WRESTLING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21648, 19 May 1932, Page 3

WRESTLING

PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON With the arrival in New Zealand of a team of American wrestlers it is hoped that the local season will be opened toward the end of June. Word has been received by the secretary of the Otago Wrestling Association (Mr H. Divers) that three well-known wrestlers, Harry Ekigian, described as the United States navy champion; Ruddy Laditze, an Italian; and the Russian Joe Rogacki, left San Francisco by the Monowai on May 11 for the Dominion. The remaining members of the team who will spend the season in this country and who will leave America within the next week or two, are Sam Clapham and Long Tallaber (who will sail by the Aorangi on May 25), John Kilonis, Billy Edwards, Ted Thye and A 1 Karasich. Kilonis, Thye and Karasich were all popular figures in the Melbourne ring a year or two ago, being extremely powerful, clever matmen, with a wide variety of holds.' Karasich was known as the Russian headlock expert, while four or five years ago Thye was the idol of the Melbourne stadium, then at the height of its popularity. In addition to these men, an American team which, it is understood will include the heavyweight champions, Sonnenberg' and Kotsonaros, will arrive shortly in Australia, and it is stated that the Dominion Wrestling Association has made such arrangements that it will be able to draw upon the services of the Australian team, if necessary. The British Empire champion, George Walker, will be back in the ring this season, while Billy Meeske, was matched with the former in Dunedin last season, will again visit New Zealand. Followers of the sport who remember the great reputation possessed by the giant Maori wrestler, Ike Robin, will be interested to learn that he has decided to return to the mat, and has already commenced training, with a view to meeting the biggest of the American visitors.