At Fight For Hearts, we take pride in delivering best possible experience and value to our partners. Composed of highly skilled trainers and fitness experts, this team embodies the essence of dedication, passion, and adaptability.
SRDAN LUKIĆ
Founder/Grant Writer/Coach
Srdan Lukić was born with a Congenital Heart Defect and survived 3 open heart surgeries, liver disease and 2 ablations. Fitness has been the reason for
Srdan has boxed competitively from 2003-2012, finishing his career with 54 bouts, 3 NY State Golden Gloves titles, and representing USA in international competition.
Certifications include: Certified Personal Trainer (NCFS), Certified Strength Coach (CFSC), Senior Fitness Specialist (NASM), USA Boxing Certified Coach, Youth Fitness Specialist (NASM),as well as CPR/AED Certified.
Srdan worked as a strength and conditioning coach with division 1 football players as well a 2020 Olympian (Cam Awesome).
In 2018, Srdan was named “Inspirational Honoree” by American Heart Association, for the community outreach initiatives.
In 2019 Srdan was inducted into the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse Hall of Fame for the continuing fitness support.
Tom Coulter
Director of Operations
Tom Coulter is a hall of fame Olympic boxing coach and considered an expert in the sport of boxing. Leading the USA boxing team to 14 Olympic medals in two separate Olympics (1988 and 1996) Tom's experience is second to none. Named the USA's coach of the year, his introduction of interval running to the Olympic training program was a huge leap forward for the USA boxing team. Tom started Syracuse Friends of Boxing (SFOB) in 1965, which is responsible producing more than 20 world-level amateur boxers (most notably Frankie Lyles).
Tom has been inducted in to the Boxing Hall of Fame as a Coach in December 2017.
Tom Coulter also has a passion for running, and was a member of the national championship cross country team at Syracuse University in 1951. Tom qulaified and competed in total of 3 marathons.
SFOB shut down operations in 2018, and Tom is currently enjoying his retirement. Tom is responsible for advising and supervising the programming of Fight For Hearts.
Juan Perez
Coach
Juan was born in Brooklyn NY, and started competitively running at a young age. In his late teens, Juan was introduced to the sport of Boxing. Training in the NYC's world famous Gleasons gym, Juan was able to train along side some of the top amateur and professional boxers in the world. Juan finished his amateur career with over 30 bouts, and quickly transitioned to coaching in 2004.
Juan has been involved in youth development for over 15 years, working with Syracuse City School District.
Juan brings other skills to the table as he is a High School track and field coach, as well as a personal trainer. Juan focus is working with youth athletes (Elementary - High School).
Jim Pigg
Program Manager/Coach
Jim is a Strength and Conditioning coach, a Youth Fitness Specialist and a USA Boxing Coach. Studying boxing under Tom Coulter, Jim's boxing IQ increased quickly allowing him to surpass many more experienced coaches, becoming a head coach of the SFOB in 2016. Working with many top amateur boxers, Jim focuses on conditioning of the athletes as much as helping improve skill.
An important part of Jim's life is leading a clean and healthy lifestyle by following a vegetarian diet and daily exercise.
Jim is a Certified Strength Coach (CFSC), Youth Fitness Specialist (NASM) as well as USA Boxing Certified Coach.
Shane Manley
Program Manager/Coach
Shane is a professional MMA athlete, with 10 professional fights. Shane competed under Bellator MMA, CES, and others federations. Shane also competed in Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt), wrestling, and amateur boxing. Shane is a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and a hosts workshops throughout central NY. With both practical and theoretical knowledge of sports science, Shane is valuable asset to the Fight For Hearts coaching team.