CAC 2007 Part Three

A great power nap is what I needed to get me back in the mood to go back downstairs to the reception room and mingle with all my friends. Ross and Bret Hart were the first two to come over and say hi to me.

We spoke about the past evening and awarding Bob Leonard a spot in the CAC Hall of Fame. For those that do not know him, Bob was involved in promotions in Saskatchewan and was also the voice behind a lot of Stampede Wrestling programs.

Suddenly, there was an onslaught of fans wanting Bret's picture and autograph. He was a true gentleman about everything and spoke with each person while signing items.

A while later, we were whisked through a private door to the banquet room to begin yet another night of awards. This was to be the 42nd annual night of headliners, and the card was filled with all the excitement that it could have.

For nearly an hour, I went from table to table meeting with everyone I could. Some of the old friends that were in attendance were … Betty Nicolli, Yasu Fujii, Saito, Tom Andrews, Bob Geigel, Bill Kersten, Omar Atlas, Danny Hodge, Bruce Swayze, Penny Banner and a lot more.

They called the room to order, and the blessing was given for our meal. The meal started with a wonderful salad, and then the main course of Prime Rib was brought out with a baked potato and vegetable. The meal was topped off with a chocolate-covered dessert.

A few minutes later, Pepper Martin took the podium and began the evening by paying tribute to the late Yukon Eric. Mad Dog Vachon was wheeled to the side of the stage area and began to talk about Eric Holmback with dignity and pride.

He spoke of how the modern day wrestler would have been in awe of the strength and stamina that Eric had. He also spoke about the huge Cadillac convertibles that Eric drove with the top down most of the year.

Next to be honored was Cowboy Bob Kelly from Mobile, Alabama. Bob had a huge smile on his face when handed the award by Dean Silverstone. Bob credited most of his success to his wife Chris.

Laura Martinez was given her award by Beverly Shade. Her response was very short and thankful to all that were in attendance. Betty Jo Hawkins was also honored posthumously and accepted by Penny Banner.

Duke Myers was called to the stage next and very humbly accepted his award in an unusually quiet voice. He credited a lot of guys that helped him get his start.

Tito Carreon, at 77, was next to the oldest honoree for the evening. He spoke of how the reunion was very silent this year with Bob Orton and Tiger Conway not being there. He spoke of his love for God and his country. Ending his speech, he asked to be remembered as a guy that worked hard. He always wanted to do his best when he was wrestling and to be exciting for the fans. He loved people and they loved him back. Wrestling was Tito's true passion.

Bill Bowman from Mobile, Alabama was called to the stage to introduce J.J. Dillon for the managers award. J.J. spoke about how he was going to be an ambassador for the Cauliflower Alley Club wherever he went. That he had been away from the guys and gals that he went down the various roads with for so many years. He vowed to attend many more reunions as time would permit.

It was during the short break that Pepper Martin went back of the curtain and put some makeup on and came out to the music of the Godfather. He did an impression of Marlon Brando that could have been a stand-in for the movie. Pat Patterson kissed his ring as he went back off the stage to change back into his suit.

After singing a Louis Armstrong favorite, “What a Wonderful World,” Patterson led Rock Riddle to the stage to get his award. The flamboyant Riddle had the audience at his command during his acceptance.

Bob Geigel was introduced by Tom Andrews and, in his usual proud way, complimented a lot of people that made him as successful as he was in his career.

Danny Hodge, who is no stranger lately to awards, was introduced by Tom Drake for the Lou Thesz award. The Perry, Oklahoma native talked about how God led him down the road in a path that gained him a lot of blessings. He spoke about having now to build another room onto his den at home to put his new trophies in. Danny just turned 75 on May 13.

He is to be honored in New York at the Hall of Fame inductions there on May 19. I asked him when he planned on slowing down, and he told me that he will go as long as he is able to travel. Just prior to the CAC in Las Vegas, he was in Reno, Nevada for a tournament and also Charleston, West Virginia for yet another tournament.

The last to be honored, and rightfully so, was Don Leo Jonathon, getting the Mike Mazurki award. That award is the highest honor bestowed by the CAC. It has been awarded just since 1992 and has included such greats as Woody Strode, Hard Boiled Haggerty, Vic Christy, Gene Lebell, Dick Beyer (The Destroyer), Tom Drake, Lou Thesz, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Ray "Thunder" Stern, Stu Hart, Killer Kowalski, Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Terry Funk and Harley Race.

All of the past Iron Mike winners were brought to the front of the stage to give homage to the six-foot-six giant that now makes his home in Vancouver, British Columbia with his wife of over 40 years, Rose.

In a very soft voice, Don Leo accepted the plaque with all the grace and dignity placed upon him. Respect, he spoke about, cannot be learned, purchased or acquired ... it can only be earned. He vowed to return to the CAC gatherings for many more years.

It was then that Pepper Martin took command once more and asked all the wrestlers to come forth and join with him in singing a Frank Sinatra song called "I did it My Way," only he changed it to "We did it OUR way." As I was singing and taking pictures, I saw many faces covered with tears streaming down them.

It was a great ending to a wonderful evening and the 42nd gathering of the Cauliflower Alley Club. It gave each of us a chance to be in the spotlight again … even if it was just for a moment. It gave us a chance to be with our "OTHER FAMILY" and pay tribute to our departed brothers and sisters of the canvas. It gave us a chance to be ourselves again; what a wonderful feeling!!!

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers

2003 BWC Hall of Fame Inductee
2004 CAC Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 LWA Hall of Fame Inductee
2007 TCCW Hall of Fame Honoree