The Beginning (Childhood)
Born earlier than most at a location foreign to many, I have never thought that this moment would arrive. A time that I would sit at a computer, writing about my bodybuilding career.

Our family moved to San Diego when I was very young. I have 2 ‘very cool’ parents (known as Mima and Papa) along with a great sister Gail. We had a somewhat sheltered, conservative background. People joked that we were the ‘Leave it to Beaver family’ (“Golly Gee Wally”). Did I mention that my dad (Papa) was a minister and my mom (Mima) a schoolteacher? I guess that explains our strict background. There are so many stories that I may slowly reveal in my ‘Up Close’ section.

The greatest thing that I can remember about my childhood was the love and support of my family. Our parents brought us up believing that we could do anything. We learned discipline, humility, strength, compassion and so many other characteristics which embodies who I am today (Thanks for everything).

Sports
Like most kids in my neighborhood, sports were always a big part of my life. From ‘streetball’ to running, I kept in shape throughout my younger days. There was a time that I allowed others to run for me. As an opportunist, I realized that boy vs. girl races had more profit potential. I would coordinate big races with my sister against other guys. This proved to be a lucrative career move. Once filled with wisdom, Gail got a real manager.

I wanted to play POP Warner but missed sign ups every year. Unlike most of my friends, I didn’t play tackle football till high school.

I tried my hand at many sports in high school: Basketball, football, Track and Field and Wrestling. I used the high school weight room during the off season. Things were different. Good form while benching meant ‘being able to bounce the bar off your chest without creating a huge red spot.’ I started dancing as a senior in high school. I never knew that it would have such an impact on my life. Dance started as a fluke. The dance teacher at my high school, Ms. Gail Mitchell, convinced our football coach to have us take an aerobics class. So there we were, 50+ big jocks bouncing around on the field to 80’s music. Gail Mitchell noticed my skills and invited me to take her jazz dance class. Originally I was ‘in it’ for the girls but I started to really enjoy the class. Next thing I know, I am performing at concerts and receiving dance scholarships. Now my acquired skills are noted in almost everything I do (Thanks Ms. Mitchell).

After high school, I attended UCSD, a university that steered away from sports to focus more on academics. My athletic emphasis diminished but I still managed to run track, play intramural football and even tried my hand at Rugby. I am excited to say that I played part of 2 seasons, did well and still don’t know all of the rules of the game. I tried to do it all. I surfed, skied, played tennis you name it, and I tried. I believed that an athlete should be athletic and capable of doing anything that they put their mind to (that’s what my parents told moi).

My start in bodybuilding was very interesting. After college and 1 ‘real’ job, I started working with a friend in the computer music business. A guy who had an office next to ours would inquire about my physique. After realizing that I didn’t lift weights, he invited me to train with him. Immediately I grew. Finally he decided that I should compete in a show and that I should graduate to Gold’s gym. I was to meet him at Gold’s (now World’s Gym in San Diego / Pacific Beach) after work. I arrived very nervous. My 200 pounds was nothing compared to the stories I heard about 300+ monsters. I stood around the counter and waited….and waited…..And waited. Finally I joined, started to train, ran into someone that I knew, rapped with the owner about the coincidence of my real name and his son-to-be (something for another issue). With very little knowledge in nutrition and contest prep, I managed to place 3rd as a middleweight at the San Diego.

“ What a great hobby” I thought. Computer nerd / businessman by day, muscleman by night. Within 6 months I qualified for Nationals, found great sponsor like Next Proteins (formerly Next Nutrition), Nutri Sport, Gold’s Gym (Pacific Beach) and many more. The rest is……IT JUST IS.

First USA
After competing well for 3 years, I thought that I was ready for ‘National’ level competition. In 1996 I competed at the USA. I was so intimidated. First everyone look as if they should be in the next larger weight class. I had no clue how these guys would diet from a ‘huge’ heavyweight to compete in the 198 class. Barely able to make it onstage (cramping), I managed to take 3rd. I was so excited because I wasn’t sure if I would make top 15. Competition is so fierce. Most of the top guys would do very well in a Pro show.

Present / The future
Several years have past and I am still placing 3rd at the USA. I believe that there is a reason for my delay in obtaining my pro card. I prefer to learn how to prepare at this level and lose time than sacrifice the purse that comes with higher places as a pro. Although I can never predict the future I believe that amateur competition has served it’s purpose and I am ready to move on. I am currently training / dieting for the 2003 USA Championship in Vegas. As a heavyweight, I should have an excellent chance to do some serious damage for my long awaited PRO CARD.

My current plans are to train, rest and continue to develop my other business endeavors. Most of all, I just want to ENJOY LIFE!!!