Alicia's House 2006 Part Two

Dave Burzynski and I had traveled the 230 miles from my house to Matteson, Illinois, where we had a suite reserved at the Day's inn.

Arriving around noon, we hurriedly put away our bags, grabbed our cameras and were off to the downtown area near the famous loop. The Dan Ryan Expressway was experiencing a widening overhaul, and, as a result, traffic was very heavy inbound.

We exited at 35th street and proceeded to California Boulevard, where we would end up across the street from the Cook County Jail. The California Gardens nursing center has been the home of Luis Martinez, former Texas and Michigan state champion, for the past few years.

I couldn't help but get butterflies in my stomach as we visited Luis. We talked about some of his most memorable matches that I had viewed. I was in the audience in the late 50's when he beat the Mighty Thor and gained the Michigan State Championship. He unmasked him that night and went on to a most auspicious career that lasted into the 1980's.

Luis had many rivalries in the Great Lakes area against Bull Curry, Sputnik Monroe and the Original Sheik. He had many battles in the Midwest with guys like Moose Cholak, Johnny Kace and Mr. Moto, to name a couple.

We hated to see the day end so soon, but, with rush hour traffic time coming up very quickly, we said our good wishes to each other and bid Luis "Adios." He called out to us, "Vaya con dios, Amigos," and waved as we left his room.

It wasn't long before we were back at our suites and off a little later to Nick's Licks, an old fashioned ice cream and music emporium in Peotone, Illinois, just nine miles to the south.

At 8 p.m., most of the guys and gals that would be a major part of the golf outing the next day were in attendance. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, Scott Schwartz and his daughter, Kevin "Butcher" Hughes, Milt Pappas, Dave "Supermouth" Burzynski, Juan "Mr. Karate" Hernandez and a lot of his family members were there.

Following a wonderful meal, we were able to have a chat session with the fans that had come in for this meeting. There were nearly 100 people jammed into this quaint part of main street America that is hidden not far off I-57.

Rising at 8 a.m., Dave and I enjoyed a huge breakfast at the Cracker Barrel and went back to my suite to try our hands at some more games of Cribbage. Dave is a good learner and will do good at next years CAC tournament.

At 10:30, we picked up Steve Williams and Kevin Hughes at their hotel and proceeded to the Lincolnshire Country Club, where the golf outing would be.

Parking at the lot adjacent to the course was a problem, as it had nearly 500 cars there for the day’s tournament. We were fortunate to find a spot not far from the clubhouse where check in was just starting.

Securing a cart and joining Buddy "Freebird" Roberts, we began to tour the multitude of bodies that were swinging their arms and hitting golf balls long distances on the fairways. Coming up behind us at the 4th hole were the first husband and wife team honored by the CAC, Paul Christy and Bunny Love.

We chased parts of our group for nearly two hours before returning to the clubhouse to eat. I had knockwurst and onions, complimented by sugar free cookies and home style German potato salad. Topped off with a light beer, it made for a wonderful meal.

As I was getting ready to once again leave for the fairways, I glanced off to the far end of the room, and there stood a lady that just took everybody's attention in the room. Bunny Love jumped up off her chair and ran to this lady and gave her a huge hug. They had not seen each other in over 25 years.

She was known as Princess Jasmine and had been a wrestler during the 60's and 70's. She now lives in the greater Chicago area and is a nurse by trade. I had a chance to meet this wonderful lady and chat with her for a short time. We are becoming good friends on the internet now.

At 4:30, I left the clubhouse and proceeded to the country club main building, where a silent auction and the meet and greet session would be held. The room had nearly 100 people in it going through all the items that had been donated to help Alicia's House. Things like autographed pictures of Babe Ruth to signed items from one of our Presidents adorned four sides of six tables that had been set up.

This display shows me the excitement, energy and concern for the food bank that serves south Chicago. It also told me that many people were "Teeing up to fight hunger," which was the theme for the event.

I suddenly had two of the biggest hands on my shoulders and turned to see Lee Roupas with his hand extended. Lee is the guy that is a spokesman for "Just Say NO" in Illinois. He is an impressive young man that is an all natural athlete that has been in many bodybuilding contests and come out the winner in most.

Claudia and Andy Gunderson and Glen, Patrick and Alicia Rylko were next to come over to me to say hello. I had the opportunity to meet Ricky and Terri Smith, who, along with their family, are involved in a singing ministry. I enjoy a lot of Gospel singing and value their friendship.

Taking my spot on the long line of tables set up for the autograph session, I began to sign many of the posters that were made just for the event. I suddenly had the pleasure of seeing Cel "Mr. Karate Jr." Hernandez and his new bride Nicole. We hugged and renewed our friendship that has been there for some years now. Cel is the current CIW Champion and wrestles on weekends when he is not at his regular job.

As 6:30 approached, we were asked to take our tables for the dinner banquet. I was proud again to share my table with former Chicago Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas and Paul "The Chief" Farber. Kevin Hughes sat at the next table, along with Scott Schwartz and his daughter. Lee Roupas and Dave Burzynski shared their table with the Smiths and Steve Williams.

Following a super meal, all the front table were introduced to the overflow audience. I took the opportunity while standing to offer Alicia's House an extra $100 to help feed the hungry. Juan was very touched by my gift and applauded the fact that it showed that we are not just celebrities, we are also human with feelings.

Following an auction of items donated by Scott Schwartz, "Turd" and others, including the Chicago Bulls, the evening came to a close around 10 p.m. We returned to the hotel to await our departure in the morning.

To the many unsung heroes that came and helped Alicia's House make the 2006 outing a very successful weekend … THANK YOU.

To Juan and Stella Hernandez, who have put their own personal lives into this effort … may God continue to bless and watch over you both.

To the Lincolnshire Country Club … your involvement in this weekend is more than I ever imagined it could ever be. The entire property was in an immaculate state of view. Your members were very cordial and helpful to each and every one that came for the outing.

To my friend Dave "Supermouth" Burzynski … words alone cannot begin to express my feelings for all of your involvement in this trip. Going out of your way to make this one of my most enjoyable trips and getting to see Luis again was something that I can never repay you for.

I hope to see you somewhere down the road again soon.

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