Newton, Iowa

Newton, Iowa did not need the International Wrestling Institute and Museum to make the town famous. It has many places that would classify it a worthwhile stop on anyone's trip through Mid America.

Maytag put its trademark label on washing machine production here as early as 1907. The Jasper County museum has many of these fine products on display. The courthouse that governs Newton and surrounding Jasper County has a beautiful restored exterior that includes stained glass windows.

Just south of Newton is the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses over 5000 acres. The refuge houses one of the largest groups of Buffalo and Elk outside of Yellowstone National Park.

I had started the day at 5 a.m., and, after putting in a full eight-hour day, I traveled to just south of Chicago, arriving at Chief Paul Farber's home just past 8:30 p.m. I had the pleasure of first meeting Juan "Mr. Karate" Hernandez and then Cameron Cage. The three families sat and talked and looked at pictures, not only from my archives, but from theirs as well.

I was very amazed to find out that a couple of the guys that we have seen at the top of the two major groups got their start under the watchful eye of Juan Hernandez. The Undertaker had his early matches in the Chicago area as "The Commando." Dave Sullivan of "EVAD" fame also got a break in the area.

Juan had his neck broken in a match in 1992 and was forced to retire from active mat competition, but he continued to guide young people into the wrestling world. At around 11:30 p.m., we finally broke up the meeting, as we had an early start scheduled for Iowa some 300 miles away.

At 5 a.m., I rose, showered, and started to get ready for the long day. We went to Juan's home nearby and proceeded westbound. At roughly 11 a.m., we were at Newton and began our tour of the facility. Six-time World Champion Lou Thesz greeted me. His handshake is still very firm, and he stays in great shape for a man in his mid 80's.

Next to meet us was Karl Lauer, Vice President of the Cauliflower Alley Club. I turned, and Danny Hodge was coming through the door, along with Red Bastien, President of the CAC. Tom Drake, who was to receive the Karl Gotch award, followed him. Jason Sanderson and the Colonel were among the others that graced the multi-room facility. Also in attendance were Scott McLin of Saturday Night Slam fame and Chuck Shockley of KJJC Radio.

After nearly four hours of touring and talking with the greats of the business, we went and checked into our motel. A short time later, at 5:30, we left for the Newton Country Club, where the Banquet Dinner was to be served at 7 p.m. I was very impressed by its design and the formal attitude it gave guests.

After the wonderful dinner, we began to formally introduce the recipients of the inductions for the 2001 class of honorees. First was Farmer Burns of Iowa, represented by friends from his hometown. William Muldoon was next and was spoken well of by Mike Chapman. Denny Miller of Tarzan fame (circa 1958) was in attendance. What a classy guy he is; the CAC will be honoring him in Las Vegas during the February 2002 reunion at the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Tom Drake was the next to be honored, and this Cullman, Alabama resident gave the crowd a wonderful speech and a great smile while accepting the Frank Gotch Award. We were also honoring a fantastic young man by the name of Nick Ackerman. He had both of his legs amputated below the knee at an early age due to medical problems, but it didn't discourage him from being a top wrestler. He does wear artificial metal legs but wrestles without them. He was honored with the Danny Hodge award and will also be honored in Las Vegas next year.

Jack Brisco could not attend, as he has been having some health problems. They did, however, have him speak to us by way of phone from his home in Tampa. The final person to be honored, Tim Woods, arrived at 8 p.m., due to weather problems in St. Louis. He spoke of his love for the business and the earlier years that he was in collegiate encounters.

Following the ceremonies, we had plenty of time for fellowship, and many tales, some tall, were given. Many of the stories were about the late friend that we lost a few weeks before, Tex McKenzie. Tex was loved by many and will be missed as the meetings continue for the CAC.

The following morning, the official inductions were given at the museum in a more relaxed manner. After the awards were given out, we went to the Westwood Golf Course. The first guy we bumped into was Verne Gagne, former AWA Champ. Baron Fritz Von Raschke was also there for the golf tournament.

It certainly was great to see the champs in action at the awards and to do a wonderful trip with two fine gentlemen. It was a learning experience, one that will be remembered for many years to come.

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers