VISTA, Calif. — Norfolk State head strength and conditioning coach Dr. Rodney Gaines competed in the 2007 Southern California Natural Bodybuilding Championships on May 12, and won the men's model search division, junior masters men's division (35-39 age group), the open men’s tall division, and the master's overall titles at the Vista Center in Vista, Calif.

With the wins, Gaines qualified to compete in the Natural Mr. Olympia on November 25, 2007 in Thessaloniki, Greece. He will prepare for his trip to Greece by competing in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Pro Natural World Championships on November 10 in New York City.

Gaines is entering his sixth year as strength and conditioning coach and assistant professor in the health, physical education, and exercise science department. Gaines, the former 1995 Mr. Virginia, began his professional career in the WNBF in 1998, and holds the 1999 WNBF Pro Natural Mr. Universe title.