The weekend started out just like any other day by waking at 5 a.m. After a quick check of my mailboxes, I readied myself for a special day to be.

I arrived at the Toledo Airport at a few minutes after 6 and went through the security that has become very commonplace in aviation. My baggage went to a separate section, as did that of all the other people going to board planes that morning.

Mine checked out good, as they did not have to go through my well-packed luggage. I proceeded to the next set of metal detectors and removed all the things that would slow up the process.

I carried a cooler with many links of Koegel Ring Bologna in it for my uncle Basil in Florida. We both grew up on Koegel meats in Flint, and I made a few extra stops getting all the packages for the trip.

After a short wait, I boarded the plane destined for Sanford/Orlando in Florida. At 7:10, we were airborne, and, in a few minutes, we were at our cruising altitude of 33,000 feet. I looked out the side window and saw nothing but clouds under me. The entire east coast was getting its fair share of rainstorms, and I was very happy that we were above it and not in it.

Landing in Florida, I went to get my rental car at Budget. I was told when I got there that I could not have the Mustang or Pontiac Grand Am that I was promised. The agent regretted the oversight on his part and gave me a new '04 Chevy Impala for my troubles ... at the same price.

I arrived in Silver Springs at my uncle's estate and began to exchange handshakes and hugs with him and his wife, Velma. I then asked if he would put away my medical supplies in the refrigerator. He started to open the cooler, and his eyes got real big, as he had not had ANY Koegel Ring Bologna in about four years since my last visit.

I made a few calls to let everyone know that I had arrived safely and began a six-hour session with Basil and his computer. I added, took away, modified and changed a few things that he had installed, and now he is able to do a few more things with his computer that he couldn't do before.

As I glanced at my watch, it was nearing 11 p.m., and I had been up 18 hours, and it was time for me to retire to sleep. It is always great when you can get reunited with loved ones that live so far away.

Saturday morning started at 6 a.m. with a huge breakfast and lots of stories about everything and anything that had happened. I then went to some garage sales with Basil before coming back and working on the computer some more.

At 3 p.m., we met with Jim and had a wonderful brunch at Cracker Barrel near I-75. At 4:30, we pulled into the Dory Funk Arena parking lot and were met by some die-hard fans that heard that I would be there. After a short time with them, I proceeded into the arena, while Jim and my uncle went book shopping across the street.

Inside, I began to meet some of Dory and Marti's students at the Funking Conservatory. The first was "The Claw," who is the law ... she is the sheriff in the ring and keeps everyone in line. She is truly a diamond in a field of rocks. Next to come forward was a young man just 19 years young that stands over seven feet and weighs 310 pounds and has the name of "Magnum the Giant." His manager, Aaron Alter, joined him.

Also coming forth to meet with me were Sledgehammer, Bonecrusher, Samson, Big Cat, Bubba McCoy and Marcus "The Reason" Dillon. Each and every one of the students had their own unique style and character. Meeting each was an outstanding pleasure.

Just then, the door opened wide, and Dory Funk Jr. and his wife Marti came through. Dory approached me and looked very hard at me. His eyes never left my face and he came closer to me.

Perhaps he was remembering the many vicious 60 and 90-minute matches that he had against Angus and Roger Kirby and Tank Patton … all of whom I managed while he was the NWA World Champion.

Perhaps he remembered almost losing his coveted title more than once. Perhaps it was still the inner fear that he had of me that was slowing his reactions up coming closer.

Suddenly, he stuck his big hand out and grabbed mine with a vise-like grip. He grabbed me in a bear-like hug and said "How great it is to see you once again … welcome to Ocala, Florida." Marti and I exchanged hugs as well, and all seemed in order until their prized pupil and mascot came barging through the door.

Adam Windsor had been a student of Dory Funk for nearly five years since coming from England to study wrestling. He started out at 118 pounds and is now 100 pounds heavier. He stuck out his hand in friendship and, with a huge smile on his face, exclaimed, "I have heard so many things about you, Mr. Friend." He seemed quite honest in his greeting that I almost lost track of why I was there.

I looked at Windsor and said, "I expected to see a Rolls-Royce when I met you ... but all I see is a Morris Minor." He became very irate at me and wanted to take me into the ring and show me a thing or two. I assured him that he wasn't just dealing with the common people that were associated with Florida.

He suddenly had the light bulb go off in his eyes and backed off. He went to his dressing room and proceeded to get ready. I was led to a rear section of the arena, where I met up with "Big" George Carrasco, who is running for Mayor of Ocala.

He proceeded to tell me how much he was going to do for Ocala if elected as mayor. The matches began, and, with TV cameras rolling, George was brought up to the ring to a huge round of applause. He was given a small plaque for his appearance, and he left the ring shaking everyone's hand as he left. I wish George all the best, as he is a huge backer of professional wrestling, unlike the current mayor.

I was treated to some of the best mat wrestling that I have seen in a long while. Dory's students are taught well, and the overflow crowd appreciated the moves that every match made. As I looked at the giant youngster named Magnum, I saw a young Angus in him. I saw the strength of a bull and the quickness of a cat in his moves. He made a short match of the strangler, and he towered over him nearly a foot and outweighed him by nearly 100 pounds. A huge size 21 boot to the chest and pin made Magnum the winner. I was impressed...

It was during the second session of taping that Dory Funk and Adam Windsor were called to the ring. Then, they introduced me to a standing ovation to the huge crowd. I was given a beautiful plaque that is shown above for my lifetime achievement in wrestling.

As I was accepting it from Dory, he reminded me that I was still the Epitomy of managers. I was quick to remind him that I was the EPITOME and for him not to ever forget it. I then reminded him in front of a live audience that if it had not been for time running out in a match he had in Wichita, Kansas against Black Angus in 1972 ... I would have been the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. I gave a short thank you and praise to Adam Windsor for his progress and then exited the ring. Little did they know what was on my mind and what I would do later that evening to both of them.

To be continued....