Where are They Now:

By Brian Baiotto

Over the past 40-plus years, Kamron King has been a fixture in the city of Glendora.

King was a three-sport student-athlete at GHS.

He began his prep career playing baseball, basketball and football.

However, in his final two years at Glendora, King stuck with football and basketball.

Kam has always been a standout in anything he puts his mind to.

And it has never been an option in his world to half-ass anything.

At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, and with long blond hair and a chiseled physique, King wasn’t just the focus of college football coaches and scouts.

He was also very popular with the ladies.

After graduating high school in 1983, King took his skills to the University of California at Berkeley to continue his academic and football career.

He also had offers from Stanford and Boise State.

King’s patience, character, perseverance and selflessness were put on display almost immediately.

He spent the 394-mile drive from Glendora to Berkeley contemplating the contributions he would make for the Golden Bears at linebacker.

However, through a series of events, King would red shirt, and he tried out for five different positions.

He just wanted to be a part of an elite academic institution and a member of their football program.

There were a number of times where many in his shoes would have understandably said, f*** this, I want to go somewhere that I can play.

At one point, a coach at Cal essentially invited King to leave Berkeley for greener pastures.

In a less direct way, the coach insinuated that he wasn’t big enough, strong enough or good enough to play for the Bears.

And that’s what makes King’s life story so amazing, both on and off a football field.

After trying out for five positions and accumulating almost zero stock in his profile at Cal, King continued to work his ass off.

And eventually, it paid massive dividends.

He went from being irrelevant years prior to Cal’s team captain, Most Improved Lineman, their Most Improved Lifter, Offensive Line MVP and he earned the Strongest Bear Award.

Kam described the craziness that were his first few years in Berkeley.

“Cal wanted me as an inside linebacker, and I had never played it before. There was a big learning curve. At the end of my red shirt freshman year, I was splitting one’s with strongside linebacker Hardy Nickerson, who went on to have an NFL career. The coaches approached me, and they asked if I wanted to play defensive end, so I went to defensive end, and I wasn’t that good at it. I never got past third string.

Then, during our spring game, our defensive tackle got hurt and they needed someone, so I played defensive tackle, because I wanted to be a good teammate. I actually got two sacks against our starting guard. My coach then asked if I wanted to play nose guard, and it turned out to be another position I wasn’t very good at. Within one year, I tried out for linebacker, defensive end, nose guard and now center on the offensive line. Finally, they asked me to play guard.”

Fast forward to King’s third year up north, and he’s a backup right guard.

Cal was playing Missouri, and he was listed third string on the depth chart for that game.

When a teammate ahead of him got hurt, Kam ran out on the field, and it didn’t go over well with his coaches to stay the least.

“They got mad, called a timeout and told me that I shouldn’t have run out there, and that I should have known I wasn’t the backup guard. I had a meeting with the coach, and he said not to expect to go in because I was third string.”

King doesn’t like taking no for an answer, and he’s never going to give up.

In fact, a coach was so blunt that he told Kam that “you might never find a spot where you can contribute. You might want to consider finding another school where you can play.”

King respectfully and politely disagreed with the assessment.

“Please give me one series of downs next time someone gets hurt to see if I can contribute,” he pleaded. “I’m not quitting and I’m not leaving.”

At the next game against Washington, King got his chance and did well after a teammate got injured.

Things went so well that he thought he had earned the starting position in the spring.

However, it would take King until his junior year to prove he was right, and perhaps their gauge was inaccurate.

He played in all 11 games.

And as mentioned, he earned more than a handful of team accolades during a successful senior season.

King said the most dominant teammate he played with at Cal was Keith Kartz, who made the all-Madden Team and blocked for John Elway in Denver.

Arizona State’s defensive tackle Dan Saleaumua, who went on to play for the Chiefs, Lions and Seahawks was the most impressive player that King had to block.

Ron Rivera, who played at Cal and led the Carolina Panthers to the 2015 Super Bowl told King he could play at the NFL level, but his life took him in another direction.

King said former Phoenix Suns’ point guard Kevin Johnson was one of the more famous athletes-to-be while he went to school in Berkeley.

Aside from his work ethic, and the adopting of John Wooden’s ‘stay the course’ mentality, King’s success had a lot to do with his fitness, strength and conditioning.

So, for the last 37 years, King has dedicated his life to the physical health and conditioning of not only himself, but anyone and everyone that seeks a better life for themselves.

How did he get into the business of physical fitness?

“It was December of 1988 when it all started. I was 23 and I was considering getting my teaching credential at the time and pursuing teaching and coaching. Working in a gym seemed like something I would like to do while I was figuring out the next step of my life post football. I worked as a trainer for about a year and decided it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t see a viable path forward that would support the life I had envisioned for myself.

So, I went back to the plan of teaching and coaching. I was taking some classes and still working in the gym. A gentleman, who I previously trained, approached me about training him again. I let him know I was transitioning away from training. He told me to name my price, and that he would pay it. I did, he did and the next thing I knew I my business grew. I was training people from 5 am to 8 pm five days per week. I worked for Bulldog gym from 1988 until 1993. I briefly worked at World Gym in 1994 for my good friend and current co-worker Mike Goodman.”

After years of working for others, Kam decided it was time to build his own gym, and King’s Gym, which was renamed King’s Fitness in 2006 opened in 1995 in the Stater Bros shopping center on Lone Hill and Route 66.

But how could he make it a worthwhile endeavor both financially and psychologically?

“Very early in my career, I would fantasize about owning my own gym, but I knew it would require a lot of money. Back then, I would train clients for $15-$25 per hour. I also didn’t want to go into competition with the gym where I was working. Ultimately, there was a falling out between myself and the person running that facility. At that point, I felt I was no longer bound to that gym and decided it was time to move forward on my own. That was in 1993.”

I asked King how difficult it was to make it work at the launching of his own gym.

Said Kam King: “Difficult is not the word. There is a reason the attrition rate of gyms is one of the highest of all industries. I leveraged everything I could to open the gym. The amount of money it takes and the return on that money, in my opinion, doesn’t make sense. I don’t believe that this is a business one goes into to make money. Perhaps, the big corporate facilities have figured out how to do it. I do not operate by the same business plan. I have a client I’ve trained since 1989 and still do today. We used to train on Saturday mornings and then we would go out to breakfast. He is a very successful business owner and when I told him what I wanted to do, he said something that we still laugh about today. He said, “Are you crazy?”

He went on to explain the relationship between cash flow and overhead. I knew he was right, but I wanted to do it and believed I could figure it out. I didn’t want to back down from my dream. I still have to grind today. It has been thirty years, and I feel as concerned about meeting my financial obligations now as I did then. Maybe that is a good thing. I still work very long hours and train a lot of people. We don’t take anyone for granted. Every person that walks through the door is appreciated and valued. Perhaps that is one of the main reasons for our success. I am not aware of another small gym that has been around for thirty years and owns their property like we do. I am also confident that I have trained more sessions over the last 37 years than anyone else in the San Gabriel Valley if not even farther across the country. It just doesn’t happen.”

Eventually, King moved his gym just over a mile west at 917 E. Route 66 in Glendora.

Ironically, it’s located next to the famous ‘Donut Man,’ and it allows those who feel guilty after scarfing down thousands of calories to walk inside King’s Fitness and go directly to the treadmill.

As you’ll see below in the quotable section, his customers love the gym and the personal attention and support Kam and his crew provide.

After speaking to many of his loyal clientele, they can’t get enough of how family orientated the gym makes them feel.

In fact, King considers each member a friend and not a paid guest.

Even in the most trying of times, King and his gym have provided comfort and options for its members.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, King built an outside gym on the property with equipment more than six feet apart.

It allowed a limited number of people at a time to come in for a session and not only get trained, but to work off some of their anxiety that those times brought upon all of us.

King has a long and impressive history of helping young athletes at the high school and college level reach elite physical status to compete in their respective sports at as high a level as possible.

He even spent time working with the late-great Reg Miller in broadcasting Friday night high school football games for Adelphia Cable between 1997-2004.

What is happening in King’s personal life?

As mentioned, when he got started in the business, Kam was eye candy for the ladies.

But Kam said people misread his being single as wanting to live the life of a playboy.

King said that he’s always wanted to settle down and have kids with the right woman.

That right woman turned out to be Sheri Seader.

Now, Sheri King, Kam’s wife has always been his equal in every way.

She’s bright, motivated, supportive, and by all accounts, a terrific mother, friend and person.

They got married on October 9th of 2004.

Sheri used to work at her husband’s gym, but she currently does commercial property management.

The King’s have three impressive children.

The eldest, Kody, is 19, and he pitches at Cal State Northridge.

Kody starred at San Dimas High School, and he ended his prep career in 2024 as the Valle Vista League’s Most Valuable player.

Kamryn is 17.

She plays volleyball at Glendora High School, as well as beach volleyball.

Kolt is 15 and the youngest of the King trio.

He plays baseball at GHS.

In his past, Kolt also competed in soccer, flag football, basketball and golf.

All three of the King children adore and look up to their father, as you’ll see in the quotable section below.

To Kody, Kamryn and Kolt, your dad is just as proud of you as you are of him.

I asked your father what the most rewarding part of being a dad is, and he said, “having a plan, executing the plan and seeing it come from fruition for all of our kids through hard work and love has been amazing. I am very proud of each of them and the family that Sherri and I have built. They are great kids, and we enjoy each other’s company.”

I asked King what made Sheri his ride-or-die partner.

“Sheri is just really confident and really strong. There were a number of times while we were dating that I knew that she was the one. She’s a great wife and mother, and she’s very supportive of our children’s friends and teammates.”

Sheri had been known to spontaneously put a pizza party together after a win, and she makes sure that all the kids have fun and get fed.

No one can say Kam King isn’t a romantic at heart.

He’s always loved hiking in the foothills.

And he planned out an elaborate way to propose to Sheri.

Kam got a permit from the Forestry Department, and he surprised Sheri by having a chef cook a dinner for them on the top of the ridge. He would later get down on one knee, and she obviously said yes.

The evening also included some horseback riding.

Sheri and Kam spent his 60th birthday recently at the University of Oklahoma watching Kody pitch for the CSUN.

When asked what he loves about the Glendora community and why he’s struck around so long, King said, “I like the fact that a lot of quaintness in Glendora still exists. I love regularly seeing people from generations come around and the relationships that are built over time. The Foothills are an awesome resource to bike and hike, and we have so many fun options to stay fit and do so with family and friends.”

I’ll end with a pretty epic quote from Kam as captain of the Cal football program: “Leaders do what they believe is the best for those they lead even though it may be lonely and uncomfortable at times.”

To view photos of King and his family through the years, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook

Quotable:

Former Cal offensive lineman, & teammate, Blaise Smith: “Kam was the epitome of perseverance when it came to Cal Football. He demonstrated a “can do” attitude both on the field and in the classroom. Kam was recruited as a tight end, then switched to a linebacker and finally landed as a member of the offensive line. Although undersized and inexperienced, he was a competitor. He worked hard in both the weight room, and the film room, and dedicated himself to become a mainstay of the offensive line. He earned the respect of his teammates and was voted by his peers as team captain. He has taken the tools he earned on the gridiron to become a dedicated husband, loving dad, successful businessman and a loyal friend. Page one of my high school playbook began with the following quote: “Life’s battles do not always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man that wins is the man who thinks he can.” This describes the perseverance and attitude of Kam.”

Former Cal running back & teammate, Terrance McCartey: “Kam was the ultimate competitor. He did not play hard because he wanted notoriety, he played hard because he did not want to let his teammates down. The thing I admire the most about Kam is his loyalty as a friend and his integrity as a person. Kam is one of the finest men I know. As young men navigating academics and football at CAL, I could always count on Kam to be there as a friend to help me out.”

San Dimas baseball coach, Mike Regan: “Kam King is the kind of guy that will give you the shirt off his back. Kam and his wife Sheri were a huge part of one of the most supportive group of parents we have had since I have been coaching. He’s always involved with all that his children do and supports them unconditionally. He is great father, husband and mentor to many kids in the community. Kody and Rocco (Regan) have been friends since about 13 years of age, and the King’s have treated my son like part of the family. My son has spent a ton of time at King’s Fitness and learned a lot about lifting and fitness from him. He respects and looks up to Kam and tells me how he always takes time to check in and see how he is doing, which I greatly appreciate. Kam tries to see the best in people, doesn’t pass judgement and is always there to lend a helping hand if needed. As a parent of one of my players, he was always respectful and understood the process. The King’s are great people. Sheri is still helping me with my banquet and team shop this year with no kid in the program. I am grateful for the King’s continual support, but more thankful for their friendship. Kam and the King’s are and always will be part of the San Dimas Baseball Family. I am glad you are taking the time to honor someone deserving like Kam King!”

King’s Fitness member, Cindy Johnson: “Kam King has always motivated me. Even before joining King’s Gym 20 years ago, I would see Kam running on the streets and think, I need to be doing more with fitness. As a long-distance runner myself, I joined King’s Gym to get more muscle definition and improve my overall fitness. Kam has led by example all along the way. As a business owner myself, I admire how Kam runs his gym by keeping people happy and having fun while working out. His personalized approach with his clients keeps people motivated and coming back on a regular basis. Kings Gym is a little gem. It’s smaller size builds community while essentially having everything you need to get a good work out in. I’ve worked out for the past 20 years at King’s Gym and have met so many great people there. Kam keeps everything running smoothly and offers lots of support whenever I’ve needed it.”

King’s Fitness member, Kitty Garvey: “Kamron King has been my physical trainer and friend for over 20 years. The friendship and camaraderie of other gym members are a huge asset that makes you committed to a program. Kamron is always encouraging. King’s Gym is a vital part of so many members’ daily lives.”

King’s Fitness member, Jeff Morton: “Kings Fitness has been my go-to for staying in shape for over 25 years. As one of the original members, I still start each morning there. In the early days, I had the privilege of being Kam’s workout partner, and his friendship and mentorship made every session enjoyable. His positive energy and expertise in fitness have made King’s Fitness a hub for enthusiasts from all around the area. What I admire most about Kam is his commitment to helping student-athletes in the community. He genuinely strives to see each kid succeed — not just on the field or court, but also in the gym. I wholeheartedly recommend King’s Fitness to everyone, from beginners to serious athletes and everyone in between. Kam fosters an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, where respect and support thrive among members, regardless of their fitness levels.”

King’s Fitness member, Chuck Ciorlieri: “Years ago, when I first started working out at his gym, Kam was training for a triathlon, and he would spend hours on a treadmill and a stationary bike. I would talk to him and got encouraged to start running and working out, I admire that he runs his gym, goes to all of his kids’ activities, trains some of his clients, will talk to members of the gym, young and old about anything physical activities, politics and investments. He’s awesome and well informed. I have recommended him gym to many people. It’s a nice, friendly gym.”

King’s Fitness member, Bill Stewart: “I have been a member of King’s Gym since it opened in 1995. I grew up in Canada and I was working out at small independent gyms, and I prefer them to the big corporate gyms. For me, King’s Gym is my second home, and I have made many friends for life there. Most importantly for me is how King’s Gym is a very positive and supportive community for my special-needs daughter. I have brought her along on my Saturday morning workouts, and she is treated like a rock star. Of the many things I admire about Kam is how well he is able to connect with and effectively train junior high and high school students. He is truly gifted at this. I highly recommend Kam as a trainer and King’s Gym for anyone looking to be part of a caring community where everyone is welcome.”

Kam’s 19-year-old son, Kody King: “My dad is the hardest worker I know. Without him, and everything he has sacrificed, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to play Division 1 baseball.”

Kam’s 17-year-old daughter, Kamy King: “My dad is a strong resilient man, who has worked hard every day of his career to create a gym that makes you feel cared about and supported. It has a sense of ‘home’ that you can’t find anywhere else. I admire his strength and ability to overcome any obstacle in life. He has taught me to work hard to achieve my goals and how to be confident in every circumstance.”

Kam’s 15-year-old son, Kolt King: “Dad, thank you for being the backbone of our family. You’ve always been there for me and your put our needs first. Growing up in the world of fitness, you have always given me the mindset to work hard, stay the course, and my goals will be achieved.”