Male Contenders:

Randee Haynes is a 25-year-old carpenter from Chicago, Illinois. He hails from a family of 13 kids whose names all begin with “R.” He admires and appreciates his parents, and as a father of two, strives to be half the father his dad was. Haynes’ silly and lovable demeanor proves that you don’t have to train hard to be a good athlete.

Jesus Jay Martinez is a 40-year-old SWAT officer from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. As a former U.S. Marine, he became best of the best by working recon in some of the toughest deployments available. Martinez continues to stay in great shape by teaching martial arts. Although rugged and raw, he is the ultimate family man to his wife and two children.

John Siciliano is a 37-year-old Paralympic athlete from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A former college athlete, Siciliano lost his leg in a car accident. He went through lengthy rehab and showed great determination to become a Paralympic athlete. Siciliano wants to show the world that anyone can succeed, despite disability. He currently works as a product specialist for Endolite, a prosthetic manufacturer.

Gerry Garcia is a 27-year-old special education teacher and martial arts masters student. His parents emigrated from the Philippines and worked day and night to provide for their family. Garcia began hanging out with the wrong crowd and soon found himself in juvenile hall. It was then that he turned his life around. He is now a business major, a mentor to troubled teens and a teacher to kids with autism. Garcia lives in Long Beach, California.

David Moore is a 31-year-old police officer from Chicago, Illinois. He is a true family man who does everything for his son and wife. Moore is a health nut who believes in staying fit and eating right. He loves to joke around with his buddy Melvin Davis, a fellow police officer and contender on this cycle of “American Gladiators.”

Melvin Davis is a 42-year-old cop that has been in the Chicago Police Department for fifteen years. He became a cop to help the community and give back, and he loves his work. He has also been a bodyguard for actress Jennifer Hudson. He currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Toby Gordin is a 31-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee who helps run his family’s grocery store. This father of two is in love with his family and wakes up at four a.m. to work out so he can be at home after work to cook for his family. This tough guy loves interior decorating and was once a competitive college cheerleader.

Brick Reilly is a 27-year-old tree climber from Springfield, New Jersey. He was born deaf and has always deemed athletics an important escape from the realities of life. Though Reilly recently had a cochlear implant which gave him the ability to hear, he never used his disability as an excuse in his life. He works as a mentor for deaf children in the New Jersey area.

Landon Jones is a 26-year-old medical device salesman from Littleton, Colorado. This high school athlete survived the Columbine shootings and it changed his life. As he continued his athletic and scholastic career at Colorado State, he started a ministry to help kids who need guidance. Professionally he sells drills and saws that are used in neuro-surgery.

Tony Tolbert is a 36-year-old science teacher from Denver, Colorado. Tolbert chose a different route than that of his brother and father. While they preferred “manly sports” like football, Tolbert excelled in cheerleading and gymnastics. This father of two believes that being a positive role model is the most important thing a man can do. He is dedicating his “American Gladiators” experience to his mother, who recently passed.

Adam Hill is a 40-year-old ER doctor from Denver, Colorado. He decided to go into medicine after his dad suffered a head injury from racecar driving. His father recovered due to excellent care, but working in the ER, Hill knows all too well how helpful money could be to those without proper healthcare. If he wins American Gladiators, he says he will donate all the money to a charity benefiting people without proper healthcare.

Mike Gamble is a 29-year-old who grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Hollywood, California. He is a multi-faceted artist who works as dance choreographer, special events producer, fitness trainer and media consultant. As the youngest of five siblings, Gamble has always done what he’s wanted. He is living his dream and feels that people need to get out of their comfort zones and live life.

James Ruggiero is a 27-year-old high school English teacher from Yucca Valley, California. This father of two is a true family man who has looked up to his brother his whole life. After almost dying from a massive head injury playing football, Ruggiero pulled his life together and shed 65 unwanted pounds. He spends time at the Boys and Girls Club mentoring kids.

Sean Hetherington is a 29-year-old waiter and personal trainer from West Hollywood, California. Hetherington was an unhealthy 275 pounds when he decided to change his life. He hired a personal trainer and lost 100 pounds in less than two years. The obstacles he has been faced with have given him confidence and determination, and he has the attitude that there is nothing he can’t do.

Alejandro Soto is a 24-year-old war veteran from El Cajon, CA and is now a dolphin trainer for the U.S. Navy Marine mammal program. Family is a very important part of life for Soto and his older brother Jorge who is currently fighting testicular cancer. Soto wants to bring notice to this disease and make sure people know how to diagnose it sooner.

Tim Oliphant is a 33-year-old media director for Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Missouri. He loves working with kids, is very religious, and believes his father is a hero. Oliphant is a very likable guy who loves competition and is always looking for a challenge, whether it is joining a choir just to try it or running a marathon without training.

Alexander Coats is a 26-year-old mortgage consultant from Jacksonville, Florida. As a marine, he was injured in Iraq by a grenade and suffered massive injuries. Coats was told he may never walk without a cane, but through pure will forced himself to learn to walk and run, even with shrapnel throughout his body. He is in great shape and ready to show that he has bounced back from the pain.

Anthony Pagnotta is a 35-year-old NYPD Detective from Farmingdale, New York. Although humble about his many awards and achievements, he was deeply involved in the early days of the 9/ll relief effort, spending the first three days of the tragedy on the scene.

Aaron Simpson is married to fellow contender Kendra Sirignano. He hails from Tempe, Arizona. Aaron is a 33-year-old wrestling coach. The father of a12-year-old foster child, he is now awaiting the birth of his twins by an unexpected surrogate mother – his wife’s 51-year-old mom.

Jeff Davidson is married to fellow contender Ally Davidson. He is a 29-year old financial advisor from Dallas, Texas. Unknown to Jeff, his wife tried out for American Gladiators on her wedding day in her wedding veil. He and his wife make one very athletic team and will give the Gladiators a tough fight.

The female contenders are:

Melissa Trinidad is a 30-year-old children’s martial arts instructor. She is a certified black belt who grew up a “military brat.” Trinidad rebelled against her strict parents while growing up and, is now a single mom herself. Though only 5′1, Trinidad is extremely focused and one of the most determined contenders. She currently lives in Brandon, Florida.

Elena Maskalik is a 22-year-old firefighter who currently resides in Foster City, California. She emigrated from Ukraine after she and her family evacuated after the Chernobyl tragedy. She is grateful she had the opportunity to leave and feels she owes it all to her parents. Maskalik grew up in San Jose where she excelled in martial arts and wrestling. She is now a member of the San Jose Fire Department.

Vanessa Warren is a 35-year-old U.S. Air Force Major. She was also a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. Warren says she is particularly hard on female recruits because she is sick of the stereotype that women are weak. She is also a group fitness instructor for “Moms in Motion,” a national group which trains women and gets them involved in charity work. She currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Nikki Key is a 27-year-old bartender and fitness model from Queens, New York. She grew up learning theatrical dance and moved to Los Angeles to learn hip-hop. She has been dancing her entire life and toured with famous pop stars. Key is an overachiever who will always push herself to be the best. She was raised by her mother, who she considers her best friend.

Abbe Dorn is a 28-year-old police officer in Denver, Colorado. She is also a body builder and former fitness model. She would love the chance to compete against her best friend Vicki Ferrari, a fellow Denver police officer and contender in this cycle’s American Gladiators. Abbe currently lives in Centennial Park, Colorado.

Vicki Ferrari is a 35-year-old narcotics officer from Denver, Colorado. She comes from a police family (her husband is a cop as well). Nicknamed “pitbull” by the guys at the precinct, Vicki is charming and easygoing with a lightening-quick temper. She is best friends with contender and police officer Abbe Dorn.

De Day is a 29-year-old full-time mom from Siesta Key, Florida. This mother of two has three priorities in life: family, God and fitness. Her hobbies include running long-distance “adventure” races that include mountain climbing, fording rivers and other rough-terrain activities. She is coming to “American Gladiators” to go fast, go hard and prove there is power in prayer.

Tiffaney Florentine is a 25-year-old business consultant from Royal Oak, Michigan. After caring for her ailing father in 2001, Florentine felt her life needed a new direction when he passed. She joined the U.S. Air Force, spent six years in the military police, and even served a brief stint in the CIA before settling back into civilian life as a business consultant. She believes the tough times she’s been though have only made her stronger.

Chaunda (Shonda) Mason is a 28-year-old actress and model from North Hollywood, California. Tough and courageous, she is a 5-year U.S. Army veteran and single mother. Though very athletic, Mason believes her time in the Army as a peacekeeper made her even more of an athlete.

Rochelle Gilken is a 27-year-old crime reporter from West Palm Beach, Florida. Gilken has seen the dark side of West Palm Beach for years, and is ready for anything. She goes by the name “Little Rocky,” due to her love of boxing.

Jessica Garcia is a 25-year-old cheerleading coach from the Bronx, New York. She put on 60 lbs in college and realized she was not the person she wanted to be. Garcia has worked hard to shed the weight and now coaches cheer in her old neighborhood, the Bronx, where she hopes to set up a cheer center for kids to pursue their dreams.

Patricia Franklin is a 41-year-old mother of four from Leesburg, Virginia . She was Top 10 in the “Women’s Tri-Fitness” obstacle course competition 4 years in a row and was 1st place in the “Nova Strength Competition”. As a nurse for nineteen years, and a mother for seventeen, Franklin is quite busy taking care of others.

Annie Castellano is a 20-year-old Columbia College student originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, who spends her vacations working at her family’s seafood restaurant in Florida. Her constantly upbeat, bubbly personality, and sky-high energy level is in direct contrast to her diminutive, 4-foot, 11-inch frame. What Castellano lacks in height, she more than makes up for in confidence.

Yoko Ohigashi, originally from Brea, California, is a 52-year-old team manager in investment at a brokerage firm in Irvine, CA. She claims to have a “fire inside that is going to take the whole world by surprise.” Ohigashi is looking to live life to the fullest, and burning the Gladiators is at the top of the list.

Adriana Posadas is a 23-year-old school chemical engineering student from Anaheim, California. This classical beauty has overcome a lot of family struggles. Posadas wanted to get into pharmaceuticals to help her mom who has struggled with cancer. She is a mentally tough individual as well as incredibly polite and sweet. Posadas really enjoys getting into the spirit of competition and feels this will be a fantastic personal achievement.

Tatum Yount is a 26-year-old competitive figure skater and marathon/triathlon runner from Manhattan Beach, California. She is a world-ranked figure skater, who has fearlessly battled scoliosis since age 12. Smart and beautiful, Yount is the epitome of a well-disciplined athlete.

Lillian Thomassen and Clinessa Burch are 27-year-old twin sisters who are both in the concrete business. Thomassen is a concrete artist and Burch owns a concrete business with her husband. The twins enjoy engaging in any kinds of sports and are very competitive against each other. Both sisters currently reside in California – Lillian in San Luis Obispo and Clinessa in Los Osos.

Kendra Sirignano is married to fellow contender Aaron Simpson. 30-year old Sirignano is a social worker. She is mother to a 12-year-old foster child and is now awaiting the birth of her twins by an unexpected surrogate mother – her 51-year-old mother. Strong and fit, she is a contender to reckon with.

Ally Davidson is married to fellow contender Jeff Davidson. Hailing from Dallas, Texas. she is a 24-year-old sales representative. Ally tried out for American Gladiators on her wedding day in her wedding veil, a move that her more conservative husband probably wouldn’t have approved had he known. Ally once broke her neck in a nearly fatal skiing accident. She has made a full recovery and is a ready to take on the competition.

NBC has released all the official information for the Season 2 casting call for contenders. Check out the press release below for all the information, dates and times.

Press Release: The producers of NBC’s hit series “American Gladiators” (Mondays, 8-9 p.m. ET) are searching for potential contenders and Gladiators for season two of the high-octane hit series. The casting calls will take place in Los Angeles on Jan. 26, Denver, Austin and Chicago on Feb. 2 and Scottsdale, New York City and Orlando on Feb. 9.

“To all those gladiator-maniacs out there we are looking for strong, determined individuals from all walks of life who have a lot of heart and soul, said Hulk Hogan, host of ‘American Gladiators.’ If you think you have what it takes we look forward to seeing you bring the heat – brother!”

If you think you have the heart, skills, and desire to compete, then they want to see you at the gladiator arena! Casting calls will be held on the following dates and in the locations after the jump….

LOS ANGELES
Saturday, January 26
10:00am – 4:00pm
Gold’s Gym-Venice Beach
360 Hampton Dr.
Venice, CA. 90291
www.goldsgym.com

DENVER, COLORADO
Saturday, February 2
10:00am – 4:00pm
University of Colorado at Boulder
Student Recreation Center
355 UCB
Boulder, CO. 80309
www.colorado.edu/rec-center

AUSTIN, TEXAS
Saturday, February 2
10:00am – 4:00pm
Gold’s Gym – Tech Ridge
235 Canyon Ridge Dr.
Austin, TX 78753
www.goldsgym.com

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Saturday, February 2
10:00am to 4:00pm
Crunch Fitness
Grand/Wabash Location
38 E. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL USA 60611
www.crunch.com

CHANDLER, ARIZONA
Saturday February 9th, 2008
10:00am – 4:00pm
Pure Fitness
3029 N. Alma School Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85224
www.purefitnessclubs.com

NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Saturday, February 9th, 2008
10:00am – 4:00pm
Crunch Fitness – 38th St.
144 West 38th St.
New York, NY 10018
www.crunch.com

ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Saturday, February 9th, 2008
10:00am – 4:00pm
Universal Orlando Citywalk
6000 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
www.citywalkorlando.com
*Follow American Gladiator Sign to Registration
*Parking is $11
*No Overnights, Arrive no earlier than 8:00am day of event

Hulk Hogan (“Hogan Knows Best”) and Laila Ali (“Dancing with the Stars”) host “American Gladiators,” the iconic competition series, which returns with a fresh modern reinvention for the 21st century. Using splashy twists including special effects, water skills and the latest technology, the classic games will be upgraded with even higher thrills, impact, energy and spectacle.

As in MGM’s traditional “American Gladiators” franchise, everyday amateur athletes compete against the Gladiators in contests of physical strength and endurance. The series includes such classic events as Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough, Powerball, Assault, Pyramid, Gauntlet and the Eliminator along with two brand-new events including Earthquake and Hit & Run.

“American Gladiators” is produced by MGM Television (the original producers of the show) and Reveille (NBC’s “The Office” and “The Biggest Loser,” “Nashville Star,” “Ugly Betty”). Reveille’s Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens and David A. Hurwitz (“Fear Factor”) are the executive producers alongside Flor-Jon, Films Inc.’s Johnny Ferraro, original series creator.

If you are unable to make these casting calls you can always send in a video with a maximum of 5 minutes on the tape in VHS, DVD or mini-DV format.  Video tapes must be sent in by February 11th.  For all the casting information, dates and times along with updates check out NBC’s website.

It has come time to meet the 24 contenders who will give their life and limb to do battle against the Gladiators all season long for a chance to win $100K.  Looking over the contender list we have an eclectic group of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds including a professional chef, a powerlifting champion, New York firefighter, professional skateboarder, bullrider, lawyer, chiropracter, two teachers and the list goes on.  For the complete list of all 24 contenders with their mini biographies follow the link to read more.

You can also check the contender page to see what episodes the contenders will be on.

Male Contenders

Evan Dollard
Evan Dollard is a 25-year-old retail manager from Chicago, Illinois. Dollard is an avid rock climber and very much an outdoor enthusiast (he teaches rock climbing as a hobby). He lost his mom to brain cancer a few years ago and he is especially close with his father and brother.

Son Nguyen
Son Nguyen is a 36-year-old fireman and father of three. Son’s family fled from Vietnam when he was just 3 years old. He is the youngest of four boys and now has three children of his own (all boys). As a kid he volunteered with the fire department and fell in love with it. He has been a fireman for 14 years currently resides in Huntington Beach, California.

Chad Knight
Chad Knight is a 31-year-old professional skateboarder who thinks his balance and tenacity will serve him well in the Gladiator arena. Four years ago, he shattered the bones in his left leg, leaving his life spiraling out of control. Through his new studies as a physiotherapist and a cautious return to skateboarding, he is on top of his life again. He currently lives in Encinitas, California.

Jeff Keller
Jeff Keller is a 38-year-old father who currently works in radio sales for Jack 93.1 FM. Keller was a contender on the original “American Gladiators” in 1994, but when he got caught in traffic his spot was given to someone else. Now, 13 years later, he is prepared to make good on his promise to win “American Gladiator.” He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.

Anthony Abbatemarco
Anthony Abbatemarco is a 27-year-old New York City firefighter. He is a classic all-American Brooklyn kid, with an endearing smile and sense of humor. As a New York city firefighter he wants to appear on “American Gladiators” to help remind people of what America lost on 9/11. He currently lives in New York City.

Adonis Lockett
Adonis Lockett is a 23-year-old satellite engineer for Boeing. Adonis was a two sport high school athlete who believes he owes all his success to his mom. As a child his family struggled financially and he succeeded by working hard and being the first in the family to go to college. He plans to use his winnings to help his mom retire. Adonis is also a competitive “stepper.” He plans on showing off some of his steps on stage. He currently lives in Gardena, California.

Jeff Chapman
Jeff Chapman is a 26-year-old radiation control technician. Chapman is a likable country boy with an “Aww shucks” attitude. He is trained in mixed martial arts and is an amateur fighter. He and his wife opened a karate studio to teach kids that wouldn’t normally be able to afford it. He currently lives in Harriman, Tennessee.

Sharaud Moore
Sharaud Moore is a 30-year-old high school algebra teacher. Moore is one of the original “Freedom Writers.” He is a family man that knows he owes it all to his mom. His mom was very young when she gave birth to him and although they struggled, Sharaud always knew what was important, an education. He’s now an algebra teacher at Long Beach middle school. He lives in Long Beach, California.

Mark Baker
Mark Baker is a 35-year-old chiropractor and former Army distance runner. Baker wanted to try out for “American Gladiators” the first time around but was turned away because he was only 17. He is now back and ready to go. Mark currently runs two chiropractor offices in Chicago, Illinois.

Adam Levin
Adam Levin is a 29-year-old shark fisherman who lost his home in Hurricane Wilma. He’s an outdoors type that found himself on the docks fishing and then was offered a job on a fishing boat as shark fisherman. After losing most of what he owned in the hurricane, he moved to Texas to start to rebuild his life. He currently lives in Bedford, Texas.

Alex Rai
Alex Rai is a 25-year-old high school history teacher and wrestling coach. Rai has been wrestling since he was 5-years-old and received a full wrestling scholarship to California State University Northridge. Hulk Hogan is his hero, and he keeps a wrestling belt in his classroom in honor of “The Hulk.” When he was just 15-years-old, his father passed away just two weeks before wrestling season. Teachers and wrestling coaches held him together. That’s when he knew he wanted to be a teacher. He currently lives in Rosemead, California.

Molivann Duy
Molivann Duy is a 24-year-old daycare teacher by day and student by night. His biggest idols are his parents who fled Cambodia during the 1970s massacres and made a great life out of nothing. By example of his parents, Molivann feels like he can accomplish anything he puts his mind to. He currently lives in Lakewood, California.

Female Contenders

Toni Oppliger
Toni Oppliger is a 46 year-old high school teacher, athletic director and single mother of two. She is also the 2005 national power-lifting champion. She firmly believes that “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” And as she is the oldest contender, she figures she is plenty strong from all the knocks she’s received in life. Toni currently lives in Carrollton, Texas.

ShaNay Norvell
ShaNay Norvell is a 31-year-old life wellness trainer who specializes in working with adolescent kids. Norvell teaches kids to get into shape and runs a non-profit organization for adolescents. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Christie Philips
Christie Philips is a 39-year-old karate instructor and mother of two. She is currently the Female World Grapping Champion. “Girl Power” is Christie’s motto. “If you can do it, I can do it too.” Her mission in life is to empower women. She’s graceful and proud of her age. She lives in San Marcos, California.

Jessie Foster
Jessie Foster is a 26-year-old single mother of three and a toilet paper saleswoman. Foster has a great attitude and wants to change her life for the better. She believes “American Gladiators” is the first step to making that happen. She hopes to someday open a retreat camp for single parents and their children to focus on body, mind and soul. She currently lives in Donahue, Iowa.

Christine Kim
Christine Kim is a 27-year-old self-proclaimed tom-boy who grew up in a very traditional home with an old school Korean father who didn’t always approve of her choices. As a child her father was upset that she was always outside being athletic and tomboyish, then she didn’t go to law and now she wants to kick some Gladiator rear end. Will daddy approve? Kim is currently a mortgage broker and lives in Redondo Beach, California.

Monica Carlson
Monica Carlson is a 32-year-old mother of 8-year-old twins and a former Portland Trailblazer dancer. Growing up “American Gladiators” was her favorite show. Her husband is a football coach and athletics plays a large part in the family. One of 11 kids growing up, Monica is in great shape and loves competition. She currently lives in Milwaukie, Oregon.

Koya Webb
Koya Webb is a 26- year-old professional chef, author and life coach. While in college she played multiple sports including basketball and track and field. She also trained for the Olympics. Webb currently lives in Beverly Hills, California.

Kim Marciniak
Kim Marciniak is a 28-year-old medical sales rep and former dancer for the New York Knicks. She is a bubbly “Jersey girl” who grew up dancing and spent years doing so for the New York Knicks. She wants to prove that she can handle anything, and “American Gladiators” is just the way she wants to do it. She currently lives in Avenel, New Jersey.

Bonnie Blanco
Bonnie Blanco is a 25-year-old Marine sergeant and mother of two. She currently lives in Arlington, Texas. Bonnie grew up fast when she joined the military. She served a tour in Iraq leading a team of soldiers. While in the military she competed and won in the “Strongest Warrior” competition.

Belinda Gavin
Belinda is a 36-year-old bull rider originally from Australia. She grew up on ranches in Australia and was regularly taunted and dared to do things even the boys wouldn’t do. Her bravado stayed with her when she immigrated to the United States 15 years ago, leading her to become a bull rider. She currently lives in Burbank, California.

Jennifer Blum
Jennifer Blum is a women’s football player who grew up sleeping with a football in her bed. When she was 9-years-old, she and her parents sued for her right to be on a boy’s soccer team — an event that was covered in the media nationwide. Always a tom-boy, never afraid to take a hit or hit back, she is ready to jump into the ring with the Gladiators. Blum, a civil litigation lawyer, is 34 years old and currently lives in Franklin Park, New Jersey.

Siene Silva
Siene Silva is a 34-year-old gymnastics Instructor and life coach from Fairfax, Virginia. She was a powerlifting champ in high school and owes all her success to her mom who taught her to always keep pushing no matter how hard life gets.