Cauliflower Alley Club
Established 1965 – A non-profit corporation
The CAC Reunions
Please click the below year for the Reunion information: 2011 2010 2009
Annual Raffle Belt Through The Years
Special Thanks to Dave Millican, Reggie Parks & Rico Mann for the talent they put into the annual raffle belt for the CAC reunions. [caption id="attachment_6811" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="2011 CAC Raffle Belt (Winner Annette Dollar)"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6806" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="2010 CAC Raffle Belt (Winner Kia Stevens)"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6807" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="2009 CAC Raffle Belt (notice the center plate? Winner Vince Fahey)"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6808" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The plate was changed so Nick Bockwinkel would'nt know he was the Iron Mike Honoree!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6809" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="2008 CAC Raffle Belt"][/caption]
2012 Reunion
The 2012 CAC reunion will be at the Gold Coast Hotel the week of April 16 – 18, 2012. The room rates will remain at and . Fax or Snail Mail Banquet Reservation Form now available – CLICK HERE Online Banquet Reservation Payment Via Paypal – CLICK HERE You can now reserve your room at the Gold Coast. For more info. – CLICK HERE The 2012 CAC Future Legend Nominees can be found by- CLICKING HERE
2012 CAC Future Legend Nominees
(The CAC Future Legend Committee has decided to list all of the 2012 Future Legend Nominees on the website. This will be the official list of the 2012 nominees. If you hear of a name that has been submitted, and it is not included on this list, that person has not been nominated. Once a name and all proper paper work has been submitted, that person will be added to this list. Being nominated does not mean the person has won this award.) 2012 Nominee Sammy “The Bulldog” Savard Weight: 227lbs Height: 5’9” Hometown: Roseau, MN Years pro: 10 years Trained By: Former AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Buck “Rock n Roll” Zumhofe Titles Held: •World Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Champion (Hibbing, MN) 2008 – Present. •Midwest Light Heavyweight Champion (MN, ND, SD, WI, IA) 2009 – 2010. •Pro Midwest Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (Cottage Grove, MN) 2007. Impact Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion (Madison, SD) 2007. •Hard Knocks Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (Oconto, WI) 2005. •Canadian Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion (Forest, Ontario) 2004-2006. •XJAM Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (Minot, ND) 2004 – 2005. •Rock n Roll Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (Cyrus, MN) 2002, 2003. Influences: Buzz Sawyer, Ric Flair, Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero,…
2011 Reunion
The 2011 CAC reunion will be at the Gold Coast Hotel the week of April 18 – 20, 2011. The room rates will remain at and . The Honorees have been announced – CLICK HERE You can now reserve your room at the Gold Coast. For more info. – CLICK HERE
2010 Reunion
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2010 Honorees
(Click on the Honorees name to view photos and bios) Art Abrams award Jim Ross Lou Thesz award Dan Severn Iron Mike award Ted DiBiase Womens Wrestling award Joyce Grable Mens Wrestling award Dean Ho Higuchi Rip Hawk Roger Kirby REEL award Magic Schwarz International award Pat Barrett Red Bastien Friendship award Vince Fahey Posthumous award Lee Fields George “Scrap Iron” Gadaski James C. Melby award Vance Nevada Future Legend award Oliver John Jason Sanderson award Yvonne Melcher Golden Ear award Tom Andrew Master of Ceremony J.J. Dillon Terry Funk
2009 Reunion
2009 CAC Reunion Details WHEN: Monday, April 13, Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15, 2009 WHERE: The Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV ROOM RESERVATIONS: Room rates are guaranteed from Sunday, April 12 through Thursday, April 16 at per night for a standard room and per night for a deluxe room. Reservations can be made by calling the Gold Coast at 1-888-402-6278 and mentioning Cauliflower Alley Club OR online at The Gold Coast Website using the Group Code 9CAUC04 BANQUET ORDER FORM: Click here 2009 HONOREES Click here REUNION RAFFLE BELT: Rico Mann who designed our 2006 and 2008 raffle belts has, once again, generously donated more than 80 hours of his time to design a one-of-a-kind collectible that is sure to go over huge. As most everybody knows, Rico, Dave Millican and Reggie Parks regularly donate their time, labor and materials to provide these belts and each one is more special than the last. This belt will, undoubtedly, be our most successful yet! WRESTLEBOWL I DETAILS: Our 2009 host hotel, The Gold Coast, offers a 70-lane bowling alley among its amenities. We believe that, by adding this event, we will help promote friendship and…
2009 Honorees
Master of Ceremonies for the 2009 CAC Banquet J J. Dillon Men’s Wrestling – Special Presentation The Cormier family Men’s Wrestling international Akio Sato Men’s Wrestling Art Crews Bill Sky Posthumous Award George Gordienko Eddie Sullivan Ladies Wrestling Award Princess Jasmine Luna Vachon Lou Thesz Award Bob Roop James C. Melby Award Steve Yohe Future Legend Award Trevor Murdoch Red Bastien Friendship award Shuhei Aoki Iron Mike Award Nick Bockwinkel Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award Reggie Parks
2009 Photos and Reviews
2009 Reunion Reviews: Nick Bockwinkel receives highest honors 2009 Reunion photos from various members Jeff Sharkey Various contributors Darla Taylor
2009 Reunion snap shots from Jeff Sharkey
Snap shots form the 2009 Reunion as seen through Jeff Sharkey’s camera.
CAC 2009 Reunion photo Gallery
Click on the image for larger view
2008 Reunion
2008 Reunion Video Package 2008 CAC Reunion Covered in Japanese Press CAC Member and Future Legend Honoree, Cheerleader Melissa, was recently looking around in San Francisco’s Japantown and found the following magazine featuring photos and stories from CAC’s 2008 Reunion. If anybody is able to translate the text, please contact wes@caulifloweralleyclub.org. Pro Wrestling Revolution Match Results and Photos John Arthur Lowe’s Reunion Photo Gallery John Arthur Lowe’s Reunion Blog SLAM! Wrestling Reunion Coverage Mike Masarky Reunion Photo Album Member Comments All I have to do is look at the list of folks who attended to see how successful the 2008 CAC Reunion turned out to be. Much as I’d like to visit with so many people each year, there’s only so much time on the clock, and I always leave wanting more. My list of friends grows with every reunion, and I hope people say they count me in their growing lists. Please feel free to contact me if I can do anything to help the CAC or anyone in particular. I value the talents and contributions of so many of our members, and want to be available to help build each year’s reunion a step above from the last. …
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2012 FINISHES (RIP)
2011 Finishes
Remembering those we have lost in 2011 (To view the 2010 RIP’s CLICK HERE) JOHNNY BAREND ( 09/20/2011) He was “Handsome Johnny” Barend through most of his nearly 25 years in the pro ring, but life held much more than wrestling fame for John R. Barend, who passed away of natural causes on September 20, 2011 in Avon, New York at age 82. Born on March 27, 1929 in Rochester, New York, Johnny had his first taste of life on the mat as an eight-year old amateur. Fresh out of high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and wrestled in amateur competition throughout his service stint. He was good enough that the Olympics beckoned, but Johnny elected to take his discharge and join the pros in 1949 after training under Buffalo promoter Ed Don George. He was an instant hit in his home state, then expanded his fame throughout the 1950′s. In California, he teamed with headliner Enrique Torres; in the northeast, he was a frequent opponent — and sometime tag partner — for Buddy Rogers; in Ohio, he transformed to “Handsome Johnny” and formed a hot heel tandem with Magnificent Maurice (Gene Dubuque) under the management of Mr.…
2010 Finishes
Remembering those we have lost in 2010 Connie Marker (12/31/2010) Constantine “Connie” Marker, often called “The Dean of Referees” in the old Dick the Bruiser/Wilbur Snyder promotion out of Indianapolis, passed away in Kingsport, Tennessee on December 31, 2010. He was 87. The son of immigrant parents, the proud Greek had a long and rewarding career. He spent the 1950′s and 60′s as a referee in the Indianapolis territory, and his third-man skills and flamboyant style made him the most popular official there. Connie was a showman, and the crowds and the boys loved him for it. Away from the ring he was a restaurateur, operating the hugely-popular Connie’s House of Marker in Richmond, Virginia for over 30 years. Staff who worked there over the years thought the world of him. He was also deeply involved with the Masonic Lodge. The Cauliflower Alley Club extends its condolences to the family and friends of Connie Marker. Neil Carr (12/18/2010) You might have seen him as Mad Dog Rex, or on television as one of the many masked Mr. X clones that WWF used in the 1980′s. Or you might have seen him as Neil Carr, his legitimate name, in any…
2009 Finishes
Remembering those we have lost in 2009 Steve “Dr. Death” Williams (12/29/09) Pwinsider.com has reported that ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams has passed away at the age of 49 after a lengthy bout with throat cancer. Williams, a football and wrestling star at the University of Oklahoma, began wrestling for Bill Watts’ Mid-South Wrestling in 1979. Williams remained with Watts until the renamed promotion then known as the Universal Wrestling Federation was purchased by Jim Crockett Promotions in 1987. Once in Crockett’s organization, Williams and Mike Rotunda won the NWA World Tag Team Championship. Williams also held the WCW Tag Championship with Terry Gordy and also challenged then-WCW World Champion Ron Simmons for the title prior to leaving the organization in 1992. A big star in Japan, tagging with Terry Gordy overseas for the better part of a decade, Williams saw the biggest stage in America by wrestling for the then-WWF in 1998, but quickly left after being embarrassed by Bart Gunn in the ‘Brawl for it All’, WWF’s tournament style tough-man competition. Williams officially retired from the ring in 2009, last wrestling in Japan in October, 2009. With the onset of his throat cancer in 2004, which went into remission. …
2008 Finishes
Don “Lumberjack Luke” Morrison 12/31/08 Don Morrison passed away at the age of 66 on December 31, 2008 at his home in Port Townsend, WA, it was announced by his wife, Shari. Don worked as Lumberjack Luke, Crazy Luke and Beautiful Brutus. He was born in Kelona, BC on December 19, 1942 and was extremely popular throughout Canada, the Gulf Coast and the Pacific Northwest as well as other territories. After leaving wrestling in 1980 while working for Diamond Belt Wrestling in Idaho, he opened a dry cleaning business in Port Townsend which is still in operation and will be run by his widow. Don suffered from stomach and nerve illnesses, but was a regular attendee at the Northwest Wrestler’s Reunion and kept in close contact with many of his mat partners. He was a long-time member of the Cauliflower Alley Club. There will be a memorial held in Port Townsend, WA on March 28, 2009. The Cauliflower Alley Club sends its condolences to the family and friends of Don Morrison. Roland “Rollin Hard” Montgomery 12/26/08 Roland Montgomery, who wrestled for IWA Mid South as Rollin’ Hard from 1996 to 2003 passed away the day after Christmas following a…
2007 Finishes
Greg Gillies “Mr. Gillis” 12/23/07 (From SLAM! Wrestling) Greg Gillies, better known to fans in British Columbia as Mr. Gillis and Doby Gillis, died on Sunday of a heart attack at his home in B.C. He was 44. Born in Coronach, Saskatchewan on June 14, 1963, Gillies broke into pro wrestling in 1985, trained by the likes of Leo Burke, Ron Ritchie, Ron Starr, Bulldog Bob Brown and Stompin’ Paul Peller in and around Calgary. Besides the Canadian west and the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Gillies spent time in Mexico as Mr. Atlas, Puerto Rico as The Lion, Missouri as Greg Montana, and he also worked in Germany, Tennessee and Florida. He is survived by two children. The CAC sends our condolences to the friends and family of Greg Gillies. “The Equalizer” Tim Foster 11/27/07 (From www.combat-hooligans.com) Tim Foster, of Rushville, IN, died November 27 at Rush Memorial Hospital. Tim wrestled as The Equalizer for Wild Championship Wrestling Outlaws in Indiana and was 46 years of age. The CAC sends our condolences to the friends and family of Tim Foster. Dave Sheldon (Angel of Death) 11/24/07 “Angel of Death” Dave Sheldon, passed away on November 24 at…
2006 Finishes
El Shereef 12/19/06 Jerry Carroll, aka El Shereef, died from cancer today at his home in Southern California. He was a main event wrestler in the late 1950′s and throughout the 1960′s before retiring from wrestling to become a physician. He worked as Jerry Woods, El Shereef, and appeared in Hawaii under yet a third ring name. He was in his late 60s. The CAC send our condolences to the friends and family of El Shereef, Jerry Carroll. Don Jardine 12/16/06 One of wrestling’s greatest masked men ever has died. Don Jardine, as the highly menacing and influential Spoiler, was one of wrestling’s major players for three decades. His approach to performing was so unique, he made a lasting impression on everybody who saw him. Slam! Wrestling has written a wonderful piece about him, which you can see here. We at the CAC send our condolences to the friends and family of Don Jardine. Jack Carter 12/06/06 This New Zealand wrestler, Jack Carter died in Florida Dec. 6, 2006. He was 90 years old. His real name was Johnny Lakey. He arrived in the U.S. in 1946 and got lots of work with Fred Kohler at Chicago’s Marigold Arena…
2005 Finishes
Eddie Guerrero 11/13/05 CAC is saddened by the news that Eddie Guerrero has passed away. Eddie was part of the famous long running Guerrero name to work in the squared circle. Eddie is survived by his wife Vickie and his three daughters. Slam Canoe Wrestling’s John Milner has written more on Eddie. To read more click here. Karl Lauer wrote these words about Eddie, click here. Bill “THE GREAT JOHN L” Clark 11/06 Bill Clark passed away November 6th in Arkansas, After 10 years of declining health. Bill was a CAC member since 1969. Clark wrestled professionally as “THE GREAT JOHN L”. Reggie “THE CRUSHER” Lisowski 10/23 Reggie Lisowski known the world over as THE CRUSHER is gone. Lisowski passed away last night. Lisowski was a CAC member for many years. And was honored a few years ago at the annual CAC Reunion. Slam Canoe Wrestling’s Greg Oliver has written more on the Crusher. To read more click here. Bob “Legs” Langevin 10/08 A valued member of the Professional wrestling community, Bob “Legs” Langevin, passed away Saturday, Oct. 8 at the age of 91. Langevin had an extremely long and successful career spanning from the 1930s…
About CAC
(Information compiled by our resident historian, J. Michael Kenyon) It all began at the Baron’s Castle Buffet Restaurant in Los Angeles, with weekly get-togethers comprised of Mike Mazurki and Al Baffert’s wrestling and movie friends, plus promoter George Parnassus’ boxing friends. Mazurki owned the restaurant, which was in the Los Angeles Elks Club building. At the core of the Cauliflower Alley Club was the friendship of Art Abrams and Mike Mazurki, which dated back to the 1950s, when Mazurki was becoming a film icon and still taking a lot of wrestling dates. Abrams was a printer by trade, and was for many years employed by the old Los Angeles Examiner. During the early years on the club, the CAC newsletters and reunion banquet programs were printed in his garage on an old Examiner press. “He was, from the beginning until his death, the executive vice-president and treasurer of the club,” recalls today’s executive vice-president, Karl Lauer, of Missouri. “Art was responsible for everything. He did it all from his home in Eagle Rock (a Los Angeles suburb).” A boxing promoter, Marshall Wright, served in the early years as managing director. The first CAC banquet was an informal affair held at…
Benevolent Fund
While the CAC does not make political statements nor do we endorse or censure any current or past promoter’s way of doing business, one thing that we can all agree on is that, for many of our retired stars, their lots in life have not been kind. Wrestling has, over the years, come to be a somewhat more kind and sympathetic sport to its performers, but, by no means is it on the level with other sports. Remember, up until recently, there was no such thing as a “guaranteed contract” in this business. Wrestlers either worked or didn’t get paid. This means that many of those who worked so hard for our enjoyment had to wrestle through injuries, sometimes serious ones, in order to feed their families. Attending a CAC reunion, you will hear story after story about the boys having pulled muscles, strained ligaments, sometimes even fractured bones and still having to go to the next town. You will notice the pronounced limps, degenerative arthritis and general difficulty getting around that many have. Of course, since wrestlers were then and still are now considered to be “independent contractors,” there was no group medical insurance to count on in…
Scholarship Fund
Many people know a wrestler or other person affiliated with the wrestling business who has received some type of assistance from the CAC Benevolent Fund. Few, though, probably know that CAC also has a Scholarship Fund. Well, shame on us for not getting the word out in the past, but that ends today! In 1992, Rev. Bill Pappas asked the Cauliflower Alley Club to assist his grandson who was attempting to qualify for the Olympics and concurrently donated the first 1,000 that was to go into the Scholarship Fund. Shortly thereafter, the estate of Joe Malcewicz gave 10,000 to the fund and we were rolling. Tom Drake, highly regarded member of the CAC Board of Directors, has said that he will match all contributions to the fund. The Scholarship Fund continues to this day and is prepared to offer financial assistance to those qualified individuals in need. Scholarships ranging from 250 to a maximum of 2,000 can be awarded to high school students preparing to head to college and those already in college who are in need of assistance. While most of our recipients have been wrestlers and it is certainly our pleasure to offer financial assistance to the next…
Contact Us
GENERAL INFORMATION: CAC@caulifloweralleyclub.org CAC ADMINISTRATIVE Karl Lauer, Executive Vice President: cac009@embarqmail.com Cauliflower Alley Club 383 Highway 00 Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 729-2775 FAX: 1-888-235-7818 MEDIA OPERATIONS “The EAR” Newsletter Information Dean Silverstone, Editor cacdean@hotmail.com CAC Website Information Morgan Dollar, Webmaster morgan@caulifloweralleyclub.org Jason Deadrich, Webhost, Webserver Technician deadrich@caulifloweralleyclub.org
Membership Application / Lifetime Members
The following are lifetime members of the CAC in return for a one-time contribution of 0 (5 of which is tax-deductable). Current as of 04/26/11 Selma Abrams (RIP) Mitch Ackerman Roland Alexander Billy Anderson Doug Anderson Melissa Anderson Mubinu Balogun Steve Banford Ramon Barreto (Chicano Flame) Theresa Barriteau Red Bastien Eugene Bennett Maria Bernardi (RIP) Cody Bever B. Brian Blair Valerie Boesch Kenny Bolin Shelly Melby Bonin Mitch Bourassa Ethel Brown Randal Brown Dr. Bob Bryla Nick Bockwinkel Al Burke Nick Cages David Cantu Tito Carreon Anothony Caruso (RIP) Robert ” Bobby” Chidester George Cleveland Jeffrey Compton Tiger Conway, Sr. (RIP) Lance Cordoza John (Principal Richard Pound) Cozman Gregory Crawford Art Crews Wes Daniel Mark Davis Jason Deadrich Larry Deckenbaugh Paul Diamond Rose Diamond Mike Dreksler Scott Duffany Royal Duncan Jeanne Durso Martin Edelstein Robbie Ellis Tim Farris Wayne Farris John Ferraro Don Ferguson Tom Filsinger Justin Fitzpatrick Mick Foley Robert Forster George Foster Al Fridell Andy Fulks Dan Gable Margaret Garcia (RIP) Rick Garreffa Betty Gerfen Dustin Gettel John Gilbert Patricia Godoy Eric Goldenberg Greg Goode Ted Gordienko Greg Greenland George Gunderson (RIP) Andy Hammerlinck Tom Hankins Larry Harkcom Mickey Jay Henson Tony Heyes Richard Holmes Charles Holt Scott…
Boardroom
2009 CAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Standing L to R: Nick Bockwinkel, Scott Teal, Royal Duncan, Bishop Jason Sanderson, Charlie Smith, Cowboy Bob Kelly, Dean Silverstone, Chris Drake, George Schire, Karl Lauer, Tom Drake, Bob Leonard, Dick Beyer Kneeling L to R: Morgan Dollar, Jason Deadrich, Wes Daniel, Gloria Lovell 2009 CAC EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING L to R: Nick Bockwinkel, Morgan Dollar, Bishop Jason Sanderson, Wes Daniel, Dean Silverstone, George Schire, Chris Drake, Tom Drake, Karl Lauer 2008 CAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Back Row L to R: Jason Deadrich, George Schire, Juan Hernandez, Kurt Nielsen, Nick Bockwinkel, Jason Sanderson, Bob Kelly Middle Row L to R: Al Mandell, Scott Hosey, Scott Teal, Charlie Smith, Bill Bowman, Bob Leonard, Tom Drake, Morgan Dollar, Dean Silverstone, Wes Daniel Front Row L to R: Karl Lauer, Chris Drake 2008 CAC EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING L to R: Nick Bockwinkel, Tom Drake, Chris Drake, Karl Lauer, Dean Silverstone, Wes Daniel, George Schire, Jason Sanderson, Morgan Dollar 2007 CAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Back Row L to R: Tony Vellano, Mike Chapman, Charlie Smith, Scott Hosey, Bob Kelly, Dean Silverstone, Bill Bowman, George Schire, Juan Hernandez, Penny Banner, Jason Deadrich, Jason Sanderson…
Meet the Board
EXECUTIVE BOARD Nick Bockwinkel, President A second generation superstar, Nick Bockwinkel is one of the most respected professional wrestlers of his era. Starting his wrestling career in 1955 after being trained by his father, Warren, and Lou Thesz, Nick traveled all over the country wrestling for various promoters until capturing the Georgia Heavyweight Championship in 1970. Nick soon ventured to the American Wrestling Association (AWA) where he formed a legendary team with Ray Stevens and captured the AWA World Tag Team Titles on three separate occasions. The first of Nick’s seven AWA World Heavyweight Title reigns began in 1975 and his in-ring skills, mic work and ability to present himself as a World Champion kept Nick on top of the Association for most of the next 12 years. Nick retired as an in-ring performer in 1987; however, made a return to the ring in 1993 to wrestle Dory Funk, Jr. at WCW’s Slamboree PPV. Nick has been inducted to the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame (class of 2003), is a member of the WON Hall of Fame (inaugural class of 1996) and was inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. He has served on the CAC Board of…
Board Briefs (2008)
Dean Silverstone 12/21/08 Is there life after wrestling? (Warning: This Board Brief has little to do with wrestling. Instead, it chronicles “hard-to-believe-he-asked-that” questions from the public during day to day business operations in a completely different market.) After more than two decades in the wrestling business, the final house show I promoted was in Anchorage, Alaska in the winter of 1975. Since then, my wife and I have owned and operated Golden Oldies Records, Tapes & CDs, a chain of retail stores buying and selling new and used records, tapes, CDs, DVDs and kindred merchandise. One of the incidental things we sell are 45 rpm record adapters. These devices go in the center of a 45 so it can be played on a turntable (record player). They sell for 23 cents each. A man was at our Renton (Wash.) store and asked, “…if I buy three of these adapters, can I get a discount?” We buy used product from people every day. Once, in Seattle, a lady asked, “…when I sell you my CDs, do you resell them for more or less then you buy them for?” Other classic questions we have been asked: “Did Paul McCartney ever sing with…
Board Briefs (2007-06)
Nick Bockwinkel 12/30/07 The Year In Review, by CAC President Nick Bockwinkel As we close another year, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of the last 365 days in the world of the Cauliflower Alley Club. It’s been quite a productive year and we look forward to more in 2008. Our Reunion in April was a great success, returning to the Riviera and honoring a fine group of wrestlers and affiliated persons. It was a pleasure to see so many first-timers there including Steve Williams and Bret Hart, with whom I worked during Calgary’s Stampede Week so many years ago, and it was great to see so many people return to the Reunion after extended absences. The event was, of course, bittersweet as we bade farewell to Red Bastien who has served faithfully as our President for seven years; however, I have the honor of stepping into the position and working to fill Red’s shoes. With Red’s departure came some changes to the Board of Directors as we welcomed Charlie Smith and Wes Daniel to our Board, both of whom continue to serve the Club in many ways and have proven to be…
Award Nominations
We have been asked many times how to nominate somebody for an award and are happy to present here the official Cauliflower Alley Club award nomination procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to send an e-mail to any CAC Executive Board member. Future Legend Award James C. Melby Historian Award All Other Awards
How To Make Nominations
We have been asked many times how to nominate somebody for an award and are happy to present here the official Cauliflower Alley Club award nomination procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to send an e-mail to any CAC Executive Board member. Future Legend Award James C. Melby Historian Award All Other Awards
Future Legend Award
Who may be nominated: The nominee: •must be a member in good standing of the Cauliflower Alley Club before voting begins, •should have wrestled on at least one show in conjunction with the CAC Reunion(if possible). •must be willing to participate in tryouts for and wrestle on this year’s show in conjunction with the CAC Reunion(if possible). Who may submit nominations: Nominations are accepted from all members in good standing of the Cauliflower Alley Club. When are nominations due: Deadline for nominations for the Future Legend Award is January 1 of the year the award is to be given. Nominations made after this deadline WILL NOT be on the ballot. What must be included with a nomination: •If submitted electronically, a resume detailing the nominee’s wrestling career to date (primary trainer, any other training classes/camps attended, promotions worked for, titles held, major league tryouts) photographs and links to online videos of nominee working matches against a variety of opponents and at least one link to a video of nominee performing an interview or promo •If submitted in hard copy, FIVE copies of each of the above items must be submitted •Supplemental items supporting the candidate’s case for consideration may be…
James C. Melby Historian Award
Who may be nominated: The nominee: •must be a member in good standing of the Cauliflower Alley Club at the time of nomination •must have attended at least one CAC Reunion •must be recognized as having conducted major research work in the eyes of the Historian Committee •must be dedicated to maintaining the history of professional wrestling as a whole rather than having focused on one geographic area, territory, wrestler or promotion •must have had part, or all, of his historical work published in some form, by a third party source •must be willing to serve on the Historian Committee for a period of not less than four (4) years Who may submit nominations: Nominations are ONLY accepted from past recipients of the Historian Award. If you believe that there is a deserving candidate, please contact Jason Sanderson at bpsanderson90@yahoo.com and he will forward your information to our Historian Committee. When are nominations due: Deadline for nominations is July 31. Nominations made after this deadline WILL NOT be on the ballot. Where nominations should be sent: Nominations should be made ONLY to Jason Sanderson,by e-mail at bpsanderson90@yahoo.com. Nominations made to other board members, or to the website or…
All Other Awards
Nomination and Election Procedures – All Other Awards Effective May 22, 2010, there have been three additions to the awards bestowed by the Cauliflower Alley Club: Men’s and Ladies Awards for currently active wrestlers The Jason Sanderson Humanitarian Award, As well, awards have been reorganized into Annual and Non-Annual categories, as shown below. Who may be nominated: The nominee: •must be a member in good standing of the Cauliflower Alley Club at the time of nomination •must have attended at least one CAC Reunion Other criteria for nomination are listed under the individual awards below. Who may submit nominations: Nominations are accepted from all members in good standing of the Cauliflower Alley Club. When are nominations due: Deadline for nominations for all awards, except for Future Legend Award, is July 31 annually. Nominations made after this deadline WILL NOT be on the ballot. What must be included with a nomination: •A brief biography detailing the nominee’s qualifications for the award for which he or she is nominated. •The nominee’s contact information (given name, address, phone number, e-mail address). •Confirmation that the nominee has been contacted and has agreed to attend the next Reunion if they are…
Down Memory Lane
To view the old photo gallery CLICK HERE (This section will be converted to the new site soon) Use the MEMORY LANE Tab above to read stories from “Down Memory Lane” section
Archives
The old CAC blog can be found here.
Arkansas Forgotten Famous – Danny McShain
The Forgotten Famous by Thomas Kroepfl Buffalo, New York’s Memorial Auditorium is filled with smoke from thousands of cigarettes and cigars. A haze has risen over the room as spectators shift in their seats in anticipation of the coming match. It has been a rough night so far for the competitors, but the crowd did not come here to see them; they were here for one man. His opponent, Donn Lewin, stands in the ring readying himself with stretches; testing the ropes, making certain they are secure. The ring announcer straightens as the spotlight hits him and the house lights go down. He announces Dangerous Danny and the crowd explodes with boos and jeers. He struts to the ring through the mob, unaffected by their taunts and curses; his full-length robe has his name stitched on both lapels. His cigar is tilted up to the sky. He stands in the middle of the ring ignoring his opponent Donn, his arms stretched out so all can see: he is the king of the world. In the crowd sitting with her girlfriend is Sallee Lewin, Donn’s sister. They had snuck off to the matches to see her brother wrestle. Donn makes a…
Beell Remembered and Honored
By Jeff Sharkey The squared circle has long been a safe haven for many members of the wrestling fraternity. Between the length of some grueling road trips and the occasional encounters with their over-exuberant fan base, the wrestler may find the familiarity of four corners as a second home. With the lights above providing a roof and the ropes representing their white picket fence, a sense of security and comfort could be all the wrestler needed to be satisfied with their surroundings. Fred Beell was one wrestler, however, who entered the arena of law enforcement. As a member of the Marshfield, Wisconsin police department, Beell adhered to the “protect and serve” credo. He left wrestling and the spoils that would go to the victor. As a wrestler, Beell was champion of the world in 1906. As a police officer, he was a champion for the common good in life. And after his death, on August 5, 1933, Fred Beell has forever retained that title. The Cauliflower Alley Club was proudly represented on May 18, 2005 in Marshfield, WI for Peace Officer Memorial Day. CAC members Paul Farber, Juan Hernandez and Jeff Sharkey were in attendance as the Marshfield Professional Police…
CAC Returns from 2008 GCWR
by Wes Daniel Our eyes may be tired, our throats hoarse from talking so much and our stomachs may be a little (okay, a lot) larger from all the good food, but one definite is that our circle of friends is broader. We can only be talking about one thing; the 17th Annual Gulf Coast Wrestlers Reunion. This year saw a record contingent of 14 CAC Board Members descend upon Mobile, AL for the annual event of fun, friendship and Charlie Smith impersonations. (It would have been 15; however, Dean Silverstone was caught in the Dallas “blizzard” and couldn’t make it. Maybe next year, Dean?) CAC at Gulf Coast Wrestlers Reunion Left to Right: Tom Drake, Morgan Dollar, Jason Sanderson, Karl Lauer, Al Mandell, Kurt Nielsen, Chris Drake, Scott Teal, Charlie Smith, Bill Bowman, Les Thatcher, Wes Daniel (not pictured Bob Kelly and Dick Beyer) The group began arriving on Thursday and were met by the local folk’ for dinner at a local buffet. The rest of the crew came in on Friday and the Reunion kicked into high gear on Friday evening with the annual spaghetti dinner (complete with a dessert table rivaling the best anywhere)…
Cocoa Samoa Remembered
Memorial submitted to the CAC website by Jason Pratt in an attempt to enhance people’s memories of Cocoa Samoa. The CAC does not vouch for the accuracy of any of the information in this article, rather presents it here in tribute. The year 2007 came to a close about two months ago. A lot of people have chosen to summarize 2007 through the tragedies of the Benoits. It’s true, we lost a lot of great people in the industry last year to deaths both tragic and natural. While it is easy to be depressed by the passing of so much talent, I like to celebrate 2007 as the year of Cocoa Samoa. Cocoa (aka Sabu the Wildman, High Chief Onasahi, Tami Samoa, Black Ninja, etc.) wasn’t the most famous wrestler that passed last year, nor was he the most decorated, but he was the one who made the most impact on my life. I first met Cocoa through my part-time job while I was at Community College. Cocoa had set up a janitorial company in order to provide jobs to homeless people and get them on their feet. I was floundering a lot at the time and it was…
Dinner With The Destroyer
(By Steve Yohe, posted to tOA message board) Cauliflower Alley Club Feb. 8, 2002 Riviera Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada Ever since I started watching wrestling in 1962, The Destroyer (right) has been my idol. Over the years, I’ve been called the World’s Greatest Destroyer Fan… mainly by myself, but lately I’ve had people actually say it to me. It’s a rumor I’d like to see perpetuated. I wouldn’t bore you any further, but I needed an opening and a way to set the foundation for this article, so that was it. Every year, I go to the CAC dinners for a lot of reasons: show respect, meet friends, see famous wrestlers, etc., but my main motivation is to spend what ever time I can get with Dick Beyer. Up until the last few years it was a hard thing to do, but with the CAC now stretching the event out to three days, it’s become easier. 2001 was really great and my hopes were up for this year. I arrived in Las Vegas around noon on Friday and spent a few hours with my wife and kid before heading for the Riviera Hotel banquet hall around 5:00. I entered and…
Gimmick Tables
To view the CAC members personal websites CLICK HERE WRESTLING THEN & NOW- THE MOVIE AVAILABLE FROM ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR DWAYNE WALKER & EVAN GINZBURG- ASSOCIATE PRODUCER OF THE WRESTLER It was seven years in the making. But it’s finally here. Wrestling- Then & Now- The Movie is a documentary from noted underground film director Dwayne Walker and the Associate Producer of The Wrestler, Evan Ginzburg. Go on the road with Evan as he talks to the greats of the sport in a film that has something for everyone. If you’re a fan of “old school”- who better than the late, great Killer Kowalski, Nikolai Volkoff, and Don “Dr. Death” Arnold to show you the ropes as they talk about not only wrestling but their philosophies on life and the extraordinary experiences they’ve had travelling the world? And if you’re a fan of today’s wrestling, see a young, outspoken Homicide, hardcore icon Lowlife Louis Ramos and indie stars from coast to coast talk about all aspects of the sport: injuries, “the road”, the women’s division, overzealous fans, the ever-present “paying dues,” and much, much more. Plus one of the casualties of the wrestling game, Tiger Khan, talks about the…
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