50 Dollars
Champion armwrestlers from England, Switzerland, and Canada joined top athletes from the United States to compete for the ten thousand dollars awarded in prize money at the 2006 Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge. The Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge held at the annual Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio is the culmination of five qualifying events. Only the best of the best qualify to participate in this prestigious event and the battles that took place over the two days of competition proved just that to the thousands of spectators. Returning to defend their Arnold titles were Tamara Mitts and George Iszakouits from Canada, and they would have their work cut out for them. James Smith (Arkansas) had placed second to George in the 176 lb. class two years in a row, so he decided this year to test out the 198 lb. athletes. Travis Bagent, the defending heavyweight Arnold champion, had qualified to participate but opted to give up his spot to the powerful Harold Owens (Indiana) who had placed behind him in one of the qualifiers.
John Brzenk (Utah) who is named in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most decorated armwrestling champion in the world, made his first appearance at the Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge and, as wherever he participates, was favored to win. Ron Bath (Georgia) deemed to be one of John’s closest rivals, would put John’s reputation to the test as would the numerous other champions in the heavyweight class.
The ladies were represented by some of the most recognized female armwrestlers in North America. Canadian champions Tamara Mitts, who has four Arnold Armwrestling titles, and Barb Zalepa would be a huge threat to the Americans who had earned the honor of appearing here. All champions in their own rights, the Americans, including Karen Coley (Michigan) and Valerie Hill (Nebraska) would have to be at the top of their game to defeat the two powerful Canadians.
Luck of the draw would dictate where in each bracket the athletes would be placed. Weigh-ins took place in the Greater Columbus Convention Center the night before eliminations. Anticipation and excitement about the 2006 Arnold Sports Festival, and the Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge in particular filled the room. This weekend would prove to be one of the most memorable weekends for all of those in attendance, whether they won or lost. The elimination rounds started on Friday morning on the main stage, opening this huge EXPO. The first match-ups on the first of three tables was the legendary John Brezenk versus Kevin Buerts (Idaho) - a tough draw for Kevin, who has been in the sport for about three years, but someone has to wrestle John. So much for the luck of the draw. The heavyweight bracket was pretty evenly drawn with John Breznk, Ron Bath, and Tim Bresnan on the “B" side when it came to the quarterfinals, but in the second round, Nick Zinna (Missouri) caused the biggest upset of the weekend, beating Micahel Todd and sending him into the loser’s bracket.
Blaine Middleton (Illinois) and Mark Zalepa were the first to lose their matches so it would be a short day for one of these men. Harold Owens drew Ron Bath and his first loss in his first match but defeated Kevin Buetts and Mark Zalepa on the “B" side before facing Michael Todd. Michael and Harold have had some tremendous battles in the past, but Michael decisively beat Harold this time, putting him out of the event.
Tim Bresnan had remained on the winner’s side of the bracket until he met John Brzenk. Tim had never wrestled John until May 2005 at the USAA Pro Am in Lake Tahoe where he sent John home in second place. Since then, there has been a lot of speculation as to whether Tim’s win was a fluke, so in essence, this was a rematch. Without hesitation, Tim was powered to the pad for his first loss by a very confident John Brzenk. Ron Bath gave Tim his second loss on the “B" side, leaving him in third place ahead of Michael Todd in fourth. Ron usually gives John a challenging match but John, weighing in at 230 (up from 198) was just too much to handle. John comfortably took home the first place money and his first ACAC title. Ron finished a very respectable second in this stellar field of athletes.
The 155-176 lb. division included world champions from Argentina (Sebastian Lopez), Switzerland (Pascal Girard), England (Andy Barker), and Canada (Denis Dubreuil) in addition to three time defending ACAC champion George Iszakouits. The Americans, who included Kevin Hicklin (South Carolina) and Jarod Cash (Idaho) would have to perform as if they were at a world championship match to finish in the top four and in the money. Pascal Girard and Denis Dubreuil both have long hair down to the middle of their backs, which added a unique element to their matches. When the air cleared, and the hair stopped flying, Pascal had sent Denis to the “B" side. Kevin and Jarod had some tough draws and lost their first matches to George and Sebastian respectively. When Kevin beat Jarod on the “B" side, Kevin was the only American left in this class. Kevin’s win placed him against Pascal in the next round where he was put out of the tournament, after along match in the strap and a loss.
I have seen Andy Barker wrestle many times, but it was obvious he had been preparing intensely for the ACAC. Andy gave George Iszakouits the most demanding matches I have ever witnessed. In the semi-finals, Andy came close to pinning George several times before he ran out of energy and succumbed to the pin. On the “B" side, Andy ended up in the strap with Pascal Girard for yet another long, draining battle which would leave the loser in third place. Both Pascal and Andy did not come here to finish third. They both wanted the prestigious ACAC title. Whoever won this match would have to literally wrench the title away from George, who was the only man to remain undefeated. Unbelievably, even after two long strenuous matches, Andy Barker pulled out a huge win was once again going to face George, only in the finals this time. If Andy wanted to finish in first place, he would have to beat George twice. Was this really possible? Andy did give George some very memorable matches, but it wasn’t enough to finish in first place. This weekend George took home his fourth consecutive ACAC title, custom champion jacket, and prize money. Andy and Pascal both vowed they would be back in 2007 to avenge their losses.
Vern “the one armed bandit" Martel (Canada) won his last ACAC title in 2004 but missed the chance to defend that title in 2005 due to illness. It was great to have him again in attendance looking strong and determined to regain what he felt was rightly his.
Last year’s champion Bryon Thomas didn’t qualify this year, so Vern wouldn’t have him to worry about. Ray Hennerichs (Louisiana), Corey Ruiz (Georgia), and “Boomer" Reagan (Ohio) all came with the intention of winning so Vern would have some competition. Boomer found himself facing Vern in the first round, which wasn’t exactly what he had hoped for, but Boomer also realized that he would have to go through Vern at some point to secure the first place title. Vern was just too much for the much younger Boomer, almost effortlessly driving him straight to the pad for a loss.
Corey and Ray, who have competed against each other many times, drew each other the first round. These men are very evenly matched in skill and very alike in stature, which makes their matches exciting and forces them to use all the skill and endurance they possess to pull out a win. Unfortunately, because of this it could lessen the chance that either man would have the power left to beat Vern. After a loss to Corey, Ray handed Boomer his second loss on the “B" side and now needed to do the same to Corey, after his loss to Vern, to continue in the bracket. This time, Ray overpowered Corey, avenging his first round loss. Vern remained undefeated anticipating who would be victorious on the “B" side to comeback and challenge him. Once again Vern was facing Ray across the table, and this time would be the last time at this particular event. Just as happened in the semi-final match after a very long arduous battle. Vern overwhelmed Ray, recapturing his previous title, ACAC Champion.
The ladies generally don’t receive as much as PR as they deserve. The Arnold Sports Festival gives them a tremendous opportunity to showcase their skills and at the same time, prove they are just as dedicated as men. With a maximum weight of 143 lb., these women may not appear to be powerful-and being attractive also adds to this misconception. As soon as their matches begin, however, this illusion disappears, and you see these women for what they are: superb athletes. Karen Cooley, the lightest competitor has at least one previous ACAC title and was also a world champion.
Tamara Mitts has four ACAC titles and was also the defending ACAC Champion. Tamara never underestimated Karen, but she realized that her real competition would be fellow Canadian Barb Zalepa. Tamara lost to Barb at the Canadian National Championships, where they both qualified to attend this event, and she had hoped that since then, she had gained enough strength and endurance to defeat Barb.
Barb and Tamara both steamrolled through the competitors in their class as if it were predetermined that they should finish in the top two. Barb flashed Karen in the first round, something Karen is not accustomed to. Tamara made quick work of young Valerie Beach (New Hampshire) to face the more intense Val Hall from Nebraska. Val has been training intentionally in mind. Val’s dad Cliff, a many time champion armwrestler, spent hours fine tuning his daughter’s skills, but Tamara’s years of experience paid off. Val had to wait and see, from the “B" side where she would place.
Despite beating seven of the top athletes in the U.S. and Canada, Karen Cooley only finished in third place. I expected that Tamara with her four ACAC titles would have given Barb more resistance, but she didn’t. Right from the “Go" Barb wrenched Tamara’s hand open and dropped her to the touch pad. Barb unfalteringly placed first with Tamara second.
The 198 lb. class had a huge range of athletes. Master (age 40 +) armwrestlers Bob Brown (Utah) and Herman McCoy (Oregon) would be up against men who had fewer than three or four years in the sport. Ron Vigeani, Jr. (New Hampshire), Bryan Johnson (Montana), and Kayne Hornsing (Canada) only have ten years’ combined experience. Don’t get me wrong they all have national titles, but they do lack the years at the table. The real threat to the veterans was James Smith. James made his first appearance in the 196 lb. division in Little Rock at the Unified Nationals where he demolished his competition. In October 2005, James traveled west to the Reno Reunion in Nevada and did the same thing (including a victory over Bob Brown). Does James have the ability to dominate the 198 lb. class just as he did at the 176? This weekend proved that experience may not be enough to win. James Smith was not slowed down by anyone rewarding him a first place finish. It was the “youngsters" who were recognized and awarded for their performances: Rob Vigeant Jr., Bryan Johnson, and Kayne Hemsing finished out the top four, in that order.
I cannot express what a huge honor it is to represent armwrestling at the Arnold Sports Festival. This year was our third year opening the EXPO on the main stage and it is still a thrill! Even though armwrestling is just a small part of this extravaganza, we receive the same respect from the spectators and other sport promoters as everyone else. I also want to recognize Ironmind Enterprises and MILO magazine for their continued support of our endeavors. Randall Strossen and Elizabeth Hammond have become great friends and we appreciate everything they do for us.
Even if you aren’t directly involved in the sports presented at the Arnold Sports Festival you should plan to come to Columbus, Ohio the first weekend in March each year to experience all that this fabulous EXPO has to offer.
pozdro/
John Brzenk (Utah) who is named in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most decorated armwrestling champion in the world, made his first appearance at the Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge and, as wherever he participates, was favored to win. Ron Bath (Georgia) deemed to be one of John’s closest rivals, would put John’s reputation to the test as would the numerous other champions in the heavyweight class.
The ladies were represented by some of the most recognized female armwrestlers in North America. Canadian champions Tamara Mitts, who has four Arnold Armwrestling titles, and Barb Zalepa would be a huge threat to the Americans who had earned the honor of appearing here. All champions in their own rights, the Americans, including Karen Coley (Michigan) and Valerie Hill (Nebraska) would have to be at the top of their game to defeat the two powerful Canadians.
Luck of the draw would dictate where in each bracket the athletes would be placed. Weigh-ins took place in the Greater Columbus Convention Center the night before eliminations. Anticipation and excitement about the 2006 Arnold Sports Festival, and the Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge in particular filled the room. This weekend would prove to be one of the most memorable weekends for all of those in attendance, whether they won or lost. The elimination rounds started on Friday morning on the main stage, opening this huge EXPO. The first match-ups on the first of three tables was the legendary John Brezenk versus Kevin Buerts (Idaho) - a tough draw for Kevin, who has been in the sport for about three years, but someone has to wrestle John. So much for the luck of the draw. The heavyweight bracket was pretty evenly drawn with John Breznk, Ron Bath, and Tim Bresnan on the “B" side when it came to the quarterfinals, but in the second round, Nick Zinna (Missouri) caused the biggest upset of the weekend, beating Micahel Todd and sending him into the loser’s bracket.
Blaine Middleton (Illinois) and Mark Zalepa were the first to lose their matches so it would be a short day for one of these men. Harold Owens drew Ron Bath and his first loss in his first match but defeated Kevin Buetts and Mark Zalepa on the “B" side before facing Michael Todd. Michael and Harold have had some tremendous battles in the past, but Michael decisively beat Harold this time, putting him out of the event.
Tim Bresnan had remained on the winner’s side of the bracket until he met John Brzenk. Tim had never wrestled John until May 2005 at the USAA Pro Am in Lake Tahoe where he sent John home in second place. Since then, there has been a lot of speculation as to whether Tim’s win was a fluke, so in essence, this was a rematch. Without hesitation, Tim was powered to the pad for his first loss by a very confident John Brzenk. Ron Bath gave Tim his second loss on the “B" side, leaving him in third place ahead of Michael Todd in fourth. Ron usually gives John a challenging match but John, weighing in at 230 (up from 198) was just too much to handle. John comfortably took home the first place money and his first ACAC title. Ron finished a very respectable second in this stellar field of athletes.
The 155-176 lb. division included world champions from Argentina (Sebastian Lopez), Switzerland (Pascal Girard), England (Andy Barker), and Canada (Denis Dubreuil) in addition to three time defending ACAC champion George Iszakouits. The Americans, who included Kevin Hicklin (South Carolina) and Jarod Cash (Idaho) would have to perform as if they were at a world championship match to finish in the top four and in the money. Pascal Girard and Denis Dubreuil both have long hair down to the middle of their backs, which added a unique element to their matches. When the air cleared, and the hair stopped flying, Pascal had sent Denis to the “B" side. Kevin and Jarod had some tough draws and lost their first matches to George and Sebastian respectively. When Kevin beat Jarod on the “B" side, Kevin was the only American left in this class. Kevin’s win placed him against Pascal in the next round where he was put out of the tournament, after along match in the strap and a loss.
I have seen Andy Barker wrestle many times, but it was obvious he had been preparing intensely for the ACAC. Andy gave George Iszakouits the most demanding matches I have ever witnessed. In the semi-finals, Andy came close to pinning George several times before he ran out of energy and succumbed to the pin. On the “B" side, Andy ended up in the strap with Pascal Girard for yet another long, draining battle which would leave the loser in third place. Both Pascal and Andy did not come here to finish third. They both wanted the prestigious ACAC title. Whoever won this match would have to literally wrench the title away from George, who was the only man to remain undefeated. Unbelievably, even after two long strenuous matches, Andy Barker pulled out a huge win was once again going to face George, only in the finals this time. If Andy wanted to finish in first place, he would have to beat George twice. Was this really possible? Andy did give George some very memorable matches, but it wasn’t enough to finish in first place. This weekend George took home his fourth consecutive ACAC title, custom champion jacket, and prize money. Andy and Pascal both vowed they would be back in 2007 to avenge their losses.
Vern “the one armed bandit" Martel (Canada) won his last ACAC title in 2004 but missed the chance to defend that title in 2005 due to illness. It was great to have him again in attendance looking strong and determined to regain what he felt was rightly his.
Last year’s champion Bryon Thomas didn’t qualify this year, so Vern wouldn’t have him to worry about. Ray Hennerichs (Louisiana), Corey Ruiz (Georgia), and “Boomer" Reagan (Ohio) all came with the intention of winning so Vern would have some competition. Boomer found himself facing Vern in the first round, which wasn’t exactly what he had hoped for, but Boomer also realized that he would have to go through Vern at some point to secure the first place title. Vern was just too much for the much younger Boomer, almost effortlessly driving him straight to the pad for a loss.
Corey and Ray, who have competed against each other many times, drew each other the first round. These men are very evenly matched in skill and very alike in stature, which makes their matches exciting and forces them to use all the skill and endurance they possess to pull out a win. Unfortunately, because of this it could lessen the chance that either man would have the power left to beat Vern. After a loss to Corey, Ray handed Boomer his second loss on the “B" side and now needed to do the same to Corey, after his loss to Vern, to continue in the bracket. This time, Ray overpowered Corey, avenging his first round loss. Vern remained undefeated anticipating who would be victorious on the “B" side to comeback and challenge him. Once again Vern was facing Ray across the table, and this time would be the last time at this particular event. Just as happened in the semi-final match after a very long arduous battle. Vern overwhelmed Ray, recapturing his previous title, ACAC Champion.
The ladies generally don’t receive as much as PR as they deserve. The Arnold Sports Festival gives them a tremendous opportunity to showcase their skills and at the same time, prove they are just as dedicated as men. With a maximum weight of 143 lb., these women may not appear to be powerful-and being attractive also adds to this misconception. As soon as their matches begin, however, this illusion disappears, and you see these women for what they are: superb athletes. Karen Cooley, the lightest competitor has at least one previous ACAC title and was also a world champion.
Tamara Mitts has four ACAC titles and was also the defending ACAC Champion. Tamara never underestimated Karen, but she realized that her real competition would be fellow Canadian Barb Zalepa. Tamara lost to Barb at the Canadian National Championships, where they both qualified to attend this event, and she had hoped that since then, she had gained enough strength and endurance to defeat Barb.
Barb and Tamara both steamrolled through the competitors in their class as if it were predetermined that they should finish in the top two. Barb flashed Karen in the first round, something Karen is not accustomed to. Tamara made quick work of young Valerie Beach (New Hampshire) to face the more intense Val Hall from Nebraska. Val has been training intentionally in mind. Val’s dad Cliff, a many time champion armwrestler, spent hours fine tuning his daughter’s skills, but Tamara’s years of experience paid off. Val had to wait and see, from the “B" side where she would place.
Despite beating seven of the top athletes in the U.S. and Canada, Karen Cooley only finished in third place. I expected that Tamara with her four ACAC titles would have given Barb more resistance, but she didn’t. Right from the “Go" Barb wrenched Tamara’s hand open and dropped her to the touch pad. Barb unfalteringly placed first with Tamara second.
The 198 lb. class had a huge range of athletes. Master (age 40 +) armwrestlers Bob Brown (Utah) and Herman McCoy (Oregon) would be up against men who had fewer than three or four years in the sport. Ron Vigeani, Jr. (New Hampshire), Bryan Johnson (Montana), and Kayne Hornsing (Canada) only have ten years’ combined experience. Don’t get me wrong they all have national titles, but they do lack the years at the table. The real threat to the veterans was James Smith. James made his first appearance in the 196 lb. division in Little Rock at the Unified Nationals where he demolished his competition. In October 2005, James traveled west to the Reno Reunion in Nevada and did the same thing (including a victory over Bob Brown). Does James have the ability to dominate the 198 lb. class just as he did at the 176? This weekend proved that experience may not be enough to win. James Smith was not slowed down by anyone rewarding him a first place finish. It was the “youngsters" who were recognized and awarded for their performances: Rob Vigeant Jr., Bryan Johnson, and Kayne Hemsing finished out the top four, in that order.
I cannot express what a huge honor it is to represent armwrestling at the Arnold Sports Festival. This year was our third year opening the EXPO on the main stage and it is still a thrill! Even though armwrestling is just a small part of this extravaganza, we receive the same respect from the spectators and other sport promoters as everyone else. I also want to recognize Ironmind Enterprises and MILO magazine for their continued support of our endeavors. Randall Strossen and Elizabeth Hammond have become great friends and we appreciate everything they do for us.
Even if you aren’t directly involved in the sports presented at the Arnold Sports Festival you should plan to come to Columbus, Ohio the first weekend in March each year to experience all that this fabulous EXPO has to offer.
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