SPREAD THE KNOWLEDGE
Mentors. These are the grizzled veterans of the iron game. These are the dedicated champions who have been around the block a couple of times. They are the experienced guys who share their wisdom and knowledge with the rest of us. During the Golden Age, these are the fellas who took us under their collective wings and showed us the ropes--how to train properly, how to eat correctly, what to do, what to avoid. Every sport needs them, and these are our role models, our shrinks, our guardians, our Mentors.
A seasoned pro, Vinny Galanti has been around the block a couple of times. His experience and wisdom are truly an asset, along with his willingness to lend a hand to bodybuilders of all levels. Vinny has been with the company for fourteen years, the longest tenure of any athlete. This New Jersey native had his first major win in 1992 at the NPC Mr. New Jersey. He reigned king at the NPC Jr. USA and then again in 2008. Vinny turned Pro at the 2008 NPC Masters Nationals, a joyous day for sure. At 43 years of age, Vinny has several National titles under his belt, most notably at the NPC USA Championships. Vinny is both a Universal Mentor and a Universal Athlete.
Greg Long has been at this game a long time. Forty seven years to be exact. A multi title champion having won the Mr. Universe, Mr. U.S.A., Mr. International, Mr. America, IFBB Mr. North America Masters and NPC Nationals Masters. What he is most proud of, however, is giving back, by teaching and motivating others—what he does daily, on top of training with legendary intensity. In the magic year of 1976 with only a few bucks in his pocket he opened up Greg Long’s Gym. This was and still is the place to sling the iron in the Philadelphia area if you are down for some hard core training. Greg is still there, still pushing it in the gym and still teaching others the craft that he has honed so well. What started out in the early 60’s in a movie theater in Philly, motivated by the classic image of Steve Reeves, has turned into a lifetime of mentorship, brotherhood and competitive glory.
A veteran competitive powerlifter who understands the importance of “spreading the love” to the next generation, Skiba can be found showing young iron athletes the ropes at his home away from home, Skiba's Barbell Club. A New Jersey weight training guru and pillar of his Carteret community, Skiba embodies the ideals of true mentorship. Still doing damage in the gym to this day, Skiba has been competing and setting PRs, ironically, since 1977. Opening his hardcore training facility as a tribute to his father, Henri has dedicated his life to giving back and transforming young lives by imparting the many lessons learned in the weight room.
Anthony "Big Ant" DeAngelis has earned three natural pro cards in bodybuilding and is undefeated as a Master in the men's bodybuilding over thirty-five age class in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Anthony has been working in the industry for well over 20 years, with certifications in personal training, nutrition, CPR. He also has over twelve years of "hands-on" experience working in physical therapy and chiropractic clinics. Anthony brings a lot of wisdom, knowledge and common sense to the sport of bodybuilding as a Mentor for Universal.
