I was so impressed with these two brothers that when I came home I started doing some research just to find out who they are. And I was indeed  impressed!

Matt Rankin with Karl & myself

Mark & Matt Rankin grew up in West Texas , and developed a love for vintage music, guitars, cars and anything from the classic era of the fifties and sixties. At 6 & 7 years old years old one of their favorite things to do was record themselves singing with Jan and Dean, The Beach Boys, and Buddy Holly. They performed in Texas for many years playing the classic music they love.
Now, Mark & Matt are main attractions in Branson Missouri at the beautiful Mickey Gilley Theater! With their talented cast of three female vocalists(The Rankinettes), five musicians, and an outstanding comedian, The Rankin Brothers authentically replicate the classic songs the way you remember hearing them. They will take you on a trip down memory lane, with their favorite classic songs of the last five decades. Hear classics from Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Neil Diamond, The Righteous Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel, all the way to Billy Joel, Eric Clapton and Faith Hill just to name a few.

Mark Rankin singing a Elvis tune

This multi-variety show speaks to all groups and generations. Along with their considerable vocal and musical talents, they have brotherly comedy and a stage presence that audiences adore. From parents to children, this truly is one of the greatest family attractions that you would want to be a part of. We enjoyed our time at this show and enjoyed spending the private time with Matt.
If you are ever in Branson, make sure you check out The Rankin Brothers! If you get the chance to meet Matt, Tell him I told you about the show and as usual, I was right! They really rock!

The Rankinettes with Karl & myself

We will be back in Branson hopefully soon and I guarantee you that we will be back at the Mickey Gilley Theater to enjoy this outstanding show!

Checkout the Rankin brothers at www.rankinbrothers.com for show dates and other great information.

Below you can enjoy some YouTube Video clips of the Rankin Brothers!

We arrived Wed. night. Called CAC member Emily Miller and she guided us to the lobby of the Hilton. After a few minutes outside we journeyed to the “work room”. VIP bags was being made for the VIP attendees that would show up Thursday. Annette and myself hung out there for awhile and chatted with Patsy Hughes(another CAC member). We decided to journey up to the bar and get some supper.

Due to the hotel being booked full. We stayed across the street at the Holiday Inn (we had to leave Friday evening in order for me to be back home Saturday to teach school at the local community college). So we headed over to the Holiday Inn checked in and was well pleased with the room. We did book Friday night (for a sat. checkout) at the H.I as we thought we would hang out till about 9pm and then go to the room freshen up for the ride home and checkout roughly around 10pm (that didn’t happen).

Myself, Peggy Lathan, Annette

Thursday morning/afternoon we decided to journey on over to the Hilton. We parked the car and I was standing outside the car waiting on Annette to get some things out of the car and I hear some one hollering, “Dollar man, All right!” Turn around and it’s Jimmy & Angel Valiant! We made our hugs and how ya beens and headed to the lobby. We journeyed downstairs and I looked at Annette and said,”We aint suppose to stand in this long line”. I called Emily again, She said walk on by everyone and keep following the crowd and you will see us. Sure enough 10-15 minutes later we found them. As we was fighting the crowd, We see two more CAC members. Peggy and Clay. Two super fine friends we just met back at the CAC reunion in April. Peggy and myself had heard about each other for years. And back in April it felt like we had known each other since childhood. Annette worked at the gimmicks table with Emily and Patsy along with Emily’s niece, Leigh. And myself,I journeyed around pushing the CAC.

I caught up with Harley Race. Chatted with him about some CAC business along with his wrestling school. It’s always good to see Harley.. Harley is to the Mid Atlantic wrestling scene, like Dean Smith is to the Tar Heels. Was shocked when I turned around and seen CAC member Bruce Tharpe. Bruce and his wife had come to the fanfest. We chatted awhile and went our different ways for the evening. With hopes of catching up later on.

Friday was another busy day(for Annette) as she helped handle the photo ops with Patsy and Emily. Myself, I was pushing the CAC. Emily introduced me to Jackie Crockett. Jackie was the camera man in the Crockett promotions. I would love to tell some of the stories Jackie and I discussed. But to protect the innocent, I will leave them for my “book” some day.

Walked through the vending area and was introduced to Mike Jackson. He was interested in the CAC as I mentioned names that had attended in the past. Talked with the “Patriot”, chatted with Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Then Jimmy Valiant grabbed me and told me to come talk to Ivan.  How many Ivan’s you know in pro-wrestling? I knew right away it was Koloff. I love “old school” And to be standing between Ivan and Jimmy listening to them argue about who could do what was simply amazing. They was working the crowd like normal ! What a blast that was! Old School at it’s best!

Photo Courtesy Bill Apter & "Tadpole's" cell phones.

I was informed I had an appointment made from someone in Illinois named “Tadpole” with Bill Apter. Bill was on the stage doing his thing. He called Tommy Young up on the stage and I really perked up then! After he got his stint done, he walked across the floor and I pointed at him, we made eye contact and he said, Morgan! I said Bill! Problem was, these tables was separating us. Keeping the fans away from the legends. He ask me who was jumping over the table? I told him to not move and I would come around. We had never met before! Now you want to talk about a class act fella. Bill Apter is just that. We discussed some things pertaining to the CAC and of course we talked wrestling. Jimmy Valiant even came around and got in on the conversation. He gave Bill his nick name back years ago. Bill said, hold on a second. He whips out his cell phone, grabs a stranger and says take our picture! This stranger takes Bill and my self’s picture and he said watch this. I stood there and he text this picture to “Tadpole”. We laughed and finished our conversation and agreed to speak again later on. 5 minutes after I leave, I get a text from “Tadpole”! She sent the picture back to me. So now I have it! I seen Bill prob 30 minutes later and said, Bill, check this out, I whip out my phone and show it to him. He got a kick out of that!

Seen a  couple people from the days when I broke in this business. Kimmie and Classic Chris Collins. I always enjoyed working matches with CCC. Every match not only did he get better but so did I. Because of not seeing Chris in about 5 years, I knew exactly how the “legends” felt that hadn’t seen each other in more years than that.

Caught up with another true LEGEND! I’m not talking wrestler. But a true LEGEND. That the history books will say in years to come, a ICON in Professional Wrestling, A true gentleman in every word. Rico Mann. The artist of the CAC reunion belts. Rico and I discussed some things about the CAC. What was in in store for 2011. And a few other items of interest that is not ready for public knowledge just yet.

Patsy introduced me to Tommy Young! That’s right TOMMY YOUNG! The Referee TOMMY YOUNG! I had tried valiantly to gain access to Tommy for several years. Penny Banner was going to get in touch with him right before she got sick. And I didn’t want to push her about it. Wendi Weaver was gonna try and things just didn’t work out. So I figured someday if it was meant to be, it would happen. Well this day it happened. I told him about the CAC and I would like to talk more about it later as Tommy was being pulled here and there. So Friday evening, we went to the bar to grab a drink. I set down and turned around and within two inches of me set TOMMY YOUNG! The Referee TOMMY YOUNG! I ask Annette to give me a newsletter and I said Tommy, checkout this EAR! He said what? Looked at it and when he opened it up and seen the reunion review photos he started talking, pointing,asking, he seamed excited as I was to meet TOMMY YOUNG!  He rips out the membership application, fills it out and within a matter of a few minutes, TOMMY YOUNG was a CAC member! I was on cloud nine! I grew up watching Tommy with his famous “Tommy slide” his arguing with the fans. Jimmy Valiant trained me. But really my years of studying Tommy Young is what really trained me. Have you figured out yet…I’m a TOMMY YOUNG MARK and proud of it!

Annette and myself grabbed something to eat and was heading down to the smoking oasis. When at the bottom of the escalator Annette screams, Humpy! It was Sir Oliver Humperdink.We gave our hugs as he was on a mission to go meet Buddy Roberts. We agreed to meet later on as I had promised him a drink in Vegas and it never happened. So later on we got together and set out on the lounge over looking the lake. Partying at “The House Of Humperdink”! Emily , Patsy and a few other wrestlers and promoters joined us and we just had a good old time talking “old school”. Guess what? The time we was heading back home? Remember? I said roughly 9-10pm. I got to be teaching Class at 8:30 Saturday morning. And it’s roughly 1.5-2 hours drive home. Then another hour drive to school….Well, it’s 1:30ish AM now! We sadly say our good byes. Hugs, Loves and Tears and we walk away from something I just didn’t want to walk away from.

We went across the street and checked out of the H.I. The girl at the counter said, You don’t have to leave till in the morning. I explained to her I had to teach class at 8:30am and she said let me see what I can do. She only charged us 1/2 the cost for Friday night.

Emily Miller, Myself, Patsy Hughes, Peggy Lathan *Photo Credit Peggy Lathan

We get to the car and head down the road. Annette agreed to drive so I could try to get some sleep. That didn’t happen. What did was reflections. reflecting on the friends that was still at the Hilton. And thinking about how dedicated the “boys”&”girls” friendships are even the fans, when they come out to an event like this or the CAC reunion, they are true fans. We come together for one thing. One common interest. We can argue about this match or that match or who was better. But we are all dedicated to a dying art. A art that the younger generations, in years from now, will really not know the true meaning of professional wrestling. The days of nothing more than one light over the ring, or a grey hound bus full of wrestling fans, the smell of cigars and popcorn in the arena’s, or what about the Referee checking the wrestlers boots,knee pads, tights for “foreign objects”, those days are over. Long gone and never to return. but get togethers like the NWA fanfest and the CAC reunions will hopefully always remember “where we’ve been” And the fans that attend these events will hopefully keep this tradition going.

I finally get in the bed around 3:15-3:30 am. The alarm clock screams at me at 7:00am. I get to school barely in time. Sad to admit it. And I hope my boss don’t read this, But the students didn’t learn much this day.

I get home around 4:30pm. Walk in tell Annette I lover her but I’m going to bed! I sleep about two hours wake up with the thought of running back down to Charlotte. I didn’t mention it to Annette cause she would have thought I lost my mind. So later on Saturday night I get a text from one of the “Dollar Dolls” that was in Charlotte. It was a simple and short text message. It said,” Wendi says hi!” WHAT? Wendi Weaver!! I immediately called her and said hand your phone to Wendi! She said she’s on the other end of the bar! I don’t care! Get her on the phone! Wendi gets the phone. Mad as a wet hornet! Why didn’t you call me and let me know you was leaving early? I had ask about Wendi several times. I apologized for not getting in touch with her. But promised her next time I was in Charlotte I would call her. We talked for a few minutes and said our good byes.  A true sweetheart. Just as her mom. Every time I talk to Wendi I get teary eyed just thinking about her mom. I miss Penny and the CAC misses her as well.

Sunday I find out that Bruce Tharpe’s wife fell at the mall in Charlotte and broke her wrist and cracked her tail bone. I want to send out a speedy recovery for those injuries. And the famous Mr. Wrestling, Johnny Walker was rushed to the hospital via ambulance as well. Seams he had fluid build up around his heart. Patsy Hughes went over Sunday and said he was “acting like a typical wrestler” , talking junk and laughing. So the CAC wishes Johnny a speedy recovery as well.

I want to thank Greg Price for putting on a true NWA fanfest. As long as Greg Price is alive, I honestly feel that the NWA will always live in the Mid Atlantic Area. And to, Patsy and Emily or is that Emily and Patsy? Peggy, Clay, Leigh, Sir Oliver Humperdink and all the others I forgot. We appreciate the hospitality you showed us. We all are more that fans. We are more than workers. We are family and we love you all!

With the Reunion approaching quickly, A couple of members have helped me on the website. I want to thank these members for “giving there all”. I get several compliments on the website and I am truly thankful. However, I’m not a English teacher by no means, Nor do I claim to be a journalist. You will find errors in my “writings” on almost anything I do. That’s just the way it is. It’s from the heart…..That’s what matters!

So where do I start?

Jeff Sharkey – Jeff has been a blessing to me. Jeff has spent tireless hours on the phone compelling interviews for the majority of all the bios on the website.  Jeff has also helped me on some other projects on the website as well. His dedication to the CAC is stellar to none. He realizes, it is us, “young guns” that will carry the history, tradition, and the CAC into the years to come. On numerous occasions, In the early AM hours, I have called or emailed Jeff and said, I need this NOW! And within a matter of minutes, Jeff has always come through. At times I feel like I am taking advantage of Jeff by asking so much. Jeff tells me, can you give me a little more notice about this stuff? Sometimes I can and sometimes, we both realize things pop up that need immediate attention and we go to work, get the job done, and smile that we got the situation covered.

Pops – You all know him as Bob Leonard – When Bob was going through some health issues, I told him,”Your health is more important than the CAC”. That, to this day, never slowed Bob down. When I get contacted that someone has left us, be it CAC member or not, it doesn’t matter, Bob is my go to man. He has me a write up within a matter of hours for the RIP section. For someone that never put on a pair of tights( can you imaging that? Bob in tights?) He knows, and has so many contacts it is unbelievable. And his involvement in the CAC is spread all over this website.

Pops has taking so much time out of his personal life to keep the website viewer abreast to the seminars that will be at this years reunion. I’m sure the articles he has wrote has convinced some young gun to join the club and go to the reunion to pick the brain of the icons that are giving these seminars. I don’t believe Bob has mentioned in any of the articles these seminars are all FREE!!!!

Myself, I have been extremely busy in my “private life” as a Wildlife Artist. Then during my busy season, I was contacted by the local Community College to be an Instructor in the Taxidermy Course. After negotiations and contract changes, I accepted the offer they finally agreed to (CAC Reunion date was a conflict of interest, but I got what I wanted!). And am now working as a Taxidermy Instructor. My personal business was extremely successful for the “busy season”. My back log (completion dates) in my studio is well into Aug- Sept of this year. Just this past week I had a client fed-ex,over night, a item from Texas. Shipping on a frozen specimen was not cheap!

Between teaching, my own business and the CAC, my free time is minimal. But with the help of Jeff “Noodles” Sharkey and Bob “Pops” Leonard, I manage to do a decent job keeping everything going. Without them two, I don’t think I would be getting the praises I get. So when you see Jeff and Bob at the Reunion, give them a pat on the back and thank them for the contributions they often do for the CAC website.

“Sometimes old habits are hard to break” – Wes Daniel for over a year “preached to the choir” about PAYPAL. It was a hard sell! But, it was decided to give it a try. The CAC website moved into the modern day era by accepting PayPal on the website for banquet ticket purchases. Jason Deadrich, the donator of the server space for this website, technically installed a program to accept PayPal. The success of this venture? EXCELLENT!  We have had a outstanding response to this, and all indications that it will continue for years to come are a good sign. We may also offer other items for sell from time to time as well.

Speaking of the website, The lay out changed several months ago. I got several compliments on that as well. One compliment was, “I had rather watched the CAC website then the t.v.!” Thanks again to Jason D. for implementing this program we now use. My ideas was used. But it was Jason’s tech knowledge that got this accomplished.

So even though I’m the webmaster. Its just like any other organization. I’m nothing more than a spoke in the wheel that keeps this site rolling along. And I deeply appreciate and thank whole heartily the above people that has made this website and the club something members really enjoy.

I look forward to seeing you all in a matter of days as the Cauliflower Ears invade Las Vegas!

Morgan

As 2009 draws near, I have been reflecting back on my career as a Professional Wrestling Referee. And what got me to where I am today. And what I am thankful for. With that said I need to Thank several. So here we go…

My Mom and Dad for allowing me, to be the only one in the family, to watch violence on TV, Saturday mornings.

Jim Crockett – Never met him! But it was Crockett Promotions that my Mom and Dad’s rabbit ears antenna (with tin foil added) that made me a true wrestling fan. So to the Crockett family I say, Thank you!

Mitch Wall, Dean Bolen, Tommy Hicks – It was the four of us that always invaded Greensboro Cols. when a wrestling match was taking place. Those where the days! We had a blast. The fun cannot be explained. You had to live it to understand it! And yes, I miss those days!

Lucy Jessup Rogers – The lady that I call Mom. That brought my lovely wife into this world. I say Thank you for having a wonderful Daughter, I have called my wife for 15 years.

Jimmy Valiant – If it wasn’t for Jimmy Valiant – You would not be reading this right now. Jimmy opened up doors for me that thousands of people only wished would open. From any kind of wrestling match to the CAC. It was Jimmy himself that opened those doors. I just walked through, looked around, liked what I saw and found a new home. So to Jimmy I say with a big heart, Thank you! Thank you for accepting me in your family and letting me live my dream!

Garry “THE MADD TRUCKER” Stevens – From promoting shows together to being “the best referee money could buy!” Until his opponent busted me up in a cage match I was Ref’n. I say Thank you Brother! We rode that lighten bolt and had a blast! Would I do it again? When you want to start!

All the Indy Stars and Legends I have had the honor of working with. What a ride!

The CAC – WOW! Where would one start? This southern kid was accepted by so many.The friendships that has formed. And every year the friends that increase. It’s simply amazing. To go from being a member, to the Board of Directors, to the Executive Board. Working closely with each other to make sure the CAC Reunion is enjoyed by so many. Thank you all for accepting this southern kid into a organization that is just a wonderful thing!

The dear friends/members of the CAC – There’s so many – I wouldn’t dare try to mention you all. I just don’t want to leave anyone out – You know who you are and to that I say thank you for being my friend!

Last, but by no means Last – The Main Event -  My wife Annette who for some reason allowed me to live a crazy life. Who lets me do what I want to do 99.9% of the time with no questions asked. For driving to a show while I slept – both going and coming back from a show. For 15 years she has put up with my “Wrestling Attitude”. And never offered to “buck the system”. It’s got to be love or good medication one! I thank you for the 15 years you have giving me and look forward to the next 15. As Jimmy Valiant say’s, “Here comes Dollar and Nickel”. I say I love ya Nickel!

Long list? It could be longer! I could have told the story about Wes Daniel using the door frame in the motel room to open up bottles of beer cause no one had a bottle opener! And we was in a suite! Still no bottle opener! But we managed to get them opened! Or the time Jason Sanderson almost gave me a Cauliflower Ear in Mobile Alabama at a wrestling show! Or at the same wrestling show Marcel Pringle telling us, “The Beers on the house”! Glad Jason had a car rental!

Until you think about it, You don’t realize how much “stuff” you have to be thankful for!

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Hope to see you all in April at the 45th Ann. of the CAC,

~Morgan

My donated item will be the first ever (that I know of) at any CAC Reunion. A one of a kind! The opportunity for one lucky person to step up on the stage and make CAC history! Everyone in attendance will witness one lucky person stepping up on the stage, handed a pair of scissors and (hopefully) gently cut my Ponytail and take it home with them!

Am I nuts? Am I just crazy? Or am I a true believer of the CAC and what it stands for? To answer that for you is simple. I am a true believer in the CAC and what it stands for!

What will my ponytail go for? Who knows. But every penny will go to help someone else. If it’s a Dollar so be it. If it’s $100.00 or $500.00 that would be great.

How long is my ponytail right now? Aprox. 11″ long.

How long will the ponytail be in April 2010? Take a guess!

Where will the winners money go? To help the boys of the biz that might need just a little helping hand along the way.

Why am I doing this? Several members that I am close with, knows what transpired at the bar over my ponytail in April of this year. Therefore, I have decided to do this in a way that will support something I truly believe in.

So there ya go! The first item donated to the “WORLDS LARGEST PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING SILENT AUCTION” will be the Almighty Dollar’s ponytail! Don’t bother rolling your pennies! Go to the bank and take out a loan. If I’m crazy enough to do this, Someone should be crazy enough to bid often and bid high!

Everyone have a fun and safe Holiday season!

Morgan

But I wanted to share a little story from this year concerning B.J.

Back around the first of the year, I called Harley up on the phone. B.J and himself was heading down the highway going to a autograph signing. I had to ask him a important question. But didn’t want B.J. to hear us. So I ask him if he was on the speaker phone. He told me he wasn’t. So, I proceeded to verify that they would be at the Reunion this year. He informed me that they would. I ask him if he knew what KAYFABE meant? He was puzzled and finally said yes. I told him to not tell B.J. a word to “KAYFABE” what I’m about to tell you. He said it depends. I told him the CAC was going to honor B.J. this year with the “Above and Beyond” award. He said to me, Morgan, KAYFABE that! HARLEY RACE telling me to KAYFABE THAT! What a hoot!

Fast forward to the reunion. Believe it or not, I managed to catch Harley when B.J. wasn’t around. I ask him if he would like to present B.J. her award. Now people what I’m fixing to tell you shows the true character of Harley Race. And I’m not talking about the Wrestler Harley Race. I’m talking about the man Harley Race. Harley looked at me and said, NO! I was shocked! He said I had rather you and Jason Sanderson present the award to her. It would mean more to her and me if you two presented it to her. So we decided to have him come up on the stage and call her up. When she got up on the stage she ask me,”Morgan, what are they giving to him?” I looked at her dumb founded and said,”I dunno”. And when Jason started talking the more she listened the more she realized. She was set up! Bless her heart, Harley had to say thank you to the 100′s in attendance on behalf of B.J. Her eyes had watered up and she had a lump in her throat the size of a goose egg! She punched me when she got off the stage and said, “You three pulled one over on me!” Later on as they was leaving she found me, done the MOM thing, and gave me a hug and whispered to me, Morgan thanks so much, and we both love you. My friends, that was the last time I got to conversate with B.J.

So to my friends that have called and checked on me (you know who you are). My apologies for lying to you and tell’n you I was fine. I’m ok…And will be fine…. in time. Sad to say, but this aint my first rodeo.

And to my buddy Harley, If for some reason you stumble across this, I want you to know, the CAC is here for you and your family. When one hurts we all hurt. If there’s anything I or the CAC can do for you, you know how to get in touch with all of us. You and B.J. have been and will always be a special part of the CAC.

This Morgan’s Corner is dedicated to my true friend, a friend to thousands, and a true angel, B.J. Race.

That best describes this years reunion. From the beginning to the end. What more could you ask for? Sunday started out with a wonderful Easter Service by our own Bishop Jason Sanderson. After the service we enjoyed the company of Karl Lauer, Babs and her sister at T.G.I. Fridays for a wonderful meal and wonderful fellowship. I have been accused of being Karl’s “boy”. For the record that is not true. I’m more like Karl’s grandson…

Monday saw the beginning of three days I will cherish forever.  Members started filling the room as one after another wanted their badge that would allow them access to many places over the three days. I had the honor of working with Dean Silverstone, Gloria Lovell, Jason Sanderson, Karl Lauer, Wes Daniels and many more who volunteered to work the reception table over the three days.

Monday night saw me in my Zebra shirt in which I officiated the match Between Robbie Ellis and Luke Robinson. Robbie is simply amazing at the young age of 66. Luke, well look for this young stallion to be making heads turn.  This young man has “what it takes” in my book. The Show was put on by Pro Wrestling Revolution. The Locker room was very strange to be in. It seamed like everyone had worked for many years together. I was impressed with all of the talent, the way they handled themselves backstage was amazing. This is sad to say but almost unheard of in indy locker rooms. And the performance of the show speaks for it’s self.

Tuesday night saw myself and Wes doing what we do best. Trying to keep order and have the blowout run as smooth as possible. Which turned out to be very good. Yea the Sheik had his time. But what a hoot that was. Karl pulled one over on this southern kid. But as always I all ready have a check I’m gonna cash next year! So Karl be on your best behavior. Have I got a surprise for you! Myself and Jason Sanderson had the honor of recognizing BJ Race for what she has done not only with Harley but within the CAC itself. Harley and BJ are always a welcome to the CAC and their friendship to me and Annette is just amazing. Percival A. Friend had a special gift for Bishop Sanderson. He talked about the Northeast reunion Jason had last year. What Percival said was true. I was there and it was a warm welcome and a grand time by all. And I look forward to heading to N.H again this year.

Wed rolled around to what was to be the CAC’s Wrestle mania. First I want to say, if you missed this reunion and had attended before, the food at the banquet was without a doubt the “best there ever was” The Gold Coast bent over backwards and made this meal the best I have had since attending the CAC Reunion. The awards ceremony was filled with excitement. As one by one the honorees made the stage to receive their awards. Two people brought tears to my eyes as they made their acceptance speeches. Luna Vachon what a sweet and special lady. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room when she made her heart warming speech. And the President of the CAC, Nick Bockwinkel. How did we manage to pull this one off? I be damned if I know! But we did. When Nick was announced as the Iron Mike Award winner, the crowd popped like Hulk Hogan had just body slammed Andre the giant! People rose to their feet! You could’nt hear a slot machine one in Las Vegas for the cheers. Nick had deserved this award for many years. And once again Nick made the speech only Nick can make. With a crackle in his voice and tears in his eyes, Mine started leaking as well. There was only a few of us that knew that Nick would be honored. We tried valiantly to keep it under wraps with the belt makers and the chosen few that new the game plan. And was successful in accomplishing this very hard task. Congratulations Mr. President. Now you know why the First Lady was present instead of staying home to prepare for her golf tournament the next day.

And how could I write a article with out mentioning Dave, Rico and Reggie. The Artistic ability these gentleman have compare to NONE! The annual CAC belt Raffle has turned into a “most wanted” item from the members. How these three people can do what they do just simply amazes me. My hat is off to them for making yet another successful belt.

After the banquet several hung around and socialized. Later we journeyed to the bar and begin socializing even more. I had never had the honor of meeting Joyce Paustian or Darla Taylor or even Wendi Weaver. But through a unique situation that happen at the bar I found myself surrounded by these three lovely ladies. Joyce is a true sweetheart. I know now why she received the friendship award. Darla, well I would call her the life of the party. And Wendi, My Oh my. Wendi knew the bond between myself and her mom(Penny Banner) When I turned around and hugged her. My eyes started to water again. I had not got the chance to speak to Wendi till Wed night after everything was over. What a sweet young girl. So many of us CAC’ers loved Penny Banner and Wendi is just like her mom. I am proud I got the honor of meeting Wendi and hope to see her again at the reunions.

This years reunion for some reason was so special to me. I don’t know why. But it was. The work we put into these reunions is unreal. We do what we do for you!  The members. To come out and enjoy yourself. Our pay? Is the compliments the “gang” gets for pulling off a wonderful reunion. Don’t think it don’t get heated amongst the “Gang”. It does. But we all know and respect each others opinion and I honestly believe that is the back bone of this very successful organization. We all have the best interest of you, the members when we make the decissions we have to make.

The old friends. The new friends and a little Tequila. What more could top off yet one more stellar reunion?

Don’t know about you, But I’m ready for 2010 reunion to get here.

Till next…….
So long from Morgan’s Corner

 Our plans are to arrive Sat. night and have the Limo carry us to the Riviera. Once there, the cell phones will be used and we will locate several of our dear friends we have come to know over the years. The Cauliflower Alley Club has been a venue for some great relationships that have formed for Annette and myself.

Monday, I will journey to the host Hotel, The Gold Coast Casino. I will have a room there for 3 days. As I personally feel that the Board members of the CAC should stay at the Host hotel. Even though, I will still have a room at the Riviera until the 18th. and I’m sure Annette will be adding to our comps at the Riv as well as at the Gold Coast.

Monday night will be a who’s who of wrestling as the stars of tomorrow steps into the squared circle to show the CAC legends the skills they have been gifted with. Myself, I said last year, This one time I will Ref a match. But only this one time. As my time is real limited to extra activity as my tagteam partner Wes Daniel is in charge of the Tue. & Wed. nights activities and I will be his sidekick/assistant/tagteam partner or what ever you chose to call it. But the two of us plan on pulling off another grand reunion like so many said we did in 2008.

With that said. I should have also said “Subject to change”. As I have been ask to Ref the match with Robbie Ellis as his premier trailer of “THE CANVASMAN:The Robbie Ellis Story” is shown for the very first time at the Wrestling show. I am honoreed and humbled that Robbie approved of this. This is just one of the highlights for me during the reunion.

Odds are if your reading this, you are not at the Reunion. I truly am sorry that you didn’t make it this year. You are missing a grand time! PLEASE make plans to visit us in 2010. Imagine what the anniversary reunion will be like.

Updates to the website will be minimal during the following week. As I do not own a laptop and besides, I really wouldn’t have time for any updates while at the reunion.  We will arrive back in North Carolina on April 19th. So look for updates own or after April 20th(my tagteam partner Wes, may do some updating here or at the CAC “facebook” and become a facebook friend of the CAC while your there!

To anyone submitting photos, Please hold off on sending any photos to me until April 20th. Once my email box gets full, It just dumps them and I never see them. So please help me out and hold off on send them to me until April 20th.

Till next time,

So long from Las Vegas!

After several months of working on the “new and improved” website we finally launched it this week. Jason Deadrich, Wes Daniel and myself put tireless hours into revamping the Official CAC website. The website is not completely converted over yet. Some pages are still missing and some new ones will be added.

The reviews of the website have been good. The old site was WAY outdated. This new version will make items allot easier to update for, future people working on the site. Between Wes’s computer and my computer, the programs we was using, was causing major problems as the two for some reason was interfering with each other. This situation made it very difficult to update with the proper codes and scripts involved with updating and maintaining a website. Even on the new website, we have a few bugs to exterminate as we are working on that as well.

The reunion is right around the corner. You can still purchase your banquet tickets. We are closing in on the 300 mark all ready. And expecting a flood of reservations to be made in the coming weeks. I would like to remind everyone, Banquet tickets CAN NOT BE PURCHASED AFTER APRIL 8TH!!!! If you purchase your ticket after April 8th, We will not receive you request. The CAC offices will be closing at 5pm central time. We will be on the road to Vegas. With that said, if you purchase you ticket after April 8th, you will be required to purchase a ticket again at the banquet (providing we have room at the banquet). Once the offices open and your order has been found, your check/credit card information will be shredded / destroyed. And you will not be charged. We run into this problem every year. So please make sure your banquet reservation is in the CAC office no later than April 8th.

The bowling tournament, “Wrestlbowl I” is shaping up to be a major attraction. Thus far, 50+ people have signed up for this event with many more signing up at the event. If you have not signed up for this and would like to, Call or e-mail Dr. Ken Ramey and make your reservations!  Let him know that you want to participate in Wrestlebowl I and he’ll be happy to tell you the next step.  You can reach Dr. Ken at 318-742-6924 or 318-742-0768 or by e-mail at LaJuanaS@att.net

Keller Entertainment Presents “The Karaoke Show with Bob Keller” will once again be back in Las Vegas doing the Karaoke show after the blowout. Bob Keller is a super fine fella. Bob’s talents with Karaoke come from his many years as a pro-wrestler. Back when I was promoting shows I had Bob work for me. For some reason he had a way of making fans become enemies! His talent in the ring ranked right at the top and his Karaoke is just the same. The CAC really appreciates Bob Keller volunteering his equipment and time for us to have even more fun at the reunion. If you ever in Columbia South Carolina and hear that Keller Entertainment is playing, you need to stop by and give him a “that-a-boy”.

I talked with the EVP, Karl Lauer. Karl told me some names of people that’s going to be at the reunion this year. I would love to give the names of these “special super stars” attending. But we do not want this to turn into a fanfare (remember, its a reunion). So I am sworn to keep my mouth shut. These superstars, Karl, and myself are the only ones that know they are coming.

New memberships are rising! I receive updates weekly form the CAC office with the list of new members. What used to be one update has turned into 2-3 updates weekly. The club continues to have a record growth even while the economy is lagging. The true wrestling fan (and worker) is finding out that the CAC is doing special things and they are all wanting to be a part of it. I would like to welcome the following to the “RING OF FRIENDSHIP”, Jared Shaprio, Summerville, S.C. Kelly Rosenow, Yakima WA, Billy & Rob Taylor, Chris Hero, MEGA MAN,  Rienzi,MS, Mark Roberts, Clarksvills, IN, Juan Villarino Winslow, AZ, Ryan Castle,Phoenix, AZ, Peter McKinn III Phoenix, Az,

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Bruce Tharpe

I’m sure I missed several. However we welcome you all to the “Ring of Friendship”. I would also like to thank all of the ones that have renewed there membership as well. The club depends on the memberships to help support all the benevolent request we assist our hero’s of the squared circle in.

Next week look for a very interesting article from the lovely, Beverly Shade. Bev. is a super fine lady and is a strong supporter of the CAC.

As you read this, I would like for you to think about “taking things for granted”. Just in my lifetime I have seen lots of changes in this world. Changes that very seldom are considered as changes. For instants, a microwave oven. How many homes do not have a microwave oven in them? Or what about travel? Can you imagine when people first stepped on the shores of this great land? There was no roads. Nothing but nature, like will never be seen again. The struggles they had going from East to West. When they knew half of the family would never survive that ordeal. When now, we jump in a car or plane and in a matter of a few hours can be anywhere in the United States we want to be. These are a few things we have all taking for granted. But it is not where I am going this week.

Have you ever taking for granted the simple thing of extending your hand, grasping someone else’s and while shaking there hand say, How are you? Good to see you? You probably haven’t. Neither have I. Have you ever taking for granted, walking down a long hallway and halfway down you lean against the wall, just to rest? No, probably not, Neither have I. I just complained about that walk being so long.

Still yet, I have not talked about what this article this week is really about. But here goes,

Its about, now 2 1/2 years old, Jonah Borucki. Jonah was born with mild-moderate bilateral hearing loss, vision issues, hypotonia (low muscle tone), severe growth hormone defiency, genital birth defects, reflux, developmental and speech delays, and some severe allergies.

Jonah is absolutely AMAZING!!!! He has overcome so many obstacles. After 2 years of weekly therapy, Jonah’s hard work and determination have paid off. Jonah is walking independently!!! He continues to progress each day with the help of friends, family, early intervention specialists, and his wonderful medical team. Jonah teaches us life’s most important lessons. Things we “take for granted”.

Jonah is Wes Daniel’s great nephew. At various times, doctors told Jonah’s parents that he wouldn’t walk, that he wouldn’t advance and many other dire predictions. He has fought hard to overcome each of the handicaps he has been tagged with and has exceeded expectations.

The March of Dimes has been critical in his diagnosis and essential in assistance to the hospital where he has received most of his treatment.

April 26,2009 in Maumee, Ohio at the Lucas County Fairgrounds, Jonah will make a 3 mile walk to help raise money for what has brought him to the Main Event, when all hopes and dreams said it wasn’t possible. Little Jonah over came diversity and proved to us adults, He could over come.

I know that the economy is hard on all of us right now which means that it is just as hard on charitable foundations. As most of you know, Wes is very involved in the Cauliflower Alley Club; however, this year He’s also supporting the March of Dimes. And I personally am asking for your support in this. If you’re in a financial position to make a donation – even a small one of $5 – $10, It would be appreciated. And I know that it will go a long way towards helping this worthwhile organization.

To donate, and learn more about Jonah, please visit www.marchforbabies.org/jonahsstar

See you all in Vegas in just a few more weeks!