Former National Champ Don Long Receives Kidney

April 10, 2002 Report

Don Long, who earned pro status by winning the NPC National Overall crown in 1995, recently underwent a successful kidney transplant at a Washington, D.C.’area hospital. He had been receiving dialysis treatments and was reportedly in good spirits, according to East Coast sources. Long had been in need of the kidney for some time. He’d been unable to find match and had been placed on a waiting list, which could have taken years. Then in March his older sister, Michelle, donated a kidney to a new living donor program, which elevated Don to the top of the transplant list. (Michelle was the program’s first donor.) A couple of weeks later Long received his new kidney. Keep checking the Hot News for updates on his condition.

Paul Dillett to Return to the Stage?

Although his name doesn’t appear on the latest official list of contestants for the Southwest Pro USA, set for May 4 in Arlington, Texas, rumor has it Paul Dillett may make his comeback a couple of weeks earlier than anticipated. Tall Paul, who hasn’t been seen onstage since his third-place finish at the ’00 Night of Champions, first said he would return to New York’s Beacon Theatre on May 18 for that event to reclaim the title he won in 1999. Then he indicated that he might jump into the Texas fray as well, depending on his condition. As of April 8 the leading contenders for the men’s show are J.D. Dawodu, Craig Titus, Tom Prince and Darrem Charles. In the women’s bodybuilding battle top names include Mah-Ann Mendoza, the ’01 USA Overall winner, Gayle Moher and Jennifer McVicar. For more info contact promoter Betty Pariso at (817) 498-3631.

Levrone Also Sets Sights on NOC

Following dismal performances at the Arnold Classic (fifth) and the Australian Grand Prix (fourth), Kevin Levrone says he’ll seek redemption at the NOC. It will make for an intriguing timeline if Levrone does indeed don the posing trunks in this one. It will be exactly 10 years since Kevin, who captured the ’91 National Overall title, made his pro debut a winning one on the Beacon Theatre stage at the ’92 NOC. Additionally, Levrone tells me he’s finally completed the move to Los Angeles he had said he was making two years ago and has bought a home in the Sherman Oaks area in the San Fernando Valley.

Markus Ruhl is also scheduled to make his 2002 debut at the NOC, which generally features 30 to 40 competitors. For more info contact Wayne DeMilia at (845) 638-9290.

McCrary Makes New Video

Stan ‘the Man’ McCrary, who has been telling me about his new video for some time now, says he’s finished the product and it’s ready for purchase. McCrary’s ‘Curly Top’ tape covers both hardcore training and general fitness tips for men and women. Those interested in buying it should send a check or money order for $39.95 plus $5 for shipping and handling to Stan ‘Curly Top’ McCrary, 1417 Calibre Springs Way, Atlanta, GA 30342.

Melvin Becomes a Valley Boy

Marvelous Melvin Anthony, who’s been living in Santa Monica during the past year, is another new resident of the L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. Anthony moved Van Nuys in March as he began contest prep for the NOC. Anthony and good friend Mark Christensen loved training together at Gold’s, Venice, but it was too much of a hit-or-miss situation for Melvin to keep training in Venice. These days Anthony can be seen working out at the new home of fellow pro Quincy Taylor, Gold’s, North Hollywood.