"I'm getting old(er), but I remember Kroger's being in Lakeside (where Scott Wilson was from). VBC was great in either location! Had a code to get in anytime, any day. Here's a memory question: Do you remember "Crow"? Grin
Then VBC moved and became (I think) "Parkway Fitness". Stern's was totally bitchin'. Still is from what I hear. Still above the Chinese laundry and still loaded with character. One of the Brown's owns it now, not Alan but his brother whose name escapes me right now. Leo was great. From what I recall he lost both his sons, the older to drugs and the younger one to AIDS. I've seen a few guys from Leos from back in the day. We're all ancient now but the memories are still as fresh as ever.
I don't recall meeting Wilson but Kroger I did meet and he seemed a good guy. Vogel too. I remember when he won the Teenage Mr. San Diego. Damn fine build on the guy".
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Mr. Kroger's gym was on Rea St. just a block off Main St. in El Cajon. Mr. Kroger bought the gym from Mylen Wiltse a Chargers coach who started the gym in the 60's. VBC was started in Lemon Grove, then moved to El Cajon and then later to La Mesa where it became Parkway Fitness. Never trained in at any of the locations but visited it from time to time to talk with Matt Mahaydic (sp) who managed the gym and sold supplements. Quite a few "interesting' gym members to say the least, never knew anyone called "Crow".
I knew Mr. Stern very well, his son Michael ran the gym but died of cancer, that is when he decided to sell the gym. I did know his son David who ran the equipment company after Leo retired. Don't know if he is still alive or not. Shannon/ Sherman Brown is the one who owns it now.
Scott Wilson was tauted by many as Mr. Kroger protegee . His graduated from El Capitan HS in Lakeside and was a wrestler. Always drove a '56 White Ford convertible when I saw him. Never cared for Glenn Vogle. If I remember correctly Wayne Collins was the last owner of the gym before it closed down. Met a former gym member named Dewy who was a very good friend of Mr. Wilson and told me that Vogel challenged Scott to a BP contest. Not even close as Mr. Wilson (like Mr. Kroger) were well rounded lifters that could hold their own in PL, OL and of course bodybuilding.
Lots of fine memories to be sure.
Be safe and strong,
Pat