WRESTLING JUDGE AT GAMES

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27924, 22 March 1956, Page 14

WRESTLING JUDGE AT GAMES

APPOINTMENT OF MR J. A. MCINNES

A well-known Canterburv amateur wrestler, Mr Jack A. Mcinnes. has been appointed a referee and judge of wrestling at the Olympic Games New Zealand has not previously had wrestling competitors or officials at the Games.

Mr Mcinnes. who retired from active wrestling only two or three years ago, only once won a New Zealand title, and that in unusual circumstances. At Dunedin six years ago he broke two ribs in his semi-final but would not v/ithdraw and went on to win the middle-weight championship. His first New Zealand championship was at the age of 16, when he was a lightweight. and he was six times runnerup at national championships. He held Canterbury titles on many occasions. Since he stopped wrestling. Mr Mcinnes has been a keen coach of voung wrestlers. He presented the Mcinnes Shield for competition between Southland and Canterbury, and he was largelv instrumental in the introduction of a South Island championship which will be held for the first time this year, at Invercargill on July 7. Me Mcinnes was the guest of honour at a sportsmen’s welcome tendered last evening by the Pioneer Sports Club. In proposing a toast to Mr Mcinnes. Mr I. B. Cromb said he was the first New Zealander to be appointed an Olympic Games wrestling judge and it was an honour as great as New Zealand’s cricket victory at Auckland.

Mr Mcinnes said wrestling was one of the most difficult sports to judge, and he felt honoured at his selection. He hoped the experience he would gain would ultimately be of benefit to wrestlers in Canterbury. Mr Mcinnes was nominated for the position by the New Zealand Amateur Wrestling Committee.