COACH, A coincidence!
I didn't now Brignole well but I did meet him a couple of times at Bill's in Pasadena. At that time he was either training for or had already won some teen age bodybuilding contest.
A lot of great athletes used to train there and some interesting stories about some of Bill's members moving to Gold;s Santa Monica with Bill's definite approval since Gold's was promoting the America that year.
Also knew Wayne Bouvier at that time. He passed away way too early.
He used to ride a very small motorcycle (scooter) and was way too big for it which made him look like he was floating at high speeds down the highway. His build managed to hide every part of that 'bike'.
Do you recall Solo Elfrenzy and/or Rob Johnson back in them good old days? How about Harry and Judy and all the other regulars?
Good days back then.
Stunt,
Everyone you mentioned I knew (and some still know) well. Harry (Bills brother) was the first person I met when I got there when I was about 14 and he's the one that signed me up. I didn't know it was Bills brother until Bill actually walked into the office and introduced me. Bill was washing the gym towels at the time barefoot with the sweats rolled up just above his knees and rolled up sleeves. As kid looking at him speechless. Huge calves and forearms.
I knew Wayne well and when Bills closed he and I went to Astro gym in San Gabriel. After that we lost contact. I had no idea he passed away. Solo Elfaizy is still around and I remember sometime last year Bill posted an old pic of him and a couple of other Pearls regulars out in from the old gym on Green St. I asked if Solo was still around and Bill said they still speak frequently.
Not sure if you remember but Dr. Drew Pinski and his father worked out there as well for along time and when Bills closed he also went to the Astro gym. During the times at Pearls Drew was just entering Med school then later Love Line on KROQ. His father was our family physician and then Drew took over the practice and he became our physician.
I still keep in contact with Doug and dispite not having his father around was always a solid individual. His mom raised him right and always and to this day has a passion for success.
I swear I must have a million stories from that gym. Next to having my son, that was BY FAR the best times of my life.
