MIKE KATZ-  A Hero's Kindness is Never Forgotten

By Peter Vuono

   I'm always looking for quotable quotes for my twitter account and I stumbled across an excellent quote by Maya Angelou which said," I've learned that people will forget the things you say, people will forget the things you do but people will not forget how you made them feel." Suddenly, when I read this, my mind sailed all the way back to 1975 when I had the serendipitous occasion to meet one of my many strength heroes, teacher, NFL player and bodybuilding great- Mike Katz.A brief back story is warranted here.
   Mike Katz was born in New Haven in 1944. He grew up diminutive in size, wearing glasses and Jewish. Because  of this he was bullied and his dad thought it may help Mike's self image to dabble in football and weight training. Mike did so and played high school football and also for South Connecticut State. He became so good that the New York Jets drafted him in 1966. In 1968, Mike was illegally clipped by an opponent severely injuring his knee. He played in many games with extreme pain and eventually asked for his release just one year before the Jets won the Super Bowl.
It did not, however, end here; rather it was the beginning of a legend.
  Working out primarily in his North Branford garage gym, Mike grew to a height of 6'1" and a weight of  a solid 245lbs. After having won all the regional contests the Hamden HS Health and Phys. Ed. teacher won the IFBB Mr.America in 1969 and the 1972 Mr. Universe contests.
  Mike's quest for the Universe title in the 1975 Mr. Universe was depicted in the movie "Pumping Iron" He came in a disappointing 4th but what was more important was the sincere humility which he showed in the face of losing. He showed no anger and was wondering about his family. He showed great joy in the 1st place finish by his team mate Ken Waller. I had wondered if this humble character was real and indeed it was.
  When I approached Mike in Waterville Maine after a  powerlifting contest, I was indeed star-struck and wouldn't stop talking. Mike sensed this and humbly smiled and nodded as if to say,"It's OK, I realize how excited you are.". He told me that he was going to a contest in Italy and even though it was nice to go to places like California to train, it was nicer to be home. I never forgot the moment.. His kindness and humility stayed with me ever since just as Maya Angelou had said.
  Mike went on to teach for 33 years and with his son, Mike Jr. he operated about half a dozen Planet Fitness gyms. In 2002, he was interviewed by the New Haven register. In the interview he mentioned that"In my dying breath, I'll still be teaching". How true this is when his kindness is something I remember so much more than his personal gains.