As I rose at 5 a.m. on Friday morning, I began my day with a great breakfast and began to think about the trip ahead to Newton and the Hall of Fame inductions.

After a quick morning to ready myself, David Ring and I climbed into my new Grand Marquis Mercury and headed westbound on the turnpikes that connect Ohio with Indiana and Illinois with Iowa.

We encountered a short delay on the Ohio pike, as there was a huge accident, and life flight helicopter had to be brought in to help out one of the victims of the crash. This totally stopped the traffic on the west side and backed up traffic for about 15 miles. By the time we came upon it, we were one hour getting through those final miles.

Through the lower part of Chicago, we encountered heavy traffic and violent thunderstorms that caused many accidents ahead of us, again stopping the flow of traffic. Again, we were two and a half hours getting some 15 miles to Interstate 80.

After a few stops, we were well on our way to Newton and the International Wrestling Museum. As I glanced at the clock, it was 12 midnight when we pulled into the hotel parking lot. We were met by Police Chief Farber and checked into our rooms.

At about 7 a.m., I rose, and David and I met for breakfast with Karl and Mrs. Lauer, Juan Hernandez and Chief Farber, George Schire, Joyce Paustian and Dan Roeglin. It was just an hour later that we met at the museum and began to welcome the guests into the facility.

We first met with Billy Robinson, former British Empire Champion, and exchanged a lot of good and some bad news. It was there that he told me that Angus had passed away. They had been friends since early in their respective careers.

Next to come through the door was Dr. Ken Ramey, who managed the Interns in a lot of territories. We had been friends since the mid 60's and had not seen each other since 2002 at the CAC in Las Vegas.

Dan and Delores Hodge came forward, and we gave each other big handshakes and hugs as they were celebrating their 52 years of marriage. What a beautiful couple they are.

Tom Drake and his wife were next to stop by and say hello. They are both attorneys and came in from Alabama for the event. Tom was also an honoree into the museum's hall of fame.

Dick Hutton, World's Champ from the 50's, was next to come into the room as it began to fill up to almost capacity with press and fans to witness the fifth induction ceremonies. Bob Geigel and Tom Andrews, along with Verne Gagne, former AWA champ, came by to say hello to David and me as well.

We slowly entered the crowded room that held many mementoes of the wrestling world that were encased behind glass for all to look at and enjoy. It was nearing the 10 a.m. starting time, and, all of a sudden, the crowd began to cheer as the three living members of the class of 2003 entered the room. Thunderous applause went out as Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon, Billy Robinson and Governor Jesse Ventura sat down in front of the ring that is in the middle of the room.

Mike Chapman began the ceremony by dedicating this year's event to the memory of both Lou Thesz and Tim Woods. There was a moment of silence, and heads were bowed in respect to the two great men that were a vital part of the museums heritage.

Beginning the speech that gave the plaque a grand ovation of a memory to one of the true legends in our business, Mike called on Verne Gagne to accept for the George Hackenschmidt family. Next came Joe Scarpello's wife to accept for her husband, who was a big legend in the Midwest and the world.

Billy Robinson was called next, and, on very weak legs, he rose from his chair and stated that not only does he now sound like Mad Dog, he even is starting to walk like him, and drew laughs from everybody including Maurice, who was seated in front of him.

Maurice Vachon was called next, and, true to his image of being a legitimate tough guy, he rose without the aid of his cane on his one good leg and gladly accepted the prize that had brought him there.

Calling Jesse Ventura to the podium was very easy, and Jesse stood out wearing his Navy Seal ball cap and casual shirt. He stated that they had saved the best for last and that he was very humbled to accept the Frank Gotch award for his years involved with the wrestling business.

Also mention of being in attendance was Bob Mathias, a man that was applauded as being the World's Greatest Athlete and Olympic Decathlon winner in 1948 while just 17 years of age. What a super way to top off the morning's event with his appearance.

The museum had other greats in the past few years like Bob Feller, baseball Hall of Famer, NBA Slam Dunk champ Spud Webb, Denny Miller, who portrayed Tarzan in many movies about the Edgar Rice Burroughs character, and Billy Mills, the 10,000-meter Olympic Games champ.

To be continued...