Bill Kersten

Happy New Year to everyone, and welcome to the new site of THE WAY IT WAS!

To paraphrase an old nemesis of mine ... HELLOOOOOOOO WRESTLING FANS! ... ARE YOU READY?

Bill Kersten opened every television show with those words, and he left the words imprinted in the memories of a lot of Midwest fans.

Last year, I had the honor of meeting him and sharing a great brunch with him in Kansas City as I was getting ready to go to Newton, Iowa for the Hall of Fame Inductions. Bill has not aged a single year since retiring from the Kansas City Power Company and Heart of America Sports.

He even had a run as Mayor of Liberty, Missouri and did very well, giving the voters what they wanted. Politics as they may can be rewarding or discouraging, depending on the moods of the voters. Bill was always a leader when it came to resolving problems. He studied the issue, sought a plan, and then tried to put it into use.

During our short meeting time, Bill and I wandered down Memory Lane and spoke about the men and women that were in the Midwest, wrestling during the time I was involved with Heart of America Sports.

Danny Little Bear was the first name that came to mind. Here was a man that could incite a riot by just asking for help from the fans. I can speak from first-hand experience about that issue. My first night in St. Joseph, Missouri had Angus against Little Bear, and, after about 15 minutes of Little Bear getting his backside kicked from pillar to post, two guys grabbed me from behind and one hit me square in the nose, breaking it. They then tried to get to Angus in the ring, but that was a different story, as Angus did not turn his back to them. I climbed into the ring where I would be safe and continued to fight off fans.

The police that were assigned to the auditorium must have been out getting coffee and donuts at the time. Of course, Gust Karras applauded the fans and would not file charges against the men that broke my nose and ruined a $200 sport coat and slacks.

Danny passed away and is remembered by all as a great ring technician.

We then talked about the old pro from St. Joe, Ronnie Etchison. Ronnie was a terrific performer in the ring and headlined many cards in a lot of territories. His biggest triumphs were in the old Calgary Territory. He once told me a story about Freddie Blassie cleaning his shotgun in the back seat of his Packard when it accidentally went off and blew a hole in the roof of the car. They had to go the rest of the trip with the wind and snow coming in the roof. A local garage that had a welder in it closed the hole while they were in the ring that night.

Ronnie and I also had a few encounters in the ring during my years in Missouri. He was a very strong, silent type of guy that loved to get you in a stretched out position and then ask, "How are you going to get out of this, wise guy?"

Ronnie was the chauffeur for Gust Karras for a number of years and never had an accident driving the huge Chrysler Imperials. Ronnie was also a deputy sheriff under Sonny Myers. His last few years on earth weren't very good for him, healthwise. Bob Orton Sr. spoke with me about his visit to Ronnie at a health center.

Ronnie was a true RING GENERAL that had a special feeling about the business he was in and showed it every time he entered the ropes.

Bill and I also talked about The Viking, Bob Morse. There was a guy that loved beautiful women and was constantly surrounded by them. Unknown to me, he was a retired military man and was given full permission to be buried at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas when he died.

Bob caused more riots than any team of guys in the business. He was barred from more states than any other wrestler because of his tactics in and out of the ring. If there was anything that epitomized him above others, it was his friendship he had with the guys. No matter what you did to him in the ring, he would still offer to buy you a drink or meal if he saw you on the road.

Bob also was a deputy sheriff of Jackson County, Missouri, besides serving his country.

Bill and I had a great visit and a wonderful meal, but, as always, good things have to come to an end somehow. We parted at the airport as I waited for Mike Miller to take me to Newton, Iowa.

Neither of us used the term GOODBYE. We just shook hands, gave each other a hug, and said, "Until next time, friend."

If any of you wish to send Bill an e-mail, you can send it to him either through me at the address below or through Chris Owens at www.harleyrace.com. I am sure that he would appreciate hearing from fans as much as I do.

Happy New Year!

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers