Judges

Head Judge

• Steve Michalik - 60 years young. Married with four children: Steve Jr. (31 - married with 1yr old daughter - Gianna), Molli - 8, Mac - 5, and Jordan - 19. Steve is an accomplished artist, author and lecturer. He is currently writing his third book and autobiography. Steve is also an active anti-steroid advocate and is constantly sought after to discuss this on television, radio and lecture circuits. His contest victories include: 1975 Mr Universe NABBA, 1972 Mr America AAU, 1971 Mr USA AAU, 1971 Mr. Apollo AAU, WBBG Hall of Fame, 

• Joe Reaiche - 50 years young, Joe is a former Professional Rugby League Player from Sydney Australia. Joe's family are all celebrity actors in Hollywood. His son is Jordan Reaiche Masterson (40 Year old Virgin); and his daughter Alanna Reaiche Masterson (Alanna's Guide to Greek) and has 2 step sons to Danny Masterson (That 70's Show ) and Chris Masterson (Malcolm in the Middle). Joe's sporting accomplishments include Professional Rugby League Teams Sydney City Roosters; Canterbury Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs; College: MVP Campbelltown National League Championship; MVP and Captain Lewisham College State Champions; Coach of the National Champion's Cronulla Sutherland Woman's Touch Football; and Olympic trainer to the Switzerland 100M 200M and 400M Track athletes for the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics.

• Leon Brown - 1968 Mr North America IFBB, 1969 Mr New York City WBBG, 1969 Mr Venice Beach, 1970 Mr California IFBB, 1970 Mr East Coast AAU, 1970 Mr Western America IFBB, 1972 Mr East Coast IFBB, 1973 Mr America IFBB, 1973 Mr America IFBB Most Muscular, 1974 Mr Eastern America IFBB, 1984 Junior USA NPC, 1988 Masters USA.

• Anibal Lopez - 1965 AAU Mr. Wagner, 1968 Man of the Year (photo contest), 1969 Mr. Gotham, Region One Championship, AAU Mr. Brooklyn, AAU Mr. New York State, AAU Mr. New York City, plus all body parts, AAU Outstanding Bodybuilder of the Year, 1970 AAU Mr. World 2nd Runner up, 1971 AAU Mr. East Coast, AAU Mr. Atlantic Coast, AAU Mr. Chesapeake Bay, 1978 WBBG Pro-Mr. America, plus best legs, Arms, abdominals, best poser, WBBG Pro-Mr. World, 1980 Tour with IFBB Grand Prix, 2007 WBBG Hall of Fame

• Freddy Ortiz - 1962 Mr. Universe - IFBB, 1963 Mr America - IFBB, 1964 Mr America - IFBB, 1966 Mr Eastern America - IFBB

• Mario Strong - 53 years young and has been weight training for over four decades. During the 1970's and 80's Mario was a contributing author to Muscle Training Illustrated as well as a noted lecturer on the sport of bodybuilding at various functions. Recently engaged to a wonderful woman named Aida. Currently a police lieutenant in the state of New York, with 23 years on the job. Mario continues to train heavy several times a week and is about to release his first book titled, "Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder" chronicling his experiences in bodybuilding and also outlining the dangers of sports enhancing substances.

• Angel Evans - 1963 Mr East Coast IFBB - Living a happy life in the health industry. Angel has been in the bodybuilding scene since being a junior at Brooklyn's high school 49 in 1956. Currently 65 years young, Angel has spent the last 12 years living in North Miami, Florida. He runs his own personal training business at the Zoo Heath Club in Fort Lauderdale, whose client list includes 6 Time NBA Champion Scotty Pippen and his wife Larsa, along with Doctors, Lawyers, Restaurants owners and others. Married for 42 years to his lovely wife Enola, together they have two sons Antonio and Angel Jr. and a grandson Antonio Jr.

• Paul Bernstein - A National Spokesperson for Health & Fitness - For more than 45 years, Paul has been known as, "Mr. Physical Fitness, USA" registered in 1960 with the United states Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, DC. Since the 1960's Paul has produced and hosted several television shows, conducted seminars and lecturers and written numerous advice columns whcih have appeared in national health and fitness magazines.

• Lidia Szczepanowski-Goldsmith ESQ. - Mrs. New York 2007 - A Mother of three, wife, multi-sport athlete, an avid fisherman, boater, speaker and writer, Lidia is Senior Attorney for Thaler & Gertler, LLC. specializing in Corporate and Commercial Litigation. Undergrad at Hofstra University and earned her Juris Doctorate at St Johns University, We welcome Lidia to the Judges Table.
  

• Amy Llinas - WNBF Professional - 2005 Natural Atlantic Coast INBF, 2006 Connecticut Northern States NPC, 2007 Pro Natural World WNBF

• Tony Coppeta - 57 years young and recently retired from the US Homeland Security. Tony trained at Julie's R&J Health Studio, Pete Caputo's Gym and Bath Beach Gym back in the day with all the great ironagers of the era. Currently training at Bally's four times a week to stay healthy, Tony is married to his beautiful wife Diane and has 2 children a Daughter Jaclyn, age 4 and Son Andrew age 2. A fan of WBBG bodybuilding shows and Dan Lurie equipment for 42 years, we look forward to having Tony on our judging panel.

• Dr. Gerard D'aversa, FACS -Dr. Gerard D'Aversa is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist with vast experience in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. D' Aversa's accomplishments have been featured on television news reports, as well as being printed in the Daily News and Newsday. He has written numerous journal articles, authored a textbook chapter and has given frequent lectures locally and nationally. Dr. D'Aversa is a member of numerous professional societies and is a partner in Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island which consists of 21 eye specialists representing each sub specialty of ophthalmology in 6 locations throughout Long Island.

• Dr. Elias P. Bonaros, Jr. MD, FACC - Cardiovascular Consultants of LI, P.C. - Trained in the martial arts for 21 years. Presently a 4th Degree black belt and a Sensei. Also has trained in fitness and with weights for about the same period of time. Recently took first place in the World Goju Karate Championship April 27 2008.
  

• Mark Lurie - International Physique Photographer. Photo Editor for Muscle Training Illustrated Magazing for over 30 Years. A award winning horticulturist growing Orchids & Exotic Flowers. He has grown numerous prize winning vegetables, tomatoes, squashes, corn, chinese egg plant & zucchini from his garden. Mark is the father of 3 children and has 5 grandchildren with another one on the way.
  

• Dr. Tony Badal, DC - 1972 WBBG Mr. New York City, Associate Editor of Muscle Training Illustrated, Lou Ferrigno's training partner at age 16.

• Matthew Kanter - Over 10 years in the fitness industry as trainer, coach and competitor. He currently owns South Shore Fitness in Oceanside, N.Y.and Infinity Fitness in Farmingdale, N.Y.

• Dr. Michael Herman, DDS - A practicing dentist for over 30 years with emphasis on aesthetic-cosmetic dentistry. He holds a Ph.D in nutrition and is a member of numerous dental professional organizations. Dr. Herman holds Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics. He is also a Diplomate in the American Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Herman has appeared on various radio and television shows and been interviewed by personalities such as Regis Philbin. His commitment to new and innovative concepts in dental health care have made him one of the premier dentists in his field.

• Dr. J. Alexander Jarbath - A practicing podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, with emphasis on Diabetic Pedal Management. Dr. Jarbath holds fellowship status in the American Professional Wound Care Association. He is Board Certified in Wound Care by the Council for Medical Efucation and Testing and recognized by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. While serving in the US Navy, he was a member of the 1985-89 All Navy Basketball team, representing the USS Peleliu.

• Stephen Kucker - President and CEO of Dawn Industries, which manufactures corrugated boxes, hangers, poly bags, and printing. He currently resides in East Rockaway, NY and has three children. Two of his children are national gymnasts. Mr. Kucker has been devoted to the WBBG since the late 1970's, and has attended all of their events. He currently trains at the Island Iron Gym, in Oceanside, NY

•  Justinian Miller - Owner of Power Fitness Gym in Long Island, Justinian has won the NPC Bev Francis Atlantic States, NABBA USA Nationals, and was a finalist at the Mr Universe Contest.
  

• Robin Cristo - Head Casting Director - Along with her husband Frank, are the owners of the acclaimed Mezzanote Restaurant located in Hewlett, NY. Robin's diverse background is in entertainment production, music promotion, publication and marketing. She is an active member in her community, who is dedicated to Philanthropic causes. She has received Citations of Merit from several organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House.
• More to follow as they are confirmed.