Colorado Armwrestling Hall of Fame 1995-2011

1995 - 1997

1995 - Steve Ponzi

1996 - Des Gronwald

1997 - Clay Stadler

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1998-2000

1995 - 1997

1998 - Casey Keyes

1999 - Kevin Fanger

2000 - Greg Fanger

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2001 - 2003

1995 - 1997

2001 - 2003

2001 - Dwight Collins

2002 - Ken Penrose

2003 - Brad Balderston

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2004-2006

2001 - 2003

2004 - Mel Terry

2005 - Buzz Switzer

2006 - Kelli Holmes

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2007-2009

2004-2006

2007-2009

2007 - Emlyn Williams

2008 - Matt Girdner

2009 - Charles Hamby

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2010-2011

2004-2006

2007-2009

2010 - Rich Simpson

2011 - Jeff Ames

2011 - Dakota Gundy

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1995 Steve ponzi

About Steve

Competed: 1975 - 1987.
Location: Westminster, Colorado.
States: (3) CO, NV, CA.

Titles

State/Regional:

Multi-time Colorado State Champion.
Multi-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
- 1976 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
- 1983 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
Competed in 1985 Over The Top Regional Championships (Denver).

National/International/World:

1976 WPAA World Championships - 4th.
1979 AWI World Pro Championships - 4th.
1980 AWI World Pro Championships - 4th.

Records/Rankings/Awards

12 time CO #1 Overall Champion (Tied with Matt Girdner for CO Record.)
12 Years undefeated in CO (2nd All-time).
Heaviest bench press (600 lbs).
Ranked #1 WPAA Colorado - 219#, 220+#.
Ranked top 10 in the US. (WPAA).
Ranked top 10 in North America (WPAA).
Ranked top 10 in the World (WPAA).
CO All-time Team: 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.
CO All-decade Team: 1970's, 1980's.
1976 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
1980 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.

More about Steve

"My most memorable match was at the World Championships in Las Vegas with a former World Champion. The match lasted a long time and resulted in a chipped bone in my elbow. Dennis Yaklich from Pueblo was my toughest opponent. He was one of the strongest men I have ever seen." "I started competing in power lifting in 1975 and entered the 220# novice class taking second place. I vowed never to lose again. Shortly after, I competed in the 242# class and won every meet and took outstanding lifter at every contest. My goal was to set the World Record in the bench press and win the World Armwrestling Championships. I was ranked in the top 5 in the World in Powerlifting for about 3 years along with Jon Cole and a few others. In 1980 I attempted to set the World bench press record at the Senior Nationals which was 573#. I successfully lifted 578# but was called for moving my head. Years later, attempting a 605# bench press at Gold's Gym in Denver, I tore my pectoral muscle and ended my Powerlifting and Armwrestling career." Set state power lifting record at 565# bench, 780# squat, 760# deadlift.

1996 Des Gronwald

About Des

Started: 1982.
Location: Ft. Lupton, Colorado.
States: (6) CO, CA, NM, TX, LA, MI.
Check out Des competing at the 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals............

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqNPWSEyqlA

Check out Des competing at the 1984 WPAA World Championsip............ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YgdlI97tgY
Check out Des competing at the 1985 WPAA World Championsip............

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNclRbqCnmE

Titles

State/Regional:

(CO) Multi-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
- 1984 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
- 1985 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
- 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(NM) 1984 WPAA Tri-State Champion. (Farmington, NM)
(CO) 1985 Over The Top Regional Championships Finalist.
(CO) 2011 MHA Colorado State Right & Left Overall Champion.
(TX) 2011 TXA Texas State Right Overall Champion.
(CO) 2011 MHA Mountain States Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2013 MHA Noonan's Nuclear Arms Champion.
(CO) 2013 MHA Colorado State Champion.
(CO) 2013 MHA Mountain States Regional Right Overall Champion.

National/International/World:

(LA) 1984 WPAA World Championship - ?
(MI) 1985 WPAA World Championship. (2nd)
(CA) 1986 WWC World Champion. (1st/2nd)
(CA) 1987 WWC World Champion. (1st)
(CO) 2010 MHA World Police & Fire Right Overall Champion.

Records/Rankings/Awards

2010 Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.
7-time Colorado #1 Overall Champion - 82'-87', 13'. (3rd All-time. Tied with Margie Ciaccio for Women's record.)
Ranked top 10 in US. (WWC/WPAA)
Ranked top 10 in North America. (WWC/WPAA)
Ranked top 10 in the World. (WWC/WPAA)
CO All-time Team: 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020,
CO All-decade Team: 1980's, 2010's.
7 Years Undefeated: 82', 83', 84', 85', 86', 87', 10' (Tied for Women's record - Margie Ciaccio.)
1985 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
1986 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
1987 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.

1997 Clay Stadler

About Clay

Started: 1977.
City/State: Littleton, Colorado.
States: (9) CO, KS, NM, WY, TX, IA, TN, LA, CA.
Clay winning the 1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umyRnioEPB8&t=122s

Clay winning the 1990 RMAA Point Athletic Club Championship........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-PiuIVjig

Clay winning the 1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-BVO9tmukg

Titles

Local:

1978 Yucca Open Champion.
1981 WMAA Champion (7-time Champion: Wheatridge, C/Springs, Georgetown, Drake, Nederland, Louisville, Denver.)
1982 WMAA Champion (2-time Champion: Salida, Louisville)
1982 Grand Junction Classic Champion.
1982 Oasis Wristwrestling Champion.
1983 RMAA Champion.
1983 Wild West Champion.
1983 Grand Junction Classic Champion.
1983 RMAA Champion.
1983 Thornton P.D. Champion.
1983 Thornton P.D. II Champion.
1983 WMAA Rimrock Lounge Champion.
1983 WMAA Colorado City Champion.
1983 WMAA Louisville – 3rd.
1984 Grand Junction Classic Champion.
1984 RMAA Peggy’s Hi-Lo Champion.
1984 Thornton P.D. Champion.
1984 Thornton P.D. II Champion.
1984 Thornton P.D. III Champion.
1985 WPAA Grand Junction Classic Champion.
1985 Coors Summit County Champion.
1985 Thornon P.D. Champion.
1987 IAC Champion.
1988 RMAWA Champion.
1988 Denver Challenge Champion.
1988 Rocky Mountain Open Finalist.
1988 Michael Sports Machine Champion.
1988 WMAA Park City Lounge Finalist.
1989 Babes Sports Bar Champion.
1989 Babes Sports Bar II Champion.
1989 Babe’s Superbowl of Armwrestling Champion.
1989 Jackson’s Hole Champion.
1989 Jackson’s Hole II Champion.
1990 Michael Sports Machine Champion.
1990 Jackson’s Hole Champion.
1990 Jackson’s Hole II Champion.
1990 Jackson’s Hole III Champion.
1990 Point Athletic Club Champion.
1990 Put Up or Shut Up Champion.
1990 Jackson’s Fall Classic Champion.
1990 Champains Champion.
1991 Jackson’s Hole Champion.
1991 Jackson’s Hole II Champion

State:

1979 CAA CO State Champion.
1980 NAA CO State Champion.
1982 WMAA CO State Champion.
1983 WPAA NM State Champion. (Gallup)
1987 WMAA CO State Champion.
1992 AAA CO State Champion.
2019 CA CO State - 3rd.
Texas State Champion.

Regional:

1977 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals – no placing.
1978 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
1980 WMAA Mountain States Regionals Finalist.
1982 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
1983 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1984 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1984 WPAA Tri-State Regional Champion. (Farmington, NM.)
1985 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1985 Competed in Over The Top Regional Championship. (Denver)
1986 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1989 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (144#)
2005 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.

National/International/World:

1983 WPAA World Championship - placed top 8. (TN)
1984 WPAA World Championship - 5th. (LA)
1982 WMAA World Championship - 4th. (IA)
1983 WMAA World Championship - 2nd. (WY)
2003 USAWA World Amateur Championship – 3rd. (CA)

Records/Rankings/Awards

11-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
7-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion (3rd All-time)
WPAA North American Team.
Ranked #1 CO WPAA 145#.
Ranked #1 CO WAF 154#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA).
Ranked in the top 10 in North America (WPAA).
Ranked in the top 10 in the World (WPAA).
CO All-time Team - 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.
CO All-decade Team - 1970's, 1980's, 1990's.
1983 CO Armwrestler of the Year.
1984 CO Armwrestler of the Year.

More about Clay

Clay promoted and refereed for many years with the Colorado Armwrestling Association and was a representative and referee for the WPAA. He put Armwrestling tournaments on for outreach programs in Federal prisons. From Clay: " My first tourney was the 1977 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals at the Northglenn Mall. I didn't place and tore my arm up pretty good but I couldn't wait until the next tournament. I trained with two different tables (one with a pulley with weights and one with tension springs). I practiced with my 5 brothers every chance I got.....especially my brothers Clint and Carey who competed for many years. I have competed in many great tourneys through the years.....the WPAA Tri-State Regionals in Farmington, NM were great competitions with many states represented. The 1985 Over The Top Regional qualifier in Denver was one of the most stacked competitions I have ever been to. I was eliminated in a long match with Dave Patton who was one of the strongest men I have ever pulled against. The Texas State Championship was one of my all time favorites.....it was fun taking out the different Texas team members in my weight class. All of the different TX teams had matching shirts and were not at all happy about the CO guy beating them. The WPAA World's in New Orleans was also one of the best events I have ever pulled at. I finished top 8 and secured a spot on the 1984 WPAA North American Team which was a true honor. The Colorado tourneys were always loaded with a lot of top competition. I had some great matches with Kevin Fanger and Dwight Collins who were my toughest opponents. Before I got into the sport I played a lot of baseball and softball for many years. I started my company, Ctech in 2004 which makes custom injection molding. Now that I am retired from Armwrestling I spend my time playing softball, hunting, fishing, and working on my hot rods."

1998 Casey keyes

About Casey

Started: 1977.
City/State: Ordway, Colorado.
States: (4) CO, NM, KS, TX.
Casey competing at the 1990 WPAA Rocky Mtn Regionals.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLh_blWhUnc

Casey competing at the 1991 WPAA Rocky Mtn Regionals.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nWN3af4PnI

Casey competing at the 1993 WPAA Rocky Mtn Regionals.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-BVO9tmukg

Titles

State/Regional:

1977 Sharon Springs, KS. Champion.
1980 Idaho Springs, CO.
1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional - 2nd.
1989 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1990 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1991 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional - 2nd. (219#)
1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (219#)
2010 MHA Colorado State Champion.
2010 USAA Fallen Bikers Memorial Champion.
2016 MHA Rocky Mountain State Games Champion.
2018 MHA Rocky Mountain State Games Champion.
2018 CA Colorado State Champion.
2019 WTA/MHA New Mexico Games Champion.
2019 MHA Rocky Mountain State Games Champion.
2019 CA Colorado State Champion.
2021 TAL Texas Armwrestling League Regional Champion.

National/International:

2010 World Police/Fire Champion (4 Gold, 3 Silver).

Records/Rankings/Awards

7-time World Police & Fire Finalist (4 Gold, 3 Silver)
6-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
Ranked #1 CO WPAA - 193#, 219#.
CO All-time Team - 1990.
CO All-decade Team - 1970's, 1980's.
2010 Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.
Rocky Mountain Games Operations Manager.
Mile High ArmSports Tournament Director.

More About Casey

"I work as a Prison Guard at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility in Crowley, CO. I have been pulling all my life in one way or another starting with armwrestling other kids and even coaches in school and then as a bartender working in bars in the 70's. My first organized match was 1977, or 1978 in Sharon Springs, Kansas, which I won and then I broke my arm in 1980 armwresting against Mike Moss in a tournament in Idaho Springs, CO. I did not wrestle again until 1988 in the WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Championships from '88 - '93, I placed 1st and/or 2nd each year but do not recall which place which years and since I jumped from middle to light heavy I'm not sure of the classes. My most memorable matches were against (Bad) Brad Balderston, also Clay Stadler who I was always impressed with for his technique and sportsmanship, the one year I wrestled Clay I think he jumped up into my class since I was heavier than him, I won but believe me I did not take him lightly. I also had the honor of getting to know Mel Terry but never put my arm up against him since we where in different weight classes. (Thank Goodness!!!)"

1999 Kevin Fanger

About Kevin

Started: 1975.
City/State: Erie, Colorado.
States: (4) CO, MO, NV, CA.
Kevin competing at the 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals............

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqNPWSEyqlA

Kevin competing at the 1993 AAA Sitdown Nationals...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo5OnGopT94&t=37s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWqJDGSNOZs&t=28s

Kevin competing at the 1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-BVO9tmukg

Titles

State/Regional:

Multi-time CO State Champion.
Mulit-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1975 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals Finalist.
(CO) 1984 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
(CO) 1984 RMAA Champion.
(CO) 1985 Over the Top Regional Championship - 4th.
(CO) 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist. (169#)
(CO) 1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist. (169#)
(CO) 1991 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist. (169#)
(CO) 1992 AAA Colorado State Finalist.
(CO) 1992 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(CO) 1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
(CO) 1993 MHAA Rocky Mountain Challenge Champion.
(CO) 1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (169#)
(CO) 1994 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Championship - 3rd.
(CO) 1995 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(CO) 1998 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 2003 USA/AAA Colorado State Finalist.
(CO) 2013 MHA Mountain States Regional Champion.
(CO) 2022 CA Colorado State Finalist.
(CO) 2023 CA Colorado State - 3rd. (198#)
(CO) 2024 CA Colorado State Finalist. (189#)

National/International/World:

(MO) 1981 WPAA World Championship - 3rd. (144#)
(NV) 1986 WPAA World Championship Finalist. (144#)
(MO) 1993 AAA National Championship - 3rd. (154#)
(CA) 1993 Competed at AAA Yukon Jack International Championship. (165#)
(NV) 1993 WPAA National Finalist. (169#)
(CO) 2000 USAF National Championship - 3rd. (176#)

Records/Rankings/Awards

1981 CO Armwrestler of the Year.
Ranked #1 CO WPAA - 145#, 169#.
Ranked #1 CO WAF - 154#, 165#, 176#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA).
Ranked in the top 10 in North America. (WPAA)
Ranked in the top 10 in the World (WPAA).
CO All-time Team - 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020,
CO All-decade Team - 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's.

2000 Greg Fanger

About Greg

Started: 1975.
City/State: Erie, Colorado.
States: (2) CO, NV.
Greg competing at the 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals............

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqNPWSEyqlA

Greg competing at the 1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umyRnioEPB8&t=122s

Greg competing at the 1991 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nWN3af4PnI

Titles

State/Regional:

(CO) Multi-time CO State Champion.
(CO)1983 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1984 RMAA Champion.
(CO) 1985 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1985 Grand Junction Classic Champion.
(CO) 1984 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
(CO) 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals - 3rd.
(CO) 1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (193#)
(CO) 1991 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion?. (193#)
(CO) 1992 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals - 3rd. (193#)
(CO) 1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals - 2nd. (193#)
(CO) 1994 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals - 2nd. (193#)

National/International/World:

(NV) 1986 WPAA World Championship - 3rd.

Records/Rankings/Awards

9-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (Tied with Mel Terry for Colorado Record)
Ranked #1 CO WPAA - 193#.
Ranked #1 CO WAF - 187#, 198#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA).
Ranked in the top 10 in North America. (WPAA).
Ranked in the top 10 in the World (WPAA).
CO All-time Team - 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010.
CO All-decade Team - 1970's, 1980's, 1990's.

2002 Ken Penrose

About Kenny

Started: 1980.
Location: Broomfield, CO.
States: (6) CO, CA, WY, NV, MO, PA,

Titles

Local

(CO) 1992 RMAA Brewski’s Champion. (#?)
(CO) 1993 MHAA Rocky Mtn Challenge Champion. (176#)
(CO) 1997 USAA Budweiser & Squire Lounge Champion. (#?)
(CO) 1998 USAA Coors & Squire Lounge Champion. (#?)
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski’s IV Overall Champion. (154#)
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski’s VII Finalist. (154#)
(CO) 2005 CA Brewski’s VIII Overall Champion. (154#)
(CO) 2005 CA Brewski’s IX Champion. (154#)
(CO) 2014 MHA RMSG Champion. (176#/198#)
(CO) 2017 MHA RMSG Champion. (165#/187#220#)
(CO) 2018 MHA RMSG Champion. (187#/220#/221+#)
(CO) 2019 MHA RMSG Champion. (187#/221+#)

State

*** State titles in (CO, WY, NE, SD)

(CO) 1992 AAA CO State Finalist. (176#)
(CO) 1994 AAA CO State Champion.(176#)
(CO) 1995 AAA CO State – 3rd. (#?)
(CO) 1996 AAA CO State – 3rd. (176#)
(WY) 1997 USAA WY State Champion. (#?)
(CO) 1998 AAA CO State Champion (154#)
(CO) 1999 AAA CO State Finalist. (176#)
(KS) 1999 AAA KS State Finalist. (176#)
(WY) 2000 USAA WY State Champion. (#?)
(NE) 2000 USAA NE State Overall Champion. (#?)
(SD) 2000 USAA SD State Champion. (#?)
(CO) 2001 USAA CO State - 3rd. (176#)
(CO) 2003 CA CO State Champion. (198#)
(CO) 2004 CA CO State Champion. (154#)
(CO) 2005 CA CO State – 3rd. (154#)
(CO) 2010 MHA CO State - 3rd. (198#)
(CO) 2012 MHA CO State Champion. (198#)
(CO) 2013 MHA CO State Champion. (176#)
(CO) 2014 MHA CO State Finalist. (176#)
(CO) 2016 CA CO State Champion. (165#/198#)
(CO) 2017 CA CO State Champion. (176#/199+#)
(CO) 2018 CA CO State Finalist. (198#)
(CO) 2019 CO State Champion. (220#)
(WY) 2021 WYA WY State Finalist. (Open)
(CO) 2021 CA CO State – 3rd. (176#)
(WY) 2022 WYA WY State – 3rd (Open)
(CO) 2022 CA Colorado State Finalist. (185#)
(WY) 2023 WYA WY State Finalist. (187#)
(CO) 2024 CA CO State Finalist. (189#)

Regional

(CO) 1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist. (198#)
(CO) 2009 MHA Mtn States Regionals - 4th. (176#)
(CO) 2012 MHA Mtn States Regional Champion. (176#/198#)
(CO) 2013 MHA Mtn States Regional Champion. (176#)
(CO) 2014 MHA Mtn States Regional Finalist. (198#)
(CO) 2016 MHA Mtn States Regional Champion. (176#/242#)
(CO) 2018 AUSA Rocky Mtn Classic Champion. (#?)

National

(CO) 1998 USWA National Championship - 1st/1st/2nd/2nd/3rd. (176#)
(CO) 2000 USAF Nationals - 2nd. (176#)
(CO) 2006 USAF Nationals - 4th. (154#)
(MO) 2022 MO USAF Nationals – 2nd/2nd/2nd/3rd/3rd/3rd/3rd/3rd (176#/198#)
(MO) 2023 USAF Nationals – 1st/1st/2nd/2nd/2nd/2nd/3rd/3rd/3rd (#?)
(PA) 2024 USAF Nationals – 1st/1st/1st/1st/2nd/2nd/3rd/3rd (#?)

International

(NV) 1987 Sands International Championships – 4th/4th. (150#/175#)
(CO) 2010 MHA World Police/Fire Champion. (198#)

Records/Rankings/Awards

Longest active puller in CO history. (1980-present)
Ranked #1 in CO - 154#, 165#, 176#.
CO All-time Team - 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020,
CO All-decade Team - 1980's, 1990's, 2000's.
9XCO State Champion. (Tied with Keith Powers 2nd All-time.)
32 top 4 finishes at the National Championships. (USWA/USAF) CO record.
31 top 3 finishes at the National Championships. (USWA/USAF) CO record.
20 top 2 finishes at the National Championships. (USWA/USAF) CO record.
8XNational Champion (USWA/USAF) 4th All-time in CO.

2003 Brad Balderston

About Brad

Nickname: "Bad" Brad.
Started: 1984.
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO.
States: (12) CO, NM, NV, ID, IL, MO, NE, CA, SD, IA, WY, VA.
Brad winning the 1992 WPAA National Championship.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVTBfb-w_XM

Brad winning the 1991 Yukon Jack Championship...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLhsZL-aTjY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL9Gfp7J0aQ

Brad winning the 1991 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nWN3af4PnI

Brad winning the 1994 SD Riverboat Days Championship...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E4ajrlgl_c

Titles

Local/Pro:

(CO) 1987 RMAA Champion.
(CO) 1989 RMAA Babe's Sports Lounge Champion.
(CO) 1990 RMAA Point Athletic Club Champion.
(MO) 1992 AAA Coors Light Challenge Finalist.
(MO) 1992 St. Joseph, Missouri Finalist.
(CO) 1992 RMAA Brewski's Champion.
(CO) 1993 MHAA Rocky Mountain Challenge Champion.
(SD) 1994 AAA Lazy D Challenge Champion.
(SD) 1994 AAA Riverboat Days Champion. (198#)
(MO) 1994 AAA Missouri Challenge Champion.
(NE) 1995 Toone's Challenge Champion.
(CO) 1996 Squire Lounge Finalist.
(CO) 2001 USAA Blue Mountain Stampede Pro/Am Finalist.
(CO) 2002 Sundance Pro Finalist.
(CO) 2003 CA Iliff Park Saloon Champion.
(CO) 2003 CA Xtreme's Pro/Am Finalist.
(CO) 2004 Mile High Pro/Am Overall Champion.
(CO) 2004 Brewski's V Champion.
(CO) 2004 Brewski's VII Champion.

State:

*** 16-time State Champion. (CO, MO, NE, IA, SD, WY, NM)

(CO) 1992 AAA CO State Champion.
(MO) 1992 AAA MO State Champion.
(NE) 1992 AAA NE State Finalist.
(IA) 1992 AAA IA State Champion. (176#)
(IA) 1993 AAA IA State - 4th.
(CO) 1994 AAA CO State Champion. (198#)
(IA) 1994 AAA IA State Finalist.
(NE) 1994 AAA NE State Champion.
(MO) 1994 AAA MO State Champion.
(NM) 1994 WPAA NM State Champion. (219#)
(CO) 1995 AAA CO State Champion.
(SD) 1995 AAA SD State Champion.
(IA) 1995 AAA IA State Champion.
(CO) 1996 AAA CO State Finalist. (198#)
(IA) 1996 AAA IA State Champion.
(SD) 1996 AAA SD State Champion.
(WY) 1996 USAA WY State Champion.
(NE) 1996 AAA NE State Champion.
(CO) 1997 AAA CO State Champion.
(CO) 1998 AAA CO State Champion.
(CO) 1999 AAA CO State Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA CO State Champion.
(CO) 2002 USAA CO State Finalist.
(CO) 2003 USAA/AAA CO State Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA CO State Finalist.
(CO) 2023 CA CO State - 3rd. (243+#)

Regional:

*** I2-time Regional Champion.

(CO) 1985 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (169#)
(CO) 1985 Competed in Over the Top Regional Championship.
(CO) 1986 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist (193#)
(CO) 1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional - 3rd. (193#)
(CO) 1989 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1990 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist. (193#)
(CO) 1990 Yukon Jack Regional Champion. (198#)
(CO) 1991 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (169#/219#)
(CO) 1991 Yukon Jack Regional Champion. (198#)
(CO) 1992 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(CO) 1992 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (193#)
(CO) 1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(CO) 1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (193#220+#)
(CO) 1994 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist. (219#)
(CO) 1994 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(CO) 1995 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(CO) 1996 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1997 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2003 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 2003 GNC Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2004 High Plains Regional Pro/Am Champion.
(CO) 2005 CA Mountain States Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2005 CA Mountain States Regionals - 3rd.

National/International/World:

*** 2-time National Champion. (WPAA/USAF)

(NM) 1990 WPAA National Finalist. (169#)
(IL) 1990 Competed at the AAA Yukon Jack International Championship. (198#)
(NM) 1991 WPAA National Finalist. (169#)
(NM) 1992 WPAA National Champion.(169#)
(VA) 1992 Competed at AAA National Championship. (187#)
(MO) 1993 AAA National Championship - 3rd.
(CA) 1993 IFAW North American Championship - 4th.
(CA) 1997 World Wristwrestling Championship - 3rd.
(CO) 2000 USAF National Champion. (220#)
(NV) 2004 Ultimate Vegas International Master's Champion.

Records/Rankings/Awards

CO All-time Team (1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.)
CO All-decade Team (1980's, 1990's, 2000's)
Ranked #1 CO WPAA (169#, 193#, 219#, 220+#)
Ranked #1 CO WAF (176#, 187#, 198#, 220#, 242#, 243+.) Tied for 2nd All-time.
4-time CO #1 Overall Champion. (1991, 1992, 1993, 1995).
1991 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
1992 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
1994 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
1995 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA/WAF)
Ranked in the top 10 in North America (WAF)
7-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (Tied for 3rd All-time)
4-time AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion. (Record)
2023 Colorado Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.
State Champion in 7 different states (CO, WY, MO, SD, IA, NE, NM) (Tied for 2nd All-time)

2005 Buzz Switzer

About Buzz

Started: 197?
City/State: Golden, Colorado.
States: (9) AZ, CO, NM, KS, TX, MO, NV, SD, MT.
Countries: USA.

Career Highlights

Ranked #1 Colorado WPAA - 169#.
Winner of many tournaments in CO,? (WPAA, AAA, CPAA?, ?)
Competed at the 1978, 1979, 1980 WPAA World Championships in Kansas City, MO.
Head referee for Colorado for a record ??? years. (19?? - 2013)
Head referee for WPAA/AUSA in 9 different states. ( AZ, CO, NM, KS, TX, MO, NV, SD, MT)
Head referee in record 30 WPAA/AUSA National Championships. (197? - 20??)
Head referee in 9 associations - Mile High ArmSports, Colorado ArmSports, New Mexico ArmSports, United States Armwrestling Association, World Professional Armwrestling Association/Armwrestling USA, Rocky Mountain Armwrestling Association, Ultimate Armwrestling League, American ArmSports Association, West Texas ArmSports.

More about Buzz

Occupation?: Retired since 2004 from an HVAC supervisor position at the Colorado School of Mines.
Hobbies?: Jeeping, painting, weight training, and of course armwrestling.
First tournament and how did you place?: 19?? WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals. I won two matches and lost 2 matches.
Weight classes you competed in?: 169#, 176#, 198#.
How did you get your start refereeing?: I felt that at the national level I probably would never win a national or world title. But I fell in love with refereeing and have refereed over thirty WPAA/AUSA National Championships and more local armwrestling matches than I can recall.
Favorite training technique?: I worked out with weights at least three times a week and try to pull at least once a week. I trained my whole body, but I trained more on armwrestling specific exercises.
Most memorable tournament?: 1978, 1979, 1980 WPAA World Championships in Kansas City, MO. (At the time, the WPAA was the premier armwrestling association.)
Toughest opponent?: There have been so many through the years that it is impossible to pick just one. My list would have to include Kevin Fanger, Brad Balderston, Dave Patton, and Harley Maynard, but there are many others too numerous to list.
Other notables in the sport or anything else you would like to say?: My goal today is to promote the sport of armwrestling and to help in training of armwrestler's of all skill levels. I will also pull and ref from time to time as long as I'm able.

2006 Kelli Holmes

About Kelli

Started: 1977.
Location: Durango, Colorado.
States: (9) CO, NV, IL, MO, UT, CA, LA, TX, WY.
Countries: (2) USA, Poland.

Titles

State/Regional:

(CO) Multi-time Southern Colorado Champion.
(CO) Multi-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
- 1977 WPAA Rocky Mtn Regional Champion (Age 14)
- 1987 WPAA Rocky Mtn Regional Champion.
- 1990 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 2000 Durango Snowdown Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA Blue Mtn Stampede Pro/Am Champion.
(CO) 2001 Ignacio Bike Week Champion.
(CO) 2001 Durango Snowdown Champion.
(CO) 2002 USAA Colorado State Champion.
(UT) 2002 AAA Brian Facer Memorial Intermountain Champion.
(CA) 2002 AAA GNC Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2003 CA Iliff Park Saloon Overall Champion.
(CO) 2003 USAA/AAA Colorado State Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski’s IV Overall Champion.
(WY) 2021 WYA Wyoming State Finalist.

National/International:

(IL) 2002 USAF National Championship. (1st/1st)
(IL) 2002 AAA National Championship. (2nd)
(CA) 2002 World Wristwrestling Championship. (1st)
(LA) 2002 AAA GNC International Championship. (2nd)
(NV) 2004 PAC Ultimate Vegas International Championship. (4th)

World:

(USA/TX) 1977 WPAA World Championship. (3rd.) Age 14.
(USA/MO) 1978 WPAA World Championship. (1st). Age 15.
(Poland) 2001 WAF World Championship. (8th)
(USA/IL) 2002 WAF World Championship. (3rd/4th)

Records/Rankings/Awards

Youngest Armwrestler in Colorado history to place at a World Championship. (1977. Age 14.)
Youngest Armwrestler in Colorado history to win a World title. (1978. Age 15)
Named the All-time Top Female Puller in Colorado by the Armwrestling Archives website.
Multi-time Colorado #1 Overall Champion. (1990, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, ?)
Ranked #1 CO - 121#, 132#, 143#, 143+#.
Ranked top 10 in US. (WPAA/WAF)
Ranked top 10 in North America. (WPAA/WAF)
Ranked top 10 in the World. (WPAA/WAF)
CO All-time Team - 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.
CO All-decade Team - 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's.
1977 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
1978 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
One of only three “4 star Hall of Famer's". (Keith Powers, Margie Ciaccio)

2007 Emlyn Williams

About Emlyn

Nickname: "Magnum".
Started: 1986.
Location: Castle Rock, CO.
Supermatch song: AC/DC "Hells Bells", Red Rider "Lunatic Fringe"
States: (11) AZ, CO, WY, OH, NV, CA, ID, GA, IL, MO, NM.
Countries: (2) USA, Curacao.
Emlyn's HOF video ...........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1CFTwi0xaY
Emlyn's winning the 1990 WPAA Rocky Mtn Regionals...........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLh_blWhUnc
Emlyn winning the 1994 WPAA Rocky Mtn Regionals...........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqm7658FjpA&t=37s
Emlyn winning the 1996 AAA Colorado State Championship...........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7YPpYvAesQ

Titles

Local/ Pro

(CO) 1996 USAA Squire Lounge Overall Champion.
(CO) 1996 MHAA Shot Glass Company Champion.
(CO) 1998 USAA Coors & Squire Lounge Overall Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA Blue Mtn Stampede Pro/Am – 3rd.
(CO) 2002 Sundance BarPro Champion.
(CO) 2003 CA Iliff Park Saloon Challenge Overall Champion.
(CO) 2003 CA Xtremes Pro/Am Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Mile High Pro/Am Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski’s III Pro/Am Overall Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski’s VII Pro/Am Champion.

State

(CO) 1994 AAA Colorado State Finalist. (198#)
(CO) 1995 AAA Colorado State Champion.
(CO) 1996 AAA Colorado State Champion. (176#)
(WY) 1997 USAA Wyoming State Overall Champion.
(CO) 1997 AAA Colorado State Champion.
(CO) 1998 AAA Colorado State Champion.
(CO) 1999 AAA Colorado State Champion.
(WY) 2000 USAA Wyoming State Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA Colorado State Champion.
(CO) 2002 USAA Colorado State Champion.
(CO) 2003 USAA/AAA Colorado State Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA Colorado State Finalist.
(CO) 2006 MHA Colorado State Overall Champion.
(CO) 2007 MHA Colorado State Overall Champion.
(CO) 2008 MHA Colorado State Finalist.
(CO) 2014 MHA Colorado State Champion.

Regional

(CO) 1987 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals - 3rd.
(CO) 1989 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1990 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1991 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist? (193#)
(CO) 1991 Yukon Jack Regional Finalist. (198#)
(CO) 1992 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals - 3rd. (193#)
(CO) 1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional - 3rd. (193#)
(CO) 1994 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
(CO) 1994 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (193#)
(CO) 1995 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(CO) 1996 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1996 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
(CO) 1997 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals - 3rd.
(CO) 1998 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 2000 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(WY) 2001 Southern WY Regional Overall Champion.
(AZ) 2003 USAA Southwest Regional Champion.
(CO) 2003 AAA GNC Regional Champion.
(CA) 2004 West Coast Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA High Plains Regional Champion

National

(NM) 1990 WPAA National Championship - 5th. (169#)
(NV) 1996 WPAA National Championship - 1st. (193#)
(CO) 1998 USWA National Championship - 1st/1st. (176#)
(NV) 1999 Competed at USAA National Championship. (176#)
(CO) 2000 USAF National Championship - 1st. (187#)
(NV) 2001 USAF National Championship - 3rd. (187#)
(MO) 2002 USAF National Championship - 1st. (176#)
(CO) 2006 USAF National Championship - 2nd. (176#)

International

(CA) 1997 World Wristwrestling Championship Finalist.
(ID) 1998 Competed at AAA Main Event International Championship.
(Curacao) 1999 USAA Curacao International Championship - 3rd.
(GA) 2003 AAA GNC International Championship - 5th.
(NV) 2006 Competed at PAC Ultimate Vegas III.
(OH) 2007 USAA Arnold Classic International Championship - 5th.

World

(IL, USA) Competed at the WAF World Championship - 9th.

Records/Rankings/Awards

5-time National Champion (USAF, WPAA, USWA)
National titles in 3 organizations (USAF, WPAA, USWA) Record - tied with Margie Ciaccio, Matt Girdner.
National titles in 3 weight classes. (176#, 187#, 193#) Record - tied with Margie Ciaccio, Issac Luna.
10-time Colorado State Champion (Record - tied with Rich Simpson)
8-time WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion. (2nd All-time - tied with Mel Terry)
2-time Colorado Armwrestler of the Year - 1996, 1997.
2007 Colorado #1 Overall Champion.
Ranked #1 in Colorado WPAA - 169#, 193#.
Ranked #1 in 6 WAF weight classes - 176#, 187#, 198#, 220#, 242#, 243+#. (2nd All-time. Tied with Brad Balderston)
Ranked top 10 in the US.(Pin Arm Rankings/WPAA)
Ranked top 10 in North America.(Pin Arm Rankings.)
CO All-time Team - 2000, 2010, 2020.
CO All-decade Team - 1980's, 1990's, 2000's.
Merle Meeter's/Denise Wattles' Pro Armwrestling Hall of Fame Inductee.

More About Emlyn

How did you train for Armwrestling?: Weight training and table time with my buds Rich Simpson, Matt Girdner, Brad Balderston, and Jeff Ames.
Favorite technique?: Top Roll.
Most memorable match?: Left hand loss to Rich Simpson in the Overall at the 1999 CO State Championship. Right hand win in the final of the 2002 USAF National Championship against James Smith.
What weight classes did you pull?: WAF - 176#, 187#, 198#. WPAA - 169#, 193#.
Toughest opponent?: Chris Chandler.
First tournament and how did you place?: 1986 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional's at Buckingham Square Mall in Aurora. Placed top 8. Eliminated by Kevin Fanger.
Unique fact?: I was lucky enough to be able to pull in all the big tournaments that I knew of during my career.
Occupation?: I work for Pepperidge. I own my own route.
Hobbies?: Before Armwrestling I raced Motocross. I work out 4 days a week and spend as much time as possible with my two kids.
Biggest Armwrestling accomplishment?: Winning the 2002 USAF National Championship in MO.
Best advice?: Don't let the moment overwhelm you.
Biggest obstacle faced?: Trying to be the best Dad I can be.
Other notables in the sport or anything else you would like to say?: I was lucky to have turned Pro in Motocross when I was 17.

2008 Matt Girdner

About Matt

Nickname: "Bam-Bam".
Started: 1992.
Location: Parker, CO.
Supermatch Song: Saliva "I walk alone".
States: (17) AR, CO, CT, HI, NV, ID, WY, NE, MO, CA, IL, IA, GA, SD, NM, OH, KS.
Countries: (2) USA, Poland.
Check out Matt's HOF video and Matt competing at the 2004 Zloty Tur International Championship.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Swc9eNFi4Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeffnYxCqM4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XYQP7qtSTE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npGZZE4SqfA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaJ3OlyjtL4

Titles

Local/Pro:

1995 (SD) AAA Riverboat Days Champion.
1995 (SD) AAA Lazy D's Saloon Champion.
1997 (CO) USAA Squire Lounge Overall Champion.
2002 (CO) Sundance Bar Pro Champion.
2002 (MO) Pro Champion.
2003 (CO) CA Iliff Park Saloon Exhibition Power Pull Champion.
2003 (CO) CA Xtreme's Pro Finalist.
2004 (CO) CA Brewski’s VI Pro Overall Champion.
2005 (CO) CA All Stars Pro Overall Champion.
2014 (NM) Hobbs Pro Champion.
2015 (CO) WAL Qualifier Overall Champion.

State:

*** 16 State titles in 6 states (HI, WY, NE, CO, MO, NM):

1992 (HI) AAA HI State Champion.
1994 (MO) AAA MO State Champion.
1994 (CO) AAA CO State Finalist.
1995 (NE) AAA NE State Finalist.
1996 (CO) AAA CO State Champion.
1996 (IA) AAA IA State Champion.
1996 (WY) USAA WY State Overall Champion.
1997 (NE) AAA NE State Champion.
1997 (CO) AAA CO State Champion.
1998 (CO) AAA CO State Champion.
1998 (MO) AAA MO State Champion.
1999 (CO) AAA CO State Overall Champion.
1999 (WY) USAA WY State Overall Champion.
2001 (CO) USAA CO State Overall Champion.
2001 (NE) AAA NE State Champion.
2002 (CO) USAA CO State Overall Champion.
2003 (CO) USAA/AAA CO State Overall Champion.
2015 (CO) WAL CO State Overall Champion.
2015 (NM) NMA NE State Champion.

Regional:

*** 10-time Regional Champion:

1994 (CO) AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
1996 (CO) WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1996 (CO) AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
1997 (CO) WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1998 (CO) WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
1999 (CO) WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
2003 (CO) AAA GNC Regional Champion.
2004 (CA) PAC West Coast Regional Pro Champion.
2004 (CO) High Plains Regional Pro Overall Champion.
2005 (CO) CA Southern Colorado Regional Pro Overall Champion.
2015 (NV) WAL Southern Regional Pro Champion. (1st/4th)

National:

*** 9-time National Champion (USAF/AAA/USAA):

1998 (NE) AAA National Champion. (1st - 242)
2000 (CO) USAF National Champion. (1st - 242)
2001 (NV) USAF National Champion. (1st/1st - 242) (1st/2nd - 243+)
2002 (IL) USAF Nationals. (3rd - 242)
2003 (AR) USAF National Champion. (1st - 242)
2005 (NV) USAA National Champion. (1st/2nd - 242) (1st/4th - 243+)
2005 (AR) USAF National Champion. (1st - 242) (3rd - 242)

International:

*** 3-time International Champion:

1997 (CA) World Wristwrestling Championship - 3rd.
1998 (ID) AAA Main Event International Champion. (242)
2003 (GA) GNC International Championship - 3rd. (243+)
2004 (NV) PAC Ultimate Vegas International Champion. (243+)
2004 (Poland) Zloty Tur International Finalist (2nd/3rd) (243+)
2005 (NV) PAC Ultimate Vegas International Champion. (243+)
2005 (CT) PAC Mohegan Sun International Championship - 3rd. (243+)
2014 (CA) UAL 8 International Championship - 4th. (243+)

World:

2002 (IL/USA) WAF World Championship Silver Medalist. (242)

Supermatch/Megamatch/Round Robin:

2018 (NM) NM State 243+ Round Robin Finalist.

Records/Rankings/Awards

The most dominant Armwrestler in Colorado history.
Named the All-time Top Male Puller in Colorado by the Armwrestling Archives website.
Ranked #1 in CO (198#, 220#, 242#, 243+#)
Ranked Top 10 in the US. (Pin Arm Rankings.)
Ranked Top 10 in North America. (Pin Arm Rankings.)
Ranked Top 10 in the World. (WAF)
Ranked #2 Overall in the World. (Pulling John website 2004)
Ranked top 10 Greatest Heavyweights of All Time. (World of Armwrestling website.)
Pro Armwrestling Hall of Fame Inductee. (Merle Meeter/Denise Wattles)
Featured in the movie "Pulling John".
Appeared on the "Best Damn Sports Show" winning the 2005 Ultimate Vegas International Championship.
13 top 3 finishes at the National Championships (AAA, USAA, USAF) - Tied for 3rd All-time CO.
9-time National Champion. (USAA/USAF/AAA) - Men's Colorado record.
12-time CO #1 Overall Champion. (tied with Steve Ponzi for CO record) (1996-2005, 2014, 2015)
National titles in 3 organizations (record tied with Margie Ciaccio and Emlyn Williams)
Undefeated in CO 13 years (record) 1995-2005, 2014, 2015.
2014 Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.
CO All-time Team (2000, 2010, 2020.)
CO All-decade Team (1990's, 2000's, 2010's)
7-time Colorado Armwrestler of the Year - 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015. (record)

More about Matt

Favorite training technique: “Hand and wrist work.”
Favorite technique: "Hook Drag."
Most memorable match: "Loosing to Marcio Barbosa at Worlds".
Tournament/accomplishment you are most proud of: "Watching my kids arm-wrestle."
Toughest opponent: "Alexey Voevoda, never beat him."
First tournament and how did you place: "Hawaii. 1st place."
Unique fact: “I’m very humble. I don’t do a lot of talking. Just train my head off, get to the table and pull every match as if my life depends on it.”
Biggest Armwrestling accomplishment: “Beating Travis Bagent, Ron Bath, and John Brzenk.”
Best advice: “Never quit.”
Biggest obstacle faced: “My self-confidence. Get up, get to the gym, and keep training. Finish!”
Other notables in the sport or anything else you would like to say: "Thanks to everyone that helped me achieve so much. Brad, well I should say the entire Balderston family, lots of road trips!, Brad,Emlyn Williams, Rich Simpson, Neil Bell, ......I know that I am forgetting some names , but thanks to all!

2010 Rich Simpson

About Rich

Nickname: "Rigid Rich".
Started: 1988.
Location: Thornton, CO.
Supermatch song: Drowning Pool "Let the bodies hit the floor".
States (13) CA, CO, ID, IL, KS, MO, NM, NV, NE, ND, OH, SD, WY.
Countries: (4) USA, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Curacao.

Check out Rich's HOF video....................
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Z6b3H6C7c

Rich competing......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1uWQ04dwoE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUHy_QZ9i2Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOhrIGn2VV4

Titles

Local:

(CO) 1989 Babe's Sports Lounge Finalist.
(CO) 1996 USAA Squire Lounge Finalist.
(CO) 1997 USAA Squire Lounge I Overall Champion.
(CO) 1997 USAA Squire Lounge II Overall Champion.
(NE) 1997 AAA Lear Jets Champion.
(CO) 1998 USAA Squire Lounge Overall Champion.
(CO) 2003 CA Iliff Park Saloon Overall Champion.
(CO) 2003 CA Brewski’s II Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA Iliff Park Saloon Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Manassa Valley Overall Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski’s III Overall Champion.
(CO) 2006 MHA America’s Bar & Grill Overall Champion.
(NM) 2007 NMA New Mexico Games - 3rd.
(CO) 2008 MHA Loose Caboose Champion.

State :

(WY) 1996 USAA Wyoming State Finalist.
(KS) 1997 AAA Kansas State Finalist.
(CO) 1997 AAA Colorado State Champion.
(WY) 1997 USAA Wyoming State Overall Champion.
(NE) 1997 USAA Nebraska State Overall Champion.
(CO) 1998 AAA Colorado State Champion.
(NE) 1998 USAA Nebraska State Champion.
(WY) 1999 USAA Wyoming State Overall Champion.
(CO) 1999 AAA Colorado State Overall Champion.
(NE) 1999 USAA Nebraska State Overall Champion.
(WY) 2000 USAA Wyoming State Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA Colorado State Champion.
(WY) 2001 USAA Wyoming State Champion.
(CO) 2002 USAA Colorado State Champion.
(KS) 2003 USAA Kansas State Finalist.
(CO) 2003 USAA/AAA Colorado State Champion.
(NE) 2003 AAA Nebraska State – 3rd.
(CO) 2004 CA Colorado State Overall Champion.
(CO) 2006 MHA Colorado State Champion.
(NM) 2007 NMA New Mexico State Champion.
(CO) 2007 MHA Colorado State Champion.
(NM) 2008 NMA New Mexico State Finalist.
(CO) 2014 MHA Colorado State Champion.

Regional:

(CO) 1997 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1999 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA Southern Wyoming Regional Overall Champion.
(CO) 2001 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CA) 2004 PAC West Coast Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA High Plains Regional Champion.
(CO) 2005 CA Mountain States Regional Overall Champion.
(CO) 2005 CA Southern Colorado Regional Champion.
(CO) 2007 MHA Mountain States Regional Champion.
(NM) 2009 NMA Southwest Regionals - 3rd.

Pro:

(Saudi Arabia) 1990 US Marine Corp Pro Champion.
(Japan) 1992 Okinawa Island Open Pro Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA Blue Mountain Stampede Pro Finalist.
(CO) 2002 Sundance Bar Pro Finalist.
(CO) 2003 CA Xtremes Pro – 3rd.
(CO) 2005 CA All Stars Pro Finalist.
(SD) 2007 USAA Brawl for it All Pro – 3rd.
(NM) 2008 NMA Fuddrucker’s Pro Finalist.

National :

(CO) 1998 USWA National Championship (2nd/3rd).
(NV) 1999 USAA National Championship. (1st).
(CO) 2000 USAF National Championship (2nd/2nd).
(NV) 2001 USAF National Championship (2nd).
(MO) 2002 USAF National Championship (4th).
(CO) 2006 USAF National Championship (2nd/3rd).

International:

(ND) 1996 USAA North American Champion (1st/3rd).
(CA) 1997 World Wristwrestling Championship - 4th.
(ID) 1998 Competed at AAA Main Event International Championship.
(NV) 2004 PAC Ultimate Vegas International Championship - 3rd.
(OH) 2007 Competed at USAA Arnold Classic International Championship.
(CO) 2010 MHA World Police & Fire Champion.

World:

(IL/USA) 2002 WAF World Championship - 8th.

Records/Rankings/Awards

6-time National Finalist (USAF, USAA, USWA).
10-time Colorado State Champion (Record - tied with Emlyn Williams).
1999 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
5-time Colorado #1 Overall Champion. (1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007).
Ranked #1 in Colorado WPAA - 219#.
Ranked #1 in Colorado WAF - 198#, 220#, 242#, 243+#.
Ranked top 10 in the US (Pin Arm Rankings).
CO All-time Team - 2000, 2010, 2020.
CO All-decade Team - 1990's, 2000's.
1997 USAA Light-Heavyweight Points Championship - 3rd.
2004 Colorado ArmSports Points Champion.

Referee

USAA, Colorado ArmSports, Mile High ArmSports, New Mexico ArmSports.

More About Rich

First tournament and how did you place? - 1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals. I won 2 matches. (One against Cary Stadler who was one of the best middleweights in the state at that time).
Hobbies? - Golf, Hunting, Camping, Drag Racing.
What weight classes did you pull? 198# and 220#.
What did you do for training? - A little gym, a little table-time, a little pulley.
Most memorable match? - Dwayne Hanel at the 2000 USAA Wyoming State Championship. The match lasted 2 minutes, 30 seconds.
Toughest opponent? - Emlyn Williams.
Tourney win you are most proud of? - 1997 AAA Colorado State Championship pulling "Bad" Brad Balderston in the finals.
Anything else you would like to say? - I pulled for over 10 years before I won my first Colorado State title, now I am tied with Emlyn Williams with a record 10 Colorado State titles. I am also very proud to be part of Team Colorado.

2011 Jeff Ames

About Jeff

Started: 1988.
Location: Aurora, CO.
Supermatch song: Massive Attack feat. Mos Def "I against I".
States (14) AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IL, KS, ND, NE, NM, NV, SD, TX, WY.
Check out Jeff's HOF video curtesy of Flash Graphics....................
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-H-BsEh8i4
Jeff competing....................
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URQD3fXiD3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlF2C_-66is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1uWQ04dwoE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukZ3zRXjTP4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUHy_QZ9i2Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOhrIGn2VV4

Titles

Local:

(CO)1989 RMAA Babe's Sports Lounge Finalist.
(HI) 1989 TA Fast Eddies Champion.
(HI) 1989 Schofield Barracks Champion.
(HI) 1990 TA Fast Eddies Champion.
(CO) 1990 RMAA Point Athletic Club Finalist.
(CO) 1990 RMAA Jackson's Hole Champion.
(CO) 1990 RMAA Champains Finalist.
(CO) 1994 MHAA Shot Glass Company Champion.
(CO) 1994 MHAA Pink Cadillac Champion.
(CO) 1996 USAA Squire Lounge Champion.
(CO) 1997 USAA Squire Lounge Champion.
(CO) 1997 USAA Budweiser & Squire Lounge Champion.
(NE) 1997 AAA Lear Jet's Champion.
(CO) 1998 RMAA Boulder County Champion.
(CO) 2002 CA Main Street Bar & Grill Overall Champion.
(CO) 2003 USAA Police/Fire Challenge Finalist.
(CO) 2003 CA Brewski's II Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski's III Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Valley Armwrestling Pioneer Days Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski's IV Champion.
(ID) 2004 Battle of the Bulls Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA Brewski's VII Champion.

State:

(WY) 1996 USAA WY State Champion.
(NE) 1997 USAA NE State Champion.
(CO) 1997 AAA CO State Finalist.
(NE) 1998 USAA NE State Champion.
(CO) 1998 AAA CO State Champion.
(NE) 1999 USAA NE State Overall Champion.
(CO) 1999 AAA CO State Finalist.
(KS) 1999 AAA KS State Finalist.
(WY) 1999 USAA WY State Champion.
(NM) 2000 WPAA NM State Finalist
(WY) 2000 USAA WY State Overall Champion.
(CO) 2001 USAA CO State Finalist.
(WY) 2001 USAA WY State Champion.
(NE) 2001 AAA NE State Finalist.
(CO) 2002 USAA/AAA CO State - 4th.
(SD) 2002 USAA SD State Champion.
(KS) 2003 USAA KS State Champion.
(CO) 2003 USAA/AAA CO State Finalist.
(NM) 2004 WPAA NM State Champion.
(CO) 2004 CA CO State Champion.
(CO) 2005 CA CO State Champion.

Regional:

(CO) 1993 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional - 3rd. (169#)
(CO) 1994 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist. (169#)
(CO) 1996 AAA Yukon Jack Regionals - 5th.
(CO) 1997 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 1998 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2001 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 2002 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(AZ) 2003 USAA Southwest Regional Champion.
(CO) 2004 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CA) 2004 West Coast Regional Champion.
(CO) 2005 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regional Champion.
(CO) 2005 CA Southern CO Regional Champion.
(AZ) 2007 USAA Southwest Regional Finalist.
(CO) 2007 MHA Mountain States Regional Finalist.

Pro/Am:

(HI) 1989 Armed Forces Pro Finalist.
(CO) 1995 MHAA Pink Cadillac Pro Champion.
(ND) 1996 USAA North American Pro/Am Championship - 4th.
(SD) 2002 AAA Ft. Randall Casino Pro Champion.
(CO) 2002 Sundance Bar Pro Champion.
(NV) 2003 AWP Reno Reunion Pro/Am Champion.
(TX) 2003 AWP Dallas US Open Pro/Am Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA Mile High Pro/Am - 3rd.
(CO) 2005 CA All Stars Pro/Am Champion.
(NM) 2008 NMA Fuddrucker's Pro/Am Champion

National:

(NV) 1996 WPAA National Championship - 2nd.
(CO) 1998 USWA National Amateur Championship - 1st/2nd.
(CO) 2000 USAF National Championship - 3rd.
(NV) 2001 USAF National Championship - 2nd/3rd.

International:

(ID) 1998 AAA Main Event Pro/Am International Amateur Finalist.
(NV) 2004 Ultimate Vegas International Trophy Class Champion.
(CO) 2005 Ultimate Vegas II International Trophy Class Champion.

Records/Rankings/Awards

Ranked #1 in Colorado WPAA - 169#.
Ranked #1 in Colorado WAF - 165#, 176#, 198#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US (WPAA)
State titles in 6 states. (CO, NM, WY, KS, NE, SD.) Tied for 3rd all-time CO.
Founder, Colorado Armwrestling Hall of Fame 1995.
Founder, Wyoming Armwrestling Hall of Fame 2011.
Founder, New Mexico Armwrestling Hall of Fame 2006.
1996 USAA Most Promising Armwrestler of the Year.
2006 New Mexico First Round Draft Pick.
2011 USAA Coach of the Year.

Promoting

Promoted in CO, WY, NM, KS, TX.
Hosted the 2010 World Police & Fire International Championship. (Aurora, CO)
Hosted the 2011 USAA National Championship (Las Cruces, NM)
USAA Representative 2001-2019.
Founder, Colorado ArmSports. 1999.
Co-Founder, Mile High ArmSports (Rick Cisneros) 2006.
Founder, New Mexico ArmSports 2006.
Commissioner, Rocky Mountain State Games.(2013-2019)
New Mexico Games Commissioner (2007-2015)

More about Jeff

Favorite training?: Lifting weights, Captain of Crush grippers, pulleys. Table time with Team CO.
Favorite technique?: Low grip toproll.
First tournament and how did you place?: 1988 WPAA Rocky Mountain Regionals. I was a senior in high school. I was happy to win a couple matches but overall a very humbling experience.
Most memorable match?: 1998 USAA Wristwrestling Nationals in Cripple Creek, CO. First time ever pulling on a wristwrestling table. I had my foot on the outside of the base of the table in the finals and the referee was telling me I needed to go down further for the pin. As I was straining to push down for the pin, the ref called "winner" and I felt a "pop" in my knee. I wasn't paying attention to my leg position and tore my acl in my knee. To my knowledge I am the only puller to have re-constructive knee surgery as a result of an armwrestling match. ;)
Tournament you are most proud of?: 2001 USAF Nationals and 2002 Ft. Randall Casino. Both tourneys I lost my first match and had to come thru the B-side of the bracket to get to the finals. The competition at both of those events was top notch and I felt like I pulled well.
Toughest opponent?: Kevin Fanger, Keith Powers, Ken Penrose, Gaylon Russell, Dwayne Hanel and Paul Rosas were some of the toughest opponents I faced. Those were some of my favorite matches. Except when they beat me of course. ;)
Occupation?: Truck driver.
Before Armwrestling (Sports, activities, etc...)?: Basketball, football, soccer, tennis.
Biggest Armwrestling accomplishment?: I promoted over 100 tournaments in 5 states in 21 years as a promoter. I am also very proud to start the Hall of Fame for CO, NM and WY.
Best advice?: If you are new to the sport, find a team to train with and learn the correct, safe technique to pull with. Travel to a new state every year so you have the opportunity to compete against new pullers.
Anything else you would like to say?: First and foremost, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to thank all of our staff who worked so hard putting on some great events and thank you to all the armwrestler's who supported Colorado ArmSports/Mile High ArmSports/New Mexico ArmSports over the years!

2011 Dakota Gundy

About Dakota

Started: 1997.
Location: Denver, CO.
Supermatch song: Queen "Don't stop me now".
States (10) CO, PA, NE, OK, SD, MT, KS, NV, WY, MO.
Countries: (5) USA, Japan, Poland, Finland, Belgium .

Titles

Local/Pro/Am:

(CO) 1997 USAA Squire Lounge Champion.
(CO) 1998 USAA Squire Lounge Champion.
(SD) 1999 USAA Chute Rooster Challenge Finalist.
(MT) 1999 USAA Corner Pocket Champion.
(MT) 2000 USAA Jim Foster Memorial Champion.
(SD) 2001 USAA Sturgis Rally - 3rd.
(CO) 2001 CA/USAA Blue Mountain Stampede Champion.
(MO) 2001 AAA Tournament of Champions Finalist.
(MO) 2002 AAA Pull for the Hungry Finalist.
(CO) 2004 CA Mile High Pro/Am Challenge Match Champion.

State/Regional :

(MT) 1998 USAA MT State Open Champion.
(MT) 1998 USAA MT State Amateur Champion.
(NE) 1998 USAA NE State Champion.
(SD) 1998 USAA SD State Champion.
(MT) 1999 USAA MT State Amateur Champion.
(OK) 1999 USAA OK State Champion.
(OK) 2000 USAA OK State Champion.
(WY) 2001 USAA WY State Champion.
(CO) 2001 CA/USAA CO State Champion.
(NE) 2001 AAA NE State Champion.
(PA) 2001 USAA PA State Champion.

National :

(CO) 1998 USWA National Championship - 2nd.
(NV) 1999 USAF National Championship - 1st/3rd.
(NV) 1999 USAA National Championship - 3rd/4th.
(CO) 2000 USAF National Championship - 1st/1st/2nd/2nd.
(NV) 2000 USAA National Championship - 3rd/4th.

International/World:

(Japan) 1999 WAF World Championship - 4th/4th.
(Finland) 2000 WAF World Championship - 3rd.
(Belgium) 2000 European Championship - 5th/5th.
(Poland) 2001 WAF World Championship - 7th/7th.
(USA/CO) 2010 MHA World Police/Fire Championship - 2nd.

Records/Rankings/Awards

State titles in 7 states. (MT, NE, CO, PA, OK, WY, SD.) - 2nd All-time CO.
Competed in 5 countries. (USA, Japan, Poland, Finland, Belgium.) - Tied with Mel Terry 2nd All-time CO.
2000 Colorado Armwrestler of the Year.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WAF)
Ranked in the top 10 in North America. (WAF)
Ranked in the top 10 in the World. (WAF)
Colorado All-time Team. (2000)
Colorado All-decade Team. (2000's)
1998 USAA Points Champion.

Referee

USAA, Colorado ArmSports, Mile High ArmSports.

More About Dakota

Occupation?: I have a Doctorate degree in clinical psychology - Psychotherapist.
Hobbies?: Hiking with my family, enjoy the great outdoors with my family, exercising, reading, movies, science creations with my son.
First tournament and how did you place?: 1997 USAA Squire Lounge on Colfax in Denver. I won my weight class and the next weight class up.
What do you do for training?: Technique training and weight training.
Favorite armwrestling technique?: Over the top.
Unique fact?: I received a small medal inscribed "Guest of the town of Rochfort, Belgium." I jumped into the Baltic Sea in December 2001 in Poland. That was awesome!
Armwrestling accomplishment you are the most proud of?: Bronze Medal at the WAF World Championship.
Best advice?: Never assume the pull is done until ref calls it. Lost a place because of it. Could have been a silver medalist.
Biggest obstacle faced?: Feeling confident enough to compete after injuries.
Other notables in the sport or anything else you would like to say?: I feel blessed to have been a part of Armwrestling for so many years. I have built amazing friendships that will last a lifetime and that is a huge gift!