IIn my business, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people, but none as special as Birmingham’s Italian Stallion, Lou Scripa.

Lou and his wife Rose were considering a condo complex, and I had the good fortune to show them the property.

After spending the morning with Rose and Lou, Rose says to me, “You know, Lou holds a number of World

Records.”

I did not, and of course wanted to learn more.

I pulled out my phone and searched Lou Scripa, world records. 

All the while, Lou hasn’t said a word, just looking down at me from his towering frame with his eyes smiling. 

Shockingly, I learned that  Lou earned the following Guinness World Records. 

• 104,538 jumping jacks in 24 hours
• 41,788 leg raises in 12 hours
• 110,015 crunches in 17 hours
• 133,581 crunches in 30 hours
• 160,974 sit-ups in 82 hours
• 70,715 sit-ups in 24 hours or less
• 
  

According to Franoi.com, these are fitness endurance feats accomplished by Air Force veteran Louis “Lou” Scripa Jr. between 1980 and 1992, and acknowledged by the Guinness World Records. 

Lou is quoted, “I was fortunate I had a lot of endurance. I could go for a long time. 

 “The main thing was concentrating on not getting cramps. People would throw ice in my mouth to keep me hydrated.” 

According to Scripa, his goal was “not so much the recognition as raising money for charity and good causes.” 
 

Scripa inducted into National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame 

Rose shared with me that Lou had been nominated for induction into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and subsequently shared a copy of the nomination with me. 

According to  Franoi.com, Scripa, “joined the ranks of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) last year, but was unable to attend the induction ceremony. Instead, NIASHF President Ron Onesti flew to Alabama to induct him in person, capturing the moment on videotape and airing it at the December gala.” 
 

War hero

In reading Lou’s nomination, I learned that Lou is the recipient of numerous medals for Military Service, Courage, Bravery and Gallantry. Among them, Silver Star, Bronze Star with “V” for Valor, Airman’s Medal for Heroism, and the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the Vietnam War, where he served  as a paramedic for the US Air Force. 

Lou is also accomplished in Martial Arts, holding black belts in Judo, Jiu Jitsu, and Karate. During his military career, he taught Combative Measures to troops, both domestic and foreign. 
 

Raised millions of dollars in support of charities 

Lou has been responsible for raising millions of dollars in support of charities such as the Special Olympics, Diabetes Society, Make-A-Wish-Foundation, Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE), American Indian Relief Council and countless other causes.

 After completing a 23– year career in the military, Lou he went on to complete a second career of 24-years with the Aerojet Liquid and Solid Rocket Company in Sacramento California. 

Now 89, Scripa, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease, leads a quiet life with his wife, Rose, in their home in Vestavia Hills and loves living here! 

Just one more reason to be proud of our Magic City! 

Written by Ken Grodner, co-owner of Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams. He grew up in Mountain Brook and graduated Magna Cum Laud with a BS Degree in Accounting from the University of Alabama. After working in finance for many years around the country, he returned home to Birmingham with his wife, Vikki, to become a realtor.