By Graeme Cameron
Wrestling Heritage welcomes memories, further information and corrections.
Part 1: Familiar Places, New Friends
September 15th marked the anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics. I’d been involved in amateur wrestling for over 25 years and had the honour of taking part as a specialist volunteer on the wrestling event, which didn’t start until Day 7.
Being in the extremely tough European qualifying section meant there were no British competitors but there was still plenty to interest. As a qualified draw official, I led a team whose responsibly it was to update the displays of weight classes and results both for the public in the foyer and for the competitors in the warm-up area and to answer any enquiries about them, which led to some interesting encounters. More about that later.
Among my fellow volunteers were former Olympians Reg Marsh, John Kinsela (1) and Wally Koeing; also Commonwealth Games representatives, Alan Thompson and Paul Kirkby and former national champions Paul Treloar and Nicky Stamulis, all of whom I call friends. There were many faces I knew from working at national championships.
I renewed some old acquaintances and made some new friends. There was a pro wrestling connection. Two of the volunteers, Keith Bowles and Keith Thompson were former amateurs who both had careers as lower level pro wrestlers
Keith Bowles worked as a preliminary wrestler, mostly in Sydney from 1959-1965., at Leichhardt and Sydney Stadiums and on the club circuit. I had never met Keith before but he was a pleasant, friendly man with the gift of the gab, as one might expect of someone who was a career salesman, firstly of cars, then later, real estate. He owned a car dealership on the famous Auto Alley on Parramatta Road in Sydney, notable for the fact that there was a car up a tree outside it. Keith Bowles ran a leg of the Queen’s Baton relay for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games two years ago at the grand old age of 90 and is still alive, living in the Queensland community of Hervey Bay (popular with retirees).
Keith Thompson I had known for many years as an amateur coach. I did part of my coaching apprenticeship with him, refereed some of his son Alan’s bouts (mentioned above), and even briefly coached his grandson. Keith’s pro wrestling career lasted from 1955-1969 at Leichhardt, and Sydney Stadiums and he was a pioneer of the club circuit. He made four appearances in preliminary matches at Sydney Stadium for World Championship Wrestling. Keith Thompson appeared on the very first “Club Wrestling” TV show in a tag team match where his partner was none other than Murphy the Surfie (known in the UK as Maurice LaRue). He worked in a manufacturing job as a fitter and turner. I believe Keith has passed away now , though no one in amateur wrestling knows for sure as he cut ties with everyone after the passing of his wife, which he took very badly
For the two Keiths, pro wrestling was always their second job, something to help pay off the mortgage but they are remembered. The two of them were on the time and score keeping team so we only got to talk during breaks but it was engaging all the same.
In my job, you never knew who you were going to meet. But that’s for next time.
(1) John Kinsela died shortly after this articles was written.
The story continues …
21556
Page added 10/01/2021
Wrestling Heritage 