Caspiantiger

In fairness, bluestater did bring up the topic of travel to that region.

Wiltz

I see you are making "friends" again.

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"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08

bluestater

To get things back on track, thanks, Mark. A very well-researched, well written article.

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• NBC Chicago• Fourth Place Medal • Blast Double

Wiltz

Yes, a very nice article Mark as always.

__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08

ideamark

Thanks for the kind words, folks. They mean a lot to me. (Bluestater, I enjoyed YOUR articles for Black History Month at your blog.)

Just to let you know... I got home from work just now, and was thrilled to see emails from Harold Henson's son and daughter, saying how surprised they were to see something about their father online! Harold is still alive, in his 80s, retired and living in Washington, DC.

What sparked me to write this particular article at this particular time was the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's announcement of its African-American wrestlers exhibit... and their press kit with a dozen or more articles about US black matmen. I thought it would be helpful to use their research as a springboard for my own research (incorporating what I had already uncovered from interviewing Simon Roberts, the first black NCAA champ, last year for the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking title win).

I think it's vitally important to honor the great pioneers of our sport, no matter their heritage, be they women or men. I'll continue to try to do my part. If you have ideas for individuals I should profile, please let me know.

Mark

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www.RevWrestling.com

Those who are ignorant of wrestling history are doomed...

Chance174

Just wanted to add my congratulations on a great article!

OMatches

This is the first post for me since joining this site, that being said. I enjoyed your post Mark very much, keep trivia coming because I like anything to do with wrestling history and always wanting to learn more.

Wiltz

Welcome aboard. We are lucky to have posters like Mark on here. Themat.com's loss is our gain. Mark is a true wrestling historian. I always enjoy his posts.

__________________
"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08

OMatches

Wiltz thanks for the acknowledgement and the welcome it is appreciated.

therick

Great article Mark. Nice to be able to mention your fellow Bobcat, Andy Daniels. He's probably one of the most unlikely of NCAA champions coming in unseeded and knocking off 2 seed Gene Mills 15-7 in the semi and following that up with a fall in :30 of one seed John Azevedo.