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Reunions & Awards, Past & Present & Future

WOW! WHAT A WEEKEND! DO NOT MISS IT ... ACT NOW -- HERE'S HOW!!


The  (pick one) 36th, 37th or 38th annual Cauliflower Alley Club reunion weekend is April 3-4-5, 2003, at the new, downtown Las Vegas location, the Plaza Hotel/Casino.

Here's what you need to do: For each reunion/banquet ticket (still just $50), send check or money order or VISA/MasterCard number (the latter may be faxed to 1-573-729-7998) to: CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB, HCR 33, BOX 107, ROLLA MO 65401 USA

Please indicate the number of banquet/awards tickets you are buying (remember: NO tickets will be sold at the door, it's ALL advance sale) and please list each person's name, including your own, plus indicate whether they prefer meat, fish or vegetarian meal. IMPORTANT! Don't forget the name -- otherwise you won't have a name badge ... and, without a name badge, you don't get in -- cuz that's the ticket!!!

Banquet seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve your ticket, the choicer your seat assignment will be. However, the layout of the Plaza banquet room is such that all seats can be considered choice. Your banquet tickets will be available at the banquet room door beginning Thursday, April 3, 2003 at the Plaza. NO TICKETS WILL BE MAILED. Your canceled check or credit-card charge is your receipt.

Now, back to that wonderful weekend:

You'll want to dial 1-800-634-6575 (toll free) and make reservations at the Plaza Hotel/Casino ... room rates are $45 Sunday thru Thursday nights, with Friday & Saturday $65 per (a considerable improvement over what we were paying at the Riviera in recent years). To receive the discounted room rates, you must identify yourself as a Cauliflower Alley Club member.

Another sellout is assured, and tickets are going fast ... so get yours now. Any additional banquet questions, please direct them to CAC vice-president Karl Lauer at cac@salemnet.com ...

GULF COAST REUNION 2002
(SCROLL TO BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR COMPLETE LIST OF GULF COAST REUNION AWARD WINNERS OVER THE YEARS.)

Cowboy Bob Kelly reports: Our reunion was March 1-2, 2002, in Mobile AL, and we had our best turnout ever. Some started arriving on Wednesday this year to help get things ready. The April CAC newsletter  has an article telling who received awards (below). I don't have a list here in front of me but I'll give the boys I can think of. Rocket Monroe, Curtis Smith, Sputnik Monroe, Dick Beyer, Joe Turner, Tim Woods, Ronnie Garvin, Bob Roop, Gorgeous George, Jr., Tom Drake, Danny Hodge, Johnny Mae Young, Moolah, Joyce Grable, Dagmar, Ida Mae Martinez, Ole Anderson, Levi Banks, Leon Baxter, Chuck Bowman, Ted Allen, Bruce Austin, Ron Bass, Bob Boyer, Jerry Barber, Bill Bowman, Tiger Conway, Jr., George Culkin, Jack Dunnavant (Donovan), Don Fargo, Don Fields, Bobby Fields, Shane Fields, Randy Fields, Bobby Darrel Fields, Tommy Fooshee, Randy Curtis, Smokey Ford (Mario Galento's widow), Bill Dromo, Ida Fields (Lee Fields' widow), George Grant, Dennis Hall, George Harris (Baby Blimp), Lennie Hawkins, Margaret Garcia, Kathy Branch, Sylvia Hackney, Gladys Gillem, Bill Moody, Joe Powell, Karl Roach, Tom Renesto, Jr., Len Rossi, Stu Schwartz, Scott Teal, Kurt Von Brawner, Dean and Ruth Silverstone, Ann Vaughn (Rip Tyler's widow), Bobby Simmons, Jack Welch, Roy Lee Welch, Lester Welch, Norman Charles, Jim White, Thomas Tate, Barbara Sullivan (Eddie Sullivan's widow), Charlie Smith, and Mac McMurray. And this is not even half of the people we had but its the most I could think of without using a crib sheet. I think the most enjoyable act we had was the Fields Boys doing (It's Me Again Margaret) You have to see it to really appreciate it. It is funny and you laugh all the way through it.

REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY, BILL BOWMAN:

The 11th annual Gulf Coast Wrestling Reunion started unofficially with a group of about 35 attending a "Dutch treat" meal in a private dining room of a local restaurant on Thursday evening, Feb. 28.

On Friday morning, Mar. 1, the skies were dark and threatening but spirits were high of the expectations of meeting and greeting old friends. Friday night's spaghetti supper had an attendance of 142 (with 42 of these previously unregistered, and paying their dues at the door!). Even though the rain was pounding hard on the tin roof, which made hearing difficult, the tales being told far exceeded the raindrops and laughter was the overpowering theme of the evening.

Saturday morning, Mar. 2, brought clear skies and sunshine (for awhile, anyway) and 43 additional guests joined our group, for a total attendance of the 11th reunion totaling 185, our largest crowd ever! This showing fully gives credence to our motto: "Where grudges are forgotten and friendships are renewed."

A memorial service was given by Bill Bowman, secretary, and he read the names of the wrestling world "at large" that had lost a fellow comrade during the past year as well as the Gulf Coast Wrestling Reunion which, since the 10th reunion, had lost Benny McGuire, Bobbie Peterson, Greg Peterson, Oki Shikina and Nelson Royal. The ten-count tribute was given at the close of the reading of the names.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to Mac McMurray and Stu Schwartz for their contributions to the Gulf Coast Wrestling Reunion each year.

Awards are presented at each Gulf Coast Wrestling Reunion, and the winners at this, the 11th reunion were: 

LEGEND AWARD -- Buddy Wayne, Tiger Conway, Sr.

PIONEER AWARD -- Kathy Branch Renesto, Joyce Grable, Ronnie Garvin, Burrhead Jones, Tony Gonzalez

SPEEDY HATFIELD - MAN OF THE YEAR -- Lee Fields, Don Fields, Bobby Fields

At the close of the awards ceremony, all wrestlers present were gathered for a group photograph. With a large crowd this year, the photographer had a difficult time, to say the least!

A buffet lunch was served at noon, and everyone enjoyed the fried catfish, chicken tenders and meatloaf with all the fixin's, plus enough desserts to have opened our own bakery. Judging from reactions, the meal was enjoyed by everyone!

Dick Beyer, Tom Drake and Dean Silverstone, Cauliflower Alley Club board members, gave a recap of the recent CAC convention held in Las Vegas, and invited everyone to join their prestigious group, now celebrating 37 years! Other board members of the CAC at our reunion were Ida Mae Martinez (Selenkow), Scott Teal and Chris Drake

The festivities closed with an entertainment show, emceed by Scott Teal, who provided us with wonderful magic that amazed us!

The 11th GCWR closed with all joining hands during the singing of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" as we circled the building.
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CAC 2002 IN LAS VEGAS
(By Bill Anderson, www.bigbillanderson.com)

Coming home from a fantastic weekend with the legends of wrestling, my webmaster asked me to write about some meaningful, special moments from the reunion. So here goes: Having the opportunity to personally thank CAC President Red Bastien and Executive Vice President Karl K. Lauer for their contribution to Superstar Billy Graham on behalf of the CAC. That was very special to me!

Chatting with one of the most articulate and great minds of wrestling, Nick Bockwinkel about the state of wrestling schools in the U.S. … Nick never ages! Meeting one of my childhood heroes, Killer Tim Brooks. I loved watching him wrestle at Cobo Hall in Detroit in 1973! Giving a big bear hug to one of the nicest guys in the business, "Moondog" Ed Moretti. Having the great Lou Thesz autograph his book "Hooker." Posing for a photo with Ox Baker and then watch him start dancing with my girlfriend Linda. Knowing that if he steps on her foot with those size 18s she's a goner! Having a conversation with Bruce and Stu Hart about what a great guy Owen was to me and everyone else.

Seeing my old buddy "The Killer Bee" B. Brian Blair and having him autograph his book Smarten Up! Say It Right and then looking in the back to find my school and website listed! Brian is a class act! Shaking hands with a true gentleman, who just happens to be one of the greatest amateurs or professionals to ever lace up a pair of boots, Danny Hodge. Talking with the coolest, most soft-spoken guy in wrestling, none other than "Boogie Woogie Man" Handsome Jimmy Valiant. Sharing a knee-slapping laugh with my old friend and roommate Red Bastien. Spending time with my friend of 31 years, Tom Burke, and catching up on life! Seeing my old buddy Steve Strong, looking fitter than ever, and sharing how much we love "Superstar" Billy Graham. Talking with one of the greatest trainers in wrestling history, Eddy Sharkey.

Finally, eating dinner with Tito Montez and his lovely wife and daughter. Tito was what I aspired to be when I started wrestling in Arizona in 1974. Tito was a legendary main-eventer and the most popular wrestler in Arizona history! I could go on and on and on. Also in attendance were Harley Race, Lord Alfred Hayes, Pat Patterson, actor/wrestler Scott Schwartz (Oceans 11), Butcher Vachon, Manny Fernandez, Mr. Wrestling Tim Woods, Mr. Wrestling II Johnny Walker, Penny Banner, Mae Young, Fabulous Moolah, Mike Tenay, Blue Meanie, "The Future" Frankie Kazarian, Killer Kowalski, The Shades of Fear, Tiger Conway Jr. & Sr., Sandi Parker, Vince Fahey, Keyaki Sakai, Joe Quevedo, Frey Tormenta, Pepper Gomez, Larry "The Ax" Hennig, Dr. Ken Ramey, Tom Andrews, Luke Graham, Jr., Royal Duncan, Mike Chapman, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka, Fritz Von Goering, "Cheers" TV show actor Alan Koss, The Sensational, Intelligent Destroyer, Cheryl Rusa, Gary Michael Capetta, H.B. Haggerty, Doug Anderson, Roland Alexander, and Chris Benoit!

Carol and I have been staying, for some years now, in downtown Vegas and we can assure you that the area is as vibrant and alive and exciting as ever. Of course, the Strip is never far away … and there are regular shuttles and other transport which depart the Plaza on a frequent basis for those who want to prowl some of the newer and larger establishments during their reunion week free time.

But, wow, that Fremont Street Experience is something else! A jillion or so light bulbs, popping on and off in time to a glorious musical sound system, is a sight to behold. And you’ll be able to do it right from the front steps of our Plaza Hotel headquarters!

Again, the highlights of the weekend will be the Friday night buffet and no-host bar, this time for a ten-dollar bill (as you may recall, we decided it just wasn’t fair to continue freeloading upon the good graces of some of our generous directors who’ve been financing the Baloney Blowout for three years) … and, at the same old comfortable price – a $50 bill, bearing the familiar picture of U.S. Grant – the big Saturday night sit-down dinner and reunion awards ceremony, featuring a galaxy of wrestling greats.

Elsewhere in these pages, you’ll see your handy Plaza Hotel/Casino Reunion Banquet Reservation Form. Get that filled out and attach either a check or credit card number and get it on its way to Karl and don’t forget: banquet seats are assigned on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis. The earlier you reserve your ticket, the more choice your seat assignment will be … not that the Plaza Hotel banquet room is such that every seat doesn’t offer unobstructed views of all the wrestling legends who’ll be on parade that night.

Another thing to remember: your tickets will NOT be mailed. You’ll pick them up at the banquet room door on the evening of April 6, 2002 … and your cancelled check or credit card charge is your receipt.

Personally, I’ve got a "wait" problem … I can’t WAIT for the reunion, so we can meet and greet with old pals like Don Leo Jonathan, Buddy Roberts, Moose Morowski, Tom Andrews, Paul Bearer, Buddy Colt, Tito Montez, Fran Gravette, Verne Bottoms, and Bruce Swayze – all of whom find themselves on next year’s honoree list.

Like they say, this is an event NOT to miss. But make those room reservations NOW and send in your $50 for the banquet ticket. Nobody, but NOBODY, wants to be shut out of this one!
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MORE CAC 2002 IN LAS VEGAS

(By Harry White, commishofwrestl@msn.com)

Last year the CAC weekend took a giant step into the cultural arena by displaying art by or about pro wrestlers. This proved to be very popular. On the heels of the successful CAC art exhibit last year, the Venetian Hotel opened an art exhibit from the Guggenheim Museum. Was this sheer coincidence or angle copying????

This year the CAC branched out into the literary scene by having a book festival of material by or about pro wrestlers.

It was not exactly CNN’s Book Talk or Laura Bush’s Texas Book Festival but it did have a wildly eclectic array of authors that covered all aspects and time periods of the business. Ted Lewin showcased his book "I Was A Teenage Wrestler" and also a child’s book he did along with his wife. B. Brian Blair had his book on wrestling terminology. Long time ring announcer Gary Cappeta had his big-selling "Body Slams." Mark Nulty brought his catalog of "Wrestling Classic" videos. Mike Chapman of the Newton, Iowa Pro and Amateur Hall Of Fame had an array of books about the truly toughest guys through history. 

OX BAKER (caps used to call attention to Ox’s booming voice) hawked his cookbook and audio CDs. Illinois publisher Royal Duncan had an array of wrestling books from his business. Historian Tom Burke had a best of his Global newsletter and someone had a wrestling comic book. Social commentator and sports author Jeff Archer could not make it but had his publisher and Killer Kowalski to sign copies of Jeff’s "Theatre In A Squared Circle." Irish Pat Barrett had his book. Fritz Von Goring sold his book "The Wrestler And The Model" which is quite racy in both text and pictures. The next table had Jack Laskin with a preview of his book about the South. AWA announcer Larry Nelson signed copies of his "Stranglehold" book. Penny Banner had a clipping book of her career. Chris Owens of HarleyRace.com had several ring bells autographed. If anyone wanted to be hit over the head by a genuine bell, then this was the table to stop by. Harley (left) was there to sign and take pictures.

Luke Graham, Jr. was there with a prospectus of his ENRON wrestling promotion (JUST KIDDING, Luke). "Wrestling With Life" by the granddaughter of a lady pro wrestler. Valerie Boesch had her late husband Paul’s book "Hey, Boy! Where'd You Get Those Ears?" and the photographer and author of "Friday Night At The Coliseum" had a display of pictures from his book about Houston wrestling. During the book signings there were Q & As from several of the wrestlers. Fans were buzzing around asking themselves questions and a frequent question was who was related to whom. I would hate to have genealogy as a hobby and have someone ask to untangle a wrestler’s family tree. Can you even imagine informing a hardcore fan that Bruiser and Crusher were not really cousins, etc., etc.

Friday night was the "baloney blow out" (a name the wrestlers like but must make the caterers cringe), once again courtesy of New England wrestler Jason (Wolfman) Sanderson. A good variety of salads, veggies and meats were available. I, for one, certainly hope that Jason continues his goodwill gesture before Ox Baker’s Cookbook recipes become the food for Fridays.

The banquet was Saturday night and packed the room for an all-time attendance record. One of my favorite CAC scenes is to watch fans take a picture of a wrestler and then ask, "Who are you?" Other questions asked were by wrestlers to historians Steve Yohe or Jim Melby, asking if I ever wrestled so and so and then asking historian Tom Burke how much was I paid. Talented Joey Boesch, son of Valerie, played piano before and during dinner as he once did for George Bush. Penny Banner sold raffle tickets for a championship belt she was wearing and she was wearing a dress of championship appeal. Show, place and win for top ages were Lou Thesz at 86, Stu Hart at 87, and Angelo Savoldi at 88.

Fans from Japan and England racked up frequent flier miles. Last year’s nattily attired contingent of fans from Nigeria could not make it this year as they were denied visas. CAC director J Michael Kenyon warmed up the crowd for master of ceremonies Mike Tenay. Kenyon mentioned all the indy wrestlers and promoters in the crowd. Mike was minus his MC partner Bobby Heenan due to Heenan’s bout with throat cancer. 

The  Destroyer filled in and, with Tenay, made for another perfect announcing pair. As usual,  The Destroyer made his ears more ‘cauliflowered’ by repeatedly donning and removing his trademark mask. I sure am glad I did not have a sleeping room near the banquet with the booming resonant voices of Kenyon, Destroyer and Ox Baker. The only thing more powerful than their voices was the yodeling voice of Ida Mae Martinez. Jimmy Valiant received an award and encored his speech by planting a big kiss on Mike Tenay reminiscent of the TV smooches he used to bestow on NWA announcer Tony "Shivanto."

Female wrestlers were represented by Judy Grable being presented an award; Nell Stewart got a posthumous presentation. Recently active ladies Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young were in attendance. A documentary on women’s wrestling was being filmed during the weekend. Award recipient and public speaker B. Brian Blair told a moon story. (Just what would a wrestling weekend be without a good moon story?) 

For a lifetime of being around amateur and pro wrestling, Mike Chapman of the Newton, Iowa Hall Of Fame got a well-deserved award. Ox Baker (the opposite of inhibited) got an award and a few more plugs for his cookbook. Ox lives every day with as much fun as possible and talked about his friend Superstar Graham. Tim Woods got a double dose in the past year with a Newton, Iowa Hall Of Fame induction and a CAC award and we got a double dose of Mr. Wrestlings as both Woods (Wrestling I) and Johnny Walker (Wrestling II) attended. 

While Killer Tim Brooks made his first CAC visit, the "Killer" of this evening was Kowalski (right) who received the Iron Mike award. Quite a few wrestlers attended but first I will list the men who call themselves the brains behind all those wrestlers, the managers. Oliver Humperdink got a big pop from the crowd for his appearance. Percival A. Friend, Dr. Ken Ramey and the new-look Blue Meanie held court. Among the wrestlers not previously mentioned, in no particular order, were Danny Hodge, Red Bastien, Hard Boiled Haggerty, Larry Hennig, Manny Fernandez, Lord Al Hayes, Bruce and Ross Hart, Paul Vachon, Nick Bockwinkel, Billy Darnell, Tom Andrews, Jimmy Snuka, Chris Benoit, Pat Patterson, Nick Kozak, Tiger Conway, Jr. and Sr., Cowboy Bob Kelly, Reggie Parks, Pepper Gomez (who had the hardest cast-iron stomach between those two?), Bruce Swayze, Kurt Brown (Lucha Lucky Pierre) Mark Gallo, Steve Strong (who did the Ventura portrait for the governor’s mansion and one for Ray (Thunder) Stern’s house), Ed (Moondog) Moretti, Gene Lewis (Cousin Luke), Pretty Boy Larry Sharpe of The Monster Factory, Seymour Koenig, Les Thatcher and Eddie Sharkey. Gary Juster, whose out-of-the-ring legal and promoting talents led him to be the longest survivor of the Turner WCW years is a regular at the events as is APW promoter Roland Alexander. Wrestling plus bizarre entertainment experts Johnny Legend and Eric Caidin shared their expertise in both areas. 

While the dinner and speeches went on, a silent yet heated auction was taking place. Several old Texas wrestling posters, old magazines and a set of ticket stubs from the '40s drew repeated bids. Highest bids were on a pair of Superstar Graham boots and a fist sculpture of Primo Carnera. Bidders on the posters and magazines felt each other out with small gentlemanly increases of $2 and as the time ran the bids got raised fast and furious like the finish of an hour draw.

Pro wrestling requires not only tough men but also tough wives to live the rough and nomadic lifestyle. Even though greats Tex McKenzie and Johnny Valentine passed away this year, their widows were in attendance to carry on their legacy one more time. A good example of this was Friday afternoon at the Newton, Iowa table. Tough amateur wrestler Mike Chapman wrote a book about the toughest men in sports that included stories on Danny Hodge and Lou Thesz. The men were not around, but behind the table were three of the  toughest women in the persons of Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. Thesz and Mrs. Hodge.

As usual, a great wrestling weekend for wrestling people and fans of all genders. Just as the wrestling of today has grown more popular so has the wrestling of yesterday as evidenced by another record crowd at the 2002 CAC.
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BASTIEN, MANDELL AT BRITISH REUNION
By Mike Hallinan

The British wrestling reunion was held on Sunday the 5th of August 2001, at Wayne Bridges Pub, The Bridges, Hornton Road, South Darenth, Kent. The event is in its ninth year, having begun in 1992. Next year will be our tenth anniversary with many special guests, friends, presentations, and events taking place.

The reunion starts at 12 noon and ends at 6 p.m., however many people arrive around 11a.m., and don't leave until around 8 p.m.

Those attending included: Wayne Bridges, Joe D`Orazio, Tony Scarlo, Pat Roach, Mick McManus, Sonny Colindos, Ray Fury, Joe Cornelius, Dave Morgan, Colin Joynson, Johnny Saint, Steve Veidor, Joe Robinson, Bob Archer O Brien, Frank Rimmel, Johnny Kincaid, Karman Kaston, John Elijah, Timmy Fitzmaurice, Jim Fitzmaurice, Brian Maxine, Buddy Ward, Ron Harrison, Jock Cameron, Steffan Milla, Linde Caulder, Prince Kumali, Leon Fortuna, Lee Bronson, Bronco Cassidy, Hans Strieger, Danny Lynch, Steve Grey, Peter Szakacs, Karl Heinz, Reg Trood, Angelo Papini, Johnny Peters, Billy Barbour, Spencer Churchill, Jack Tayor, Jimmy Sullivan, Mal Sanders, Terry Rudge, Max Ward, Billy Stock, Dino Scarlo, Alan Sargent, Peter Cortez, Lex Pollock, Basil Riley, Ricky Scarlo, Keith Hayward, Joe Scarlo, Brian Molloy, Bobby Brown, and Klondyke Jake.

Attending from America were Rolland (Red) Bastien, president of the Cauliflower Alley Club, and Al Mandell, a CAC director. 

Those who came a long way numbered Joe Cornelius from Lanzarote, Dave Morgan from Germany, Reg Trood from Spain, and Linde Caulder from Canada.

Also attending was Dave Prowse, former British heavyweight weightlifting champion, who played Darth Vader in the Star Wars film.

And also there was a young couple who were guests of Sarah Bridges, both bodybuilding champions, Steve and Kimberley Jones. Sarah Bridges,  who has won many powerlifting, and physique titles, has completed 12 days of  filming "Double Down" in the south of France with American actor Nick Nolte. The latter was very impressed by her strength in the fight scenes, and her acting.

Wrestling researchers Ray Plunkett and Paul Douglas were present.

Those that were invited, but did not attend included: Chic Linton, Eugene Stezycki, Pat O Reilly, John Kowaski, Jim Hussey and son Mark Rocco, Jim Breaks, Paul Lincoln, Geoff Portz, John Lees, Pete Roberts, Jack Dempsey, Alf Cadman, Butcher Bond, Don Mendoza, John Da Silva, Harry Geoghegan, Kent Walton, and brothers Bert Royal and Vic Faulkner, Peter Rann, Zoltan Boschik, Jim Moser, The Borg Twins, and Jackie Pallo and son Jackie Pallo Jr.

After the event got under way, the group photograph was taken at 1:30 p.m. Everybody moved into the beer garden to listen to the welcome speech by Mick McManus, with a special a British welcome given to Red Bastien and Al Mandell. Then we saw a replica of The Lord Mountevans Championship Wrestling Belt, which was presented to Lewis Capelli, the son of the late British, and European welterweight champion Eddie Capelli. Avril Capelli, the widow, was thankful for all those that made the making of the belt possible. We then had the reading of the Obituary List by Pat Roach, followed by the announcement that, for the first time, a raffle would take place with the prizes being a colour television, a giant fruit basket, and bottles of whiskey and wine. 

This was then followed by a request from Al Mandell that all those wishing to become members of the Cauliflower Alley club could collect membership forms from him. Food was served at around 4 p.m., and was consumed with gusto by all those present. Television and radio crews were in attendance, and carried out interviews with the superstars of television wrestling from yesteryear.

Plans are now being made for next year's tenth annual reunion, which will be the biggest ever. A very large marquee will be erected in the car-park of the Pub, extra speakers will be erected, guest speakers will be asked to attend, personalities from the sport of boxing have pledged to attend, as well as friends from television, and the cinema. Wrestling organizations have promised they will also be attending from Europe, and we have been assured by Red Bastien that he will again be attending, and will make every effort to bring with him the legends of American wrestling.

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Mike Rodgers, at the Kayfabe Memories site, on his impressions of CAC 2001:

www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/pnw8.htm

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Jeanette and Rod Olivier's Angelight Studios site has photos:

www.angelightstudio.com/Photo_Gallery/CAC2001/cac2001.html

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Rowdy Roddy Piper addresses the reunion banquet. Sound archived at his web site:

www.roddyraw.com/what.html

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Reg Parks becomes "King of Belts" at the reunion:

www.midwestwrestling.com/CACBelt.htm


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Chris Owens’ report on the 2001 CAC reunion at the Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas:

www.harleyrace.com/cac2001.htm

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SLAM! Wrestling 2001 CAC reunion report coverage, with photos:

www.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingCAC/home.html

www.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingCAC/01gallery.html

www.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingCAC/01_diamondgallery.html

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1wrestlinglegends.com 2001 CAC reunion report coverage, with photos (and reports from other wrestling reunions of the past decade):

www.1wrestlinglegends.com/reunions/index.html

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2001 photos at The Destroyer's web site:

www.thedestroyer.com/caulf3.htm

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PAST AWARD WINNERS/HONOREES AT CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB GATHERINGS (1967 thru 2002):

February 9, 2002 (Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas NV)

Wrestling Honorees ... Ox Baker, B Brian Blair, Judy Grable, Maria De Leon, Tim Woods, Jimmy Valiant, Fray Tormenta, Chris Benoit, Nell Stewart (posthumous), Hercules Cortez (posthumous)

Martial Arts Honoree ... Juan Hernandez

Reel Member Inductee ... Alan Koss

Special Presentation ... Nick Ackerman

Iron Mike Mazurki Award ... Walter (Killer) Kowalski

Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award ... Mike Chapman

February 10, 2001 (Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas NV)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Rita Cortez, George Scott, Reggie Parks, Norman Frederick Charles III, Kay Noble, Ann LaVerne, Pampero Firpo, Bill Watts, Jack Laskin

Martial Arts Honoree . . . Gokor Chivichyan

Boxing Honorees . . . Richard Sandoval, Cornelius Boza-Edwards, Jose Flores, Paul Banke

Reel Member Inductees . . . Roddy Piper, Mimi Lesseos

Special Presentation . . . Johnny Valentine (Sharon Valentine accepting)

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Stu Hart

Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award . . . Ted Lewin

February 12, 2000 (Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas NV)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Gene Stanlee, Reggie Lisowski, Titi Paris, Ethel Brown, Billy Anderson, Natasha, Beverly Shade, Stan Kowalski, Stan Pulaski, Fritz Von Goering,

Boxing Honorees . . . Gene Fullmer, Eddie Futch

Reel Member Inductees . . . Don Stroud

Special Presentations . . . The Riot Squad (Rudy, Ernie, Emil and Joe Dusek)

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Ray Stern

Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award . . . Fr. Bill Olivas

April 24, 1999 (Marriott Convention Center, Newton IA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Bob Geigel, Ken Patera, Jack Donovan

Special Presentations . . . Rocky Marciano, Gene Anderson

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Jesse Ventura

Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award . . . Dan Gable

October 24, 1998 Cherry Hill NJ

Wrestling Honorees . . . Fred Blassie, Lou Thesz, Danny Hodge, Dan Severn, Dory Funk Jr.

March 14, 1998 (Sportsmen’s Lodge, Studio City CA)

Special Presentations . . . Lou Thesz roast, tribute to Art Abrams

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Lou Thesz

Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award . . . William Pappas

Octrober 11, 1997 (Holiday Inn Jetport, Elizabeth NJ)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Sika Anoia, Ted Lewin, Donn Lewin, Fabulous Moolah, Jimmy Valiant, Jim Cornette, Diamond Lil, Dick Beyer, Dudley Boys (Buh Buh Ray, D-Von and Big Dick), Devon Storm, Georgiann Makropoulos

Special Presentation . . . Fred Blassie "roast & toast"

March 15, 1997 (Sportsmen’s Lodge, Studio City CA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Tony Borne, Don Curtis, Tom Drake, Don Manoukian, Steve Rickard, Jim White

Boxing Honorees . . . Willie Bean, Maurice (Dub) Harris, Andy Price, Russell G. Rodriguez

Reel member inductees . . . Stan Shaw, Tommy (Butch) Bond

Special Presentations . . . Tsuneo Ikeda & Ike Ikeda, Larry & Curt Hennig, Tiger Conway Sr. & Tiger Conway Jr., Dean Silverstone, Ella Waldek

Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award . . . Penny Banner

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Tom Drake

October 26, 1996 (Sheraton Grand Hotel, Tampa FL)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Angelo Poffo, Bonnie Watson, Judy Glover, Jack Brisco, Jerry Brisco, Carl Engstrom, Ed (Wahoo) McDaniel, Gordon Solie, Molly McShane

Special Presentations . . . Milo Steinborn, Larry Simon 

October 5, 1996 (Holiday Inn Jetport, Elizabeth NJ)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Jimmy Snuka, George Steele

March 16, 1996 (Sportsmen’s Lodge, Studio City CA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Stan Hansen, Nelson Royal, Art Michalik, Stan Stasiak, Baron Von Raschke, Larry Zbyszko, Bobby Heenan, Angelo Mosca, Antonio Inoki, Seiji Sakaguchi, Masami Yoshida, Chigusa Nagayo

Boxing Honorees . . . Don Fraser, Lou Filippo, Robert Salazar

Reel Member Inductees . . . Joe Don Baker, John Roselius, Robert Forster, Marion Ross

Special Presentations . . . Paul Anderson, Art Abrams

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Dick Beyer

September 30, 1995 (Holiday Inn Jetport, Elizabeth NJ)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Lou Albano, Angelo Savoldi, Abe Coleman, Gloria Barratini, Millie Stafford, Pat Patterson, Johnny Rodz, Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge (Public Enemy)

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Fred Blassie

Boxing Honorees . . . Chuck Wepner

March 18, 1995 (Sportsmen’s Lodge, Studio City CA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Tiger Conway Sr., Leo Garibaldi, Sue Sexton, Dave Levin, Ray Stevens, Buddy Lee, The Sheik

Boxing Honorees . . . Gabriel Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas

Martial Arts Honorees . . . Benny Urquidez, Mimi Lesseos

(at left,  Abe Yourist cautions Leo Garibaldi about the chin lock he has applied to Shag "King Toby" Thomas, circa 1961 -- Photo by Bob Peterson)

Reel Member Inductees . . . Tommy Sands, Terry Moore, Elliott Gould

Special Presentations . . . Gory Guerrero

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Gene LeBell

Lou Thesz Award . . . Gary Albright

October 1, 1994 (Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel, Springfield MA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Robert J. Marella, , Pedro Morales, Brittany Brown, Candi Divine, Arnold Skaaland, Jackie Nichols, Karl Von Hess, Ilio DiPaolo, Kitty Adams

Boxing Honorees . . . Lou Bogash, Joe Graziano, Al Couture, Jocko V. Ananian, Mickey Finn, Tom McNeeley, Harold Gomes, Willie Pep, Carmen Basilio,  Vincent Pazienza, 

Special Presentations . . . Boyd Pierce, Tony Lanza, Abe Ford, Ed Brophy, Charlie Ross, Bert Randolph Sugar, Jon Piper

March 19, 1994 (Sportsmen’s Lodge, Studio City CA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Dick Hutton, Billy Robinson, Stewart McCullum, Al Costello, Peggy Allen, Sherri Martel, Ed Francis, Susan Green

Boxing Honorees . . . Genaro (Chicanito) Hernandez, Zacky Padilla, Oscar de la Hoya

Reel Member Inductees . . . Lawrence Tierney, Denver Pyle, Fred Williamson, Norm Crosby, Beverly Garland, John Smith

Special Presentations . . . Nobuhiko Takada, Vic Christy

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Vic Christy

March 20, 1993 (Sportsmen’s Lodge, Studio City CA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . Cowboy Bob Ellis, Kinji Shibuya, Verne Gagne, Barbie Dahl, Peggy Patterson, Wendi Richter

Boxing Honorees . . . Mike Witowich, Chuck Bodak, Jerry Moore, Petey Servin, Jerry Quarry

Reel Member Inductees . . . Binnie Barnes, Marie Windsor, Jan Merlin, John Saxon, Harry Carey, Jr.

Special Presentations . . . Ed (Strangler) Lewis, Dr. John Bonica

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Hard Boiled Haggerty

March 21, 1992 (Sportsmen's Lodge, Studio City CA)

Wrestling Honorees . . . H.B. Haggerty, Rey Urbano, Johnny James, Gene Kiniski, Maurice Vachon, Pepper Gomez, Penny Banner, Debbie Combs, Belle Starr, Donna Christantello, Katie Glass

Boxing Honorees . . . Clarence Henry, Fabela Chavez, Jimmy Roybal, Jimmy Casino, Dave Maier

Reel Member Inductees . . . John Agar, Guy Madison, John Phillip Law, Will Hutchins, Woody Strode

Special Presentations . . . Danny Hodge, Stanley Weston                (Above, Lou Thesz)

Iron Mike Mazurki Award . . . Woody Strode

CAC Scholarship Winners

1993 – Nick Cline, Mike Bresnan

1996 – Gordy Morgan, Marty Morgan

1998 -- Billy Pappas

2002 -- Nick Ackerman

FUTURE LEGENDS

2000 – Kurt Angle

2001 – Donovan Morgan

TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF CAC RECOGNITION 
– Honorees, 1967-91

Wrestling Honorees . . . Shohei Baba, Al Baffert, Red Bastien, Maria Bernardi, Dick Beyer, Fred Blassie, Lord James Blears, Nick Bockwinkel, Paul Boesch, Valerie Boesch, Mildred Burke, June Byers, Vic Christy, Bette Clarke, Cora Combs, Lillian Ellison, Terry Funk, Leo Garibaldi, Ed Don George, Gladys (Killem) Gillem, Lee Grable, Capt. Leslie Holmes, Antonio Inoki, Paavo Ketonen, Walter Kowalski, Antone Leone, Jim Londos, Bill Longson, Ida Mae Martinez, Rita Martinez, Mike Mazurki, Danny McShain, Clara Mortensen, Sam Muchnick, Lou Newman, Roddy Piper, Buddy Rogers, Lucky Simunovich, Ray Stern, Toru Tanaka, George Temple, Therese Theis, Lou Thesz, John Tolos, Johnny Valentine, Billy Varga, Karl Von Hess, Ella Waldek, Mae Weston, Johnny Mae Young

Boxing Honorees . . . Art Aragon, Henry Armstrong, Young Abe Attell, Max Baer, Vince Barbi, Carmen Basilio, Joe Bonamo, Newsboy Brown, Mushy Callahan, Bert Colima, Young Corbett III, George Dud Eades, Carmine Fatta, Jackie Fields, George Foreman, Don Fraser, Gene Fullmer, Ceferino Garcia, Frankie Garcia, Paul Gonzales, Dan Goossen, Gorilla Jones, George Latka, Rex Layne, Jimmy Lennon, Lew Jenkins, Joe Louis, Jimmy McLarnin, Monty Monaghan, Archie Moore, Armando Muniz, Lou Nova, Carl (Bobo) Olson, Carlos Palomino, George Parnassus, Leo Patykula, Armando Ramos, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Sharkey, Randy Shields, Al Stankie, Gil Stromquist, Charles Tuzzolino, Danny Valdez, Harry Warren, Mike Weaver, Suey Welch, Tony Zale, Ralph Zannelli

Reel Member Inductees . . . John Agar, Richard Arlen, Charles Bronson, Tom Brown, Pat Buttram, Jimmy Cagney, Rory Calhoun, David Carradine, Anthony Caruso, Robert Conrad, Billy Curtis, Royal Dano, Michael Dante, John Doucette, Kirk Douglas, Richard Egan, Abel Fernandez, Harry Guardino, Great John L., Will Hutchins, Mauricio Jara, Alex Karras, John Phillip Law, Gene LeBell, Guy Madison, Karl Malden, Harvey Parry, George Raft, Aldo Ray, Charles (Buddy) Rogers, Cesar Romero, Mickey Rooney, Robert Sacchi, Sylvester Stallone, Woody Strode, Roy Thinnes, Richard Webb

Special Friends of the CAC . . . Art Abrams, Ted Bolzak, Joey Burman, Pixie Carlton, Noble Kid Chissell, Tommy Cleboski, Kathryn Etienne, Abe Korky Goldstein, Rodolfo Gonzales, Richard Hall, George Koga, Sid Marks, Bob Massick, Alex McDonald, Louis Muratore, Jim Murray, Mike Neporadny, Timothy O’Sullivan, Joe Palumbo, Harvey Parry, Dave Reynolds, Al Stankie, Carol Steindler, Rudy Vasquez, Ralph Zannelli

Prior to 1980, records of membership, awards and "Golden Ears" presented to honorees or celebrities were not provided by the previous executive director and therefore many names of honorees, honorary members and life members are not included in the above list.

The total reorganization of the Cauliflower Alley Club in 1980 was necessary to prevent its collapse due to mismanagement and pending lawsuits at that time as a result of the actions of persons given illegal access to the club’s non-profit identity. Under the guidance of then-legal counsel Frank Saletri, with the necessary disclaimers and cooperation of the authorities, co-founder Art Abrams p;ersuaded a core of loyal members to remain and restart the club. Since that time, the club has grown and prospered to its present international membership of some 1,000, complete with financial integrity and a long list of proud accomplishments.

GULF COAST REUNION AWARDS

Speedy Hatfield Man of the Year
1993 - Speedy Hatfield 
1994 - Dick Dunn 
1995 - Eddie Sullivan 
1996 - Tom Drake
1997 - Don Fargo 
1998 - Corsica Joe 
1999 - Billy Wicks 
2000 - Bob Kelly 
2001 - Jerry Barber 
2002 - Don, Bobby & Lee Fields

Pioneer Awards
The Fabalous Moolah, Chico Cortez, Lee Fields, Bobby Fields, Don Fields, Bunk Harris, Curtis Smith, Ida Mae Martinez, Bonnie Schwartz, Len Rossi, Don Curtis, Joyce Grable, Tony Gonzales, Buddy Fuller, Ellas Waldek, Mae Young, Diamond Lil, Mae Weston, Vinnie Larue, Greg Peterson, Sylvia Hackney, Buddy Colt, Joe Powell, Burrhead Jones, Gladys Wall, Lester Welch, Billy Wicks, Cora Combs, Sara Lee, Penny Banner, Dickie Steinborn, Jim White, Kathy Branch & Ronnie Garvin

Legend Awards (Started in 1997)
Mario Galento, Rube Wright, Herb Welch, Sputnik Monroe, Rip Tyler, Bob Boyer, Jack Dunnavant, Bill Dromo, Rocket Monroe, Danny Hodge, Nelson Royal, Buddy Wayne & Tiger Conway.

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