ABOUT THE AWARD
The Gene Massey Memorial Award was originated at the first NPC Southern States to honor the memory of Eugene “Gene” Massey. Gene was one of Florida’s top and most influential bodybuilder. In his 10 years of competition, he won over 40 top titles including the Florida State (’69), the Mr. Southern States (’72), the Eastern America (’75) and was runner-up at the Mr. World (’70). Gene was unfortunately killed in a private aircraft accident in 1975 while on the way to compete in Louisiana.
In addition to being Florida’s #1 bodybuilder and being ranked top 10 in the country, Gene ran the first hardcore gym in Hollywood, FL as well as a popular health food store. He promoted contests and was involved in the governing association of the sport. Gene inspired hundreds to become involved in the sport and helped anyone who was interested.
The Gene Massey Memorial Award was created to honor this giant figure and pay tribute to his many accomplishments. The award is presented each year at the NPC Southern States to the person who best personifies Gene’s contributions to our sport.
See the bottom of this page for more information about Gene.
PREVIOUS RECEPIENTS
1981 – Tony Little
1982 – John Schleicher
1983 – Richard Baldwin
1084 – George Prince
1985 – Pat Sporer
1986 – John Carl Mese
1987 – Eddie Nieves
1988 – Time Beattie
1989 – Rafael Guerreo
1990 – Jerry Byfield
1991 – Sergio Pacheco
1992 – Doris Barrilleaux
1993 – Mike Katz
1994 – Juan Hernandez
1995 – Carol McCreary
1996 – Darrem Charles
1997 – Jorge Betancourt
1998 – John Organ
1999 – Kathy Connors
2000 – Tim Gardner
2001 – Adolfo Robles
2002 – Mike Brooks
2003 – Pete Fancher
2004 – Bill Neylon
2005 – Maria Bellando
2006 – Manuel Mair
2007 – Dr. Peter-John Rhoden
2008 – Shannon Dey
2009 – Matt Mounts
2010 – Carlos Rodriguez
2011 – Ernest Bea
2012 – Rich Alvarez
2013 – Mike McKinney
2014 – OJ Jaichon
2015 – CJ James
2016 – Maggy Cambronero
2017 – Calvin Choy
2018 – Serge Saric
2019 – Alex Cambronero
2020 – Dennis “Deke” Warner
2021 – Peter Potter
2022 – Stacy Kaufman
2023 – John Hnatyschak
ABOUT EUGENE “GENE” MASSEY
Gene Massey Bio
Height – 5’10”
Weight – 205
Born – May 26, 1949
Died – November 1, 1975 (26 yrs old)
1969 Arm Circumference – 19.09 inches
Contest Results
1968
Teen Mr. America, AAU – 2nd
Teen Mr. America, AAU – 2nd, Most Muscular
1969
Mr. Florida, AAU – 1st
Mr. South, AAU – 4th
Mr. Southern USA, AAU – 1st
1970
Junior Mr. USA, AAU – 6th
Mr. World, AAU – 2nd, Tall
1971
Mr. USA, AAU – 4th
1972
Mr. Southern States, AAU – 1st
Mr. America, AAU – 12th
1973
Junior Mr. America, AAU – 7th
Mr. America, AAU – 17th
1975
Mr. East Coast, IFBB – 1st, Tall
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