like OMG that's Carla dunlap right?shirley smiled and said yes sir
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Too bad there's not many quality pics of Johnny morant....
Imagine if he was from this era with all this "social media and smartphones" .
I see if I can post some from my archives
WooOSSSHHHHH
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Too bad there's not many quality pics of Johnny morant....
Imagine if he was from this era with all this "social media and smartphones" .
I see if I can post some from my archives
WooOSSSHHHHH
I'll go you one better, from page 1: "The Executioner" Johnnie Morant
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Very much unlike Melvin Anthony.
Harley
please,your thoughts about your interactions with Melvin Anthony?
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I'll go you one better, from page 1: "The Executioner" Johnnie Morant
hes a beast, I got a cool video I took from my camcorder in 2003 with johnnie at the RING OF COMBAT MMA EVENT in Elizabeth,nj. he got on the scale and was 365 and had decent abs,not great but still visible.ill post it soon,i need my wife to help me tho cause im not the sharpest guy on the internet,lol,as far as that stuff
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hes a beast, I got a cool video I took from my camcorder in 2003 with johnnie at the RING OF COMBAT MMA EVENT in Elizabeth,nj. he got on the scale and was 365 and had decent abs,not great but still visible.ill post it soon,i need my wife to help me tho cause im not the sharpest guy on the internet,lol,as far as that stuff
You could have left it there. ;D
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You could have left it there. ;D
;)no doubt,my wife always tells me if my head wasn't attached to my body id forget it everywhere I went,thats another reason I started lifting weights also,besides getting bullied by the older kids,they used to laugh at me cause I couldn't do math problems to good and had trouble with other school stuff.
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Dear old-school-lifter,
Seeing as you asked for my thoughts on Melvin Anthony, here they are.
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Gentlemen,
I apologize for the previous reply. I accidentally hit a button. This stuff is very new to me as I am not computer nor Internet savvy.
Anyway, I found Melvin to be your stereotypical bodybuilder. I met him at a Night of Champions show in which Craig competed many years ago. I believe it was the year Melvin actually won as there was a great deal of hype about him coming into the show, especially in his own mind.
Many of the athletes were staying in a NY hotel which I remember had terribly narrow hallways. When we all walked around, I was the only guy who could easily manage the space. Craig and Melvin were friendly so I spent some time with them as my usual, fly on the wall observer. Melvin had "people" with him. He talked only about himself. He spoke as if he had already won the show. Don't get me wrong, confidence is great, arrogance is repugnant.
He actually denied taking gear. Yes, he denied it. Mind you, he was bigger than any other "normal" person and had abs. His physique is unquestionably enviable but his attitude, he can keep it.
He chastised guys who took "too much" gear but yet, had a doctor from Louisiana come up to visit him.
So you can all corroborate this, as I remember my first stint on GetBig where people accused me of lying, look up Dr. James McDonald from Louisiana. He was a very fine plastic surgeon. In fact, he was 1 of just 2 top guys who did calf implants. In full disclosure, I even met with him to discuss calf implants as I had come to believe he did them for Diamond Gym member Derrick Whittsett (of whom I also know some stories which I can personally corroborate). Well, Dr. McDonald told me that my calves were so small, he couldn't get them to the size I wanted. Having trained in the same gym with a kid who actually lost his entire leg due to a bad calf implant, I never had the procedure.
Back to Melvin. Dr. McDonald, who did not like to fly or travel, appeared in NYC as a "friend" of Melvin's. When Craig and I went to visit the Doc in his hotel room, some monster of a national level bodybuilder just happened to walk out of the bathroom without any clothes but for a towel around his waist. He was staying with the Doc. The doc, a very nice, friendly, smart man told us he was here for his friend Melvin. Let's just say that the Doc was very supportive and sympathetic to bodybuilders.
In speaking to Melvin, he appeared more interested in actually telling you how no one could touch him and just how easy it was for him to win this show. Mind you, pre-judging had not yet begun. Melvin was happy to have those around him if they told him what he wanted. He seemed bothered by the fans and was purposely unresponsive when Craig would ask him for advice or for tips on certain things. Melvin again went into denial or professed ignorance.
He was an arrogant self-centered guy. I told Craig that I won't be sorry when Melvin stops competing and has to look like "us normal guys."
Harley
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wow man Melvin sounds like a total dick,melvins got that typical meathead mentality that gives bodybuilding a worse name than it already has
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yes Johnny Morant could have been a great mr. O had he had a better work ettic
the show with mike quinn was my jr. usa and I called him out on that
Andre came to strong and shapely gym and asked if billy stafold was there , you could see the intense anger in his eyes .Now Billy was a prick of a person . so I gladly got on the mike and called himm to the front. they were going in the parking lot when Andre could not contain his self anymore . bam right in the door way . billy curled into a fetal position and his teeth brides flew out.. funny shit !
a good story about Andre who was a bouncer and once throw a dude up into a tree.
Vinnie threw up more than once doing legs here.
the new guys are doing alright I think 5 bodybuilders from NJ turned pro this year
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(http://www.in5d.com/images/bullshit-detector.jpg)
be careful jesus might take u out of the lambs book of life for judging others,yes calling others a liar is judging them.then again you r prolly one of those phony Christians,i can see thru u guys easily.u sound like a jealous guy there lexy,its like u cant accept the fact that I trained in one of the best gyms in the east coast in 80,s and 90,s and seen tons of pros training there daily, everyone on these threads who r from jersey know the deal and they know I speak the truth so to b honest if u get off calling me a liar go on n keep doing it,if it makes u feel like a better Christian more power to u,u know jesus is really proud of u posting on getbig calling people liars with bullshit meters,wow hes really smiling down on u ::)
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Way too much positivity in this thread for GB's taste.
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yes Johnny Morant could have been a great mr. O had he had a better work ettic
the show with mike quinn was my jr. usa and I called him out on that
Andre came to strong and shapely gym and asked if billy stafold was there , you could see the intense anger in his eyes .Now Billy was a prick of a person . so I gladly got on the mike and called himm to the front. they were going in the parking lot when Andre could not contain his self anymore . bam right in the door way . billy curled into a fetal position and his teeth brides flew out.. funny shit !
a good story about Andre who was a bouncer and once throw a dude up into a tree.
Vinnie threw up more than once doing legs here.
the new guys are doing alright I think 5 bodybuilders from NJ turned pro this year
goodstuff,,your show was one of the best in nj,i did it in 92...your champions day was a big draw..
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Dear Bob,
I want to thank you for all those great years in which I trained on and off at your gym.
For those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting Bob, I am telling you that Bob has always been a true gentleman and one of the strongest advocates for bodybuilding and its bodybuilders. Bob was nice and fair with everyone, including nobodies like me.
I haven't been to Bob's gym in years and if he would have us one day, Craig and I would love to come down. The pictures on the wall were so inspirational. Having your picture on Bob's wall meant you had done something pretty special with your physique.
I never got involved in the politics but Bob not running and being at shows is just a travesty. His knowledge, stories, advice and warm personality make him one of my favorite people whom I have met through bodybuilding. He should write a book!!!
Harley
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Gentlemen,
I apologize for the previous reply. I accidentally hit a button. This stuff is very new to me as I am not computer nor Internet savvy.
Anyway, I found Melvin to be your stereotypical bodybuilder. I met him at a Night of Champions show in which Craig competed many years ago. I believe it was the year Melvin actually won as there was a great deal of hype about him coming into the show, especially in his own mind.
Many of the athletes were staying in a NY hotel which I remember had terribly narrow hallways. When we all walked around, I was the only guy who could easily manage the space. Craig and Melvin were friendly so I spent some time with them as my usual, fly on the wall observer. Melvin had "people" with him. He talked only about himself. He spoke as if he had already won the show. Don't get me wrong, confidence is great, arrogance is repugnant.
He actually denied taking gear. Yes, he denied it. Mind you, he was bigger than any other "normal" person and had abs. His physique is unquestionably enviable but his attitude, he can keep it.
He chastised guys who took "too much" gear but yet, had a doctor from Louisiana come up to visit him.
So you can all corroborate this, as I remember my first stint on GetBig where people accused me of lying, look up Dr. James McDonald from Louisiana. He was a very fine plastic surgeon. In fact, he was 1 of just 2 top guys who did calf implants. In full disclosure, I even met with him to discuss calf implants as I had come to believe he did them for Diamond Gym member Derrick Whittsett (of whom I also know some stories which I can personally corroborate). Well, Dr. McDonald told me that my calves were so small, he couldn't get them to the size I wanted. Having trained in the same gym with a kid who actually lost his entire leg due to a bad calf implant, I never had the procedure.
Back to Melvin. Dr. McDonald, who did not like to fly or travel, appeared in NYC as a "friend" of Melvin's. When Craig and I went to visit the Doc in his hotel room, some monster of a national level bodybuilder just happened to walk out of the bathroom without any clothes but for a towel around his waist. He was staying with the Doc. The doc, a very nice, friendly, smart man told us he was here for his friend Melvin. Let's just say that the Doc was very supportive and sympathetic to bodybuilders.
In speaking to Melvin, he appeared more interested in actually telling you how no one could touch him and just how easy it was for him to win this show. Mind you, pre-judging had not yet begun. Melvin was happy to have those around him if they told him what he wanted. He seemed bothered by the fans and was purposely unresponsive when Craig would ask him for advice or for tips on certain things. Melvin again went into denial or professed ignorance.
He was an arrogant self-centered guy. I told Craig that I won't be sorry when Melvin stops competing and has to look like "us normal guys."
Harley
Great stories Harley
thanks for sharing those
I have heard from ppl who have met MA that he always refers to himself in the 3rd person and was always telling them how great he looked 5 days ago haha
The Doc sounds like he liked the hot beef injection lol
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Hey Harley. Dont think we ever met. I havent posted here in years. But I am an old Jersey boy from the 80's early 90's. Trained at Westside Muscle...Strong&Shapley's first 2 locations.....Alex Sicignanos Golds and Diamond. Gonna throw a few names out to you. John Riggins....I used to train with John from time to time in Diamond when he won the teen Jersey. John was a sweetheart and was a beast. Sad that he got caught up on the wrong side of life and payed the ultimate price for it. I know he eventually went to Maz's gym in Paterson afyer I left the east coast. How about the name Shane Wild???? I remember him being some freakshow outof Westside Muscle. What about a guy named Rob/Bob Pietrowski out of S&S in Rutherford. I think he won Teen Jersey and Teen America for AAU in mid 80's. Perry from Diamond Gym???? Black guy with blond afro. Huge dude. Left Diamond and started training at Westside. The late Tony Alicia....I rememberan MC announcing his death at a show. Might have been the east coast one year. Juan Marquez.....he took Jersey by storm in late 80's. Saw him winning everything. Anyway....I could go on and on. Any thoughts on these guys? Or does anybody else have any thoughts on them?
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Hey Harley. Dont think we ever met. I havent posted here in years. But I am an old Jersey boy from the 80's early 90's. Trained at Westside Muscle...Strong&Shapley's first 2 locations.....Alex Sicignanos Golds and Diamond. Gonna throw a few names out to you. John Riggins....I used to train with John from time to time in Diamond when he won the teen Jersey. John was a sweetheart and was a beast. Sad that he got caught up on the wrong side of life and payed the ultimate price for it. I know he eventually went to Maz's gym in Paterson afyer I left the east coast. How about the name Shane Wild???? I remember him being some freakshow outof Westside Muscle. What about a guy named Rob/Bob Pietrowski out of S&S in Rutherford. I think he won Teen Jersey and Teen America for AAU in mid 80's. Perry from Diamond Gym???? Black guy with blond afro. Huge dude. Left Diamond and started training at Westside. The late Tony Alicia....I rememberan MC announcing his death at a show. Might have been the east coast one year. Juan Marquez.....he took Jersey by storm in late 80's. Saw him winning everything. Anyway....I could go on and on. Any thoughts on these guys? Or does anybody else have any thoughts on them?
riggins was a freak as a teen,,shane wild damn u really dug that one out,,he was a postman a rather jakked up postman tho...
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Back in the day, when Anadrol was real, the rumor was that Frank Santoriello took 10 per day. A guy I knew had nose bleeds from 2 a day. Today, if anyone says they have real Anadrol, I laugh. 2202s are long gone.
You are correct; that was the real deal... I had worked up to only three 5 Mg. tablets per day back in the eighties, (stacked with my standard test and deca) and my bench press went up 10 Lbs. per week; week after week after week!! .. As compulsive as was my mindset back then; even I got scared and stopped taking it... I figured that anything that powerful HAD to have some serious negative side effects... I was a hard 215 Lbs. at 5'71/2 at my heaviest... Had I continued on it, I could have certainly taken my weight much higher; but at what costs..