CAC Benevolent Fund

Saturday Night Slam

Cardinal Creek Outing

(This is a press release about an exciting new book about one of the greatest women wrestlers..... and my friend....Please order your copy today ... Percival)

PENNY BANNER, a pioneer in the Golden Age of Women's Wrestling, 1954 -1977, has written her autobiography about her early days on the road. Penny, from St. Louis, Missouri, who has wrestled all over the United States, Canada and Mexico, was the AWA's first women's champion. Her book was published by Flying Mare Productions and can be purchased at www.bannerdays.com

I had traveled from near Toledo, Ohio after a full day and accompanied fellow manager of champions Dave "Supermouth" Drason Burzynski to Beecher, Illinois, some 30 miles south of Chicago, on Friday afternoon. We arrived around 7:30 CST at Die Peotone Bier Stube and were treated to authentic Bavarian music, world cuisine from Chef Klaus and the fellowship of every patron there.

I finally hit the pillows at around midnight and fell fast asleep. It was as if I had just closed my eyes when the alarm went off. It was 7 a.m., and I needed to ready myself for the big event to help Alicia's House, a food bank run by "Mr. Karate" Juan Hernandez and his lovely wife Stella. They made over 6,000 people happy in 2003 by their generosity in putting food into hungry tummies. This was up from 2002 by over 25% … all due to people that care.

Juan had a golf outing in 2003 at this same course, and it was a tremendous success. He had many stars from the wrestling world come and help him out. Many stars from the martial arts were there, too. Fans poured out their support for the silent auctions and dinner. It resulted in Juan being able to purchase over 30,000 pounds of food for the needy.

I readied myself for the day and met with Dave for breakfast at a truck stop next to our hotel. If you ever want the best food around, just look to where truckers eat. I have never seen a trucker go away from a stop hungry. We had a favorite of mine … biscuits and gravy with a tall glass of water.

Arriving back at the hotel, Ox Baker and Kevin "The Butcher" Hughes were seated and talking about the big day. They called Scott Schwartz to make sure that he didn't miss the shuttle going to Beecher, some eight miles away.

Arriving at Cardinal Creek Golf Club, we were led into a reception area where officials, members and fellow golfers were assembled. For the next hour, we met and exchanged many handshakes and hugs. I went to the silent auction area and dropped off the items that I had hand-carried to the benefit. I was really amazed by the outpouring of items sent in by sports figures, movie stars and even a former President of the United States. A lot of the items were one of a kind and very hard to put a starting bid on.

Just as we were about to leave for the golf match, a huge downpour came upon us, and, for nearly 10 minutes, it came down in buckets. I had thought that it would put a damper on the event, but, when the rain ended, it was as pleasant as it could be. I grabbed a cart and was joined by Buddy "Freebird" Roberts. We began a goodwill tour of the courses that included pictures and many words of excitement for each person golfing. For nearly two hours, we chased around 27 holes of golfing area. There is more area being developed for this huge complex of grounds.

There are some pretty nice homes surrounding the edges of the club. One, I found out later, is owned by Milt Pappas, a man I would meet later that day. Buddy and I came in with Paul Christy and Bunny Love for a bite to eat on the veranda of the clubhouse. As I pulled in, I spotted Dan Roeglin, a friend from Minneapolis, and nearly drove over him and jumped from my cart and grabbed him and shook him like he was a wanted man.

After he regained his composure, we shook hands and hugged each other. Dan has been a friend of mine for a long time and has joined me in many wrestling events, including the CAC and the Hall of Fame in Newton, Iowa. He is a deputy fire chief in a neighboring town of Minneapolis. We spoke for a while, and then I invited him to join me in going out to watch more golf.

I arrived back in the clubhouse at 3:45 and changed clothes for the meet and greet session that was to begin in 15 minutes. The room was surrounded with many celebrities from all walks of industry. Alicia's House depended on a good showing of fans and supporters. All the golfers in the event had pledged their support in one way or another. Fans were treated to a two-hour meet and greet session with some of the best any charity event could ever want.

Starting with Scott Schwartz, a 6"10" movie star and former pro wrestler who had flown in from his home near Los Angeles to be a part of making money for Alicia's House. Scott had been introduced to Juan at the last CAC event in April in Las Vegas. After a few minutes in speaking with Juan, Scott asked him how HE could help and what are the dates. He gave up a few things to come but was very proud to be a part of everything this outing had.

Ox Baker, the name says it all. The only guy that could scare the devil into going to church. He was the life of the party and was in full command every chance he had and was responsible for raising a great deal of cash for this event by his antics.

John Sharkey Jr., an 8th degree black belt, who has been involved in karate and martial arts for over 35 years. He was also the teacher of Juan Hernandez and took him to his first World's Championship at the tender age of 16.

Paul Christy and Bunny Love, from the Golden Days of wrestling. They will be both honored by the CAC in 2005. Paul is a registered Hypnotist and a remarkable illusionist that captivates audiences wherever he and Bunny appear.

Milt Pappas, one of baseball's all time greats. He played for many teams and ended with the Chicago Cubs. He has written a book about his days in the sports field and talks about many experiences both professional and private in it. I was very proud to sit next to this ICON of the baseball world and chat with him.

The Chief ... Paul Farber, a real life police chief and wrestler, who spends a lot of his off hours helping various charities. Like Juan Hernandez, a pillar of his community and a nice guy to be around. I always ask him what it was like to have a dinosaur as a pet growing up. He laughs, and so do I, because we have a common attitude about helping out any time we are asked to do so.

The Butcher, Kevin Hughes from the Northeast was trained by Killer Kowalski and had his first match in Japan at the age of 18. He is a remarkable friend to many when it comes to caring and sharing.

Lee Roupas, C.F.T. A great young man that has helped many with his talents of a Certified Fitness Trainer. He also, I found out, is training to be a minister. He delivered the prayer over the banquet meal with a lot of grace and pride.

Dave "Supermouth" Drason Burzynski … he became a tradition in Big Time Wrestling by managing the Original Sheik, Malcolm Monroe, Mickey Doyle, Al Snow and many others in his career. Drive, Determination and Desire are on his nameplate in his office along side the words … I HANDLE THE BEST, NOT THE REST...

As you can see by the outpouring of celebrities, there was a lot to choose from if you came to get autographs or buy collectibles. At 6 p.m., we ended the session and began to ready ourselves for the dinner. I was asked to seat myself next to Milt Pappas, who was seated at the right end of the head table, as I would be giving a special award later in the program.

To be continued....

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers
2004 CAC Honoree