Armwrestling Scoops

AAA & WAF "Pullin" Scoops

Updated 7/25/08

AAA ***** John Heynoski

Hello everyone- I'm very sad to report John Heynoski was killed last night (July 24). He was on his custom motorcycle when a car pulled out in front of him. Tragically his wife was in a car behind him and witnessed it all, as John had just picked his bike up from the shop, and was heading home.

John was a World Champion in AAA, and called Karen Bean a friend, as well as others from that era (1990's)

John was the promoter of the upcoming event here in Erie August 9th. His family has communicated to us that want us to hold the event still, in his memory.

We will be working to do this, as John had secured sponsors, and had many special things he wanted to do within this event.

I do not have the information yet for condolences, but will post it as soon as I do.

John was 48 years young, and a fierce competitor in many sports. He was a strong local presence, who was known by many many people for his athletic accomplishments.

John leaves a wife of over 20 years, and a son who recently started competing in this sport.

Please share your thoughts and prayers for his family. I will post more information as it comes available.

Peace, Jim Wagner

AAA ***** Bill Millikan

William Noble "Bill" Millikan II, 40, of the 4000 block of Lookout Road, died Dec. 24, 2007, in a Virginia Beach hospital where he was being treated for a head injury. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Joe Brik Millikan and his grandmother, Naomi Robinson "Nannie" Lee. He is survived by his father, William Noble Millikan; his mother, Nonie and stepfather James Moore; his son, William Noble "L.B." Millikan III; brother, Jesse Millikan; sister, Robin Haislip; niece, Sami Haislip; and nephew, Alex Brik. He is also survived by his dear friend and mentor, Gary Bell, U.S. Navy Reserves, as well as by many cousins and friends too numerous to mention. Memorial donations may be made to the William N. Millikan III memorial fund through NAE Federal Credit Union at either the Indian River Road or Battlefield Blvd. locations. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.Altmeyer.com.

AAA ***** Chastity Griffis, Valerie Hall, Lisa Hall

Cheryl Ann Hall, mother of armwrestlers Chastity Griffis, Valerie Hall, and Lisa Hall, passed away January 4, 2008. She was born September 2, 1958, in Sioux City, Iowa.

Visitation Tuesday 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with funeral to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home. Cremation will follow services.

AAA ***** Merle Meeter

Merle Metter has been diagnosed with cancer in his kidney and lungs. Another huge "Get Well" goes out to this long time supporter of our sport. Get well cards can be mailed to
Merle Meeter
186 Lassen Circle

Vacaville, CA 95687

UPDATE: Merle passed away today, Jan 7 at home. Services will be held at Jan 19 at 1pm at McCune's Garden Chapel * 212 Main St. * Vacaville, CA 95688 * 707-448-6546.

Please send condolences to the above address
AAA ***** Bert Whitfield

The armwrestling world extends a huge "Get Well" to Bert Whitfield. Bert has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer.
WAF ***** Francisco Jove

The armwrestling world has lost a devoted, passionate leader. Francisco Jove, President of the Armwrestling Federation in Spain lost his life, Saturday July 21, 2007. He will be tremendously missed.
AAA ***** J.D. Forehand

Deepest sympathies go out to J.D. Forehand and family during this time of sorrow. J.D. lost his mother due to an illness Wednesday, May 23. Please send condolences to

J.D. Forehand

310 Mimosa Road

Portsmouth, VA 23701
AAA ***** Gary Kessler

Deepest sympathies go out to Gary Kessler and family. Gary lost his father April 16. Please send condolences to

Gary Kessler

140 Estate Row

Stafford, VA 22554
AAA ***** Chris & Mike West

Deepest sympathies go out to Chris & Mike. Chris's mother lost her battle with cancer April 11. Please send condolences to

Chris West

4329 Country View Dr.

Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
AAA ***** Mary McConnaughey

Mary underwent knee replacement surgery Monday, November 20. The surgery went well. Three days later Mary was discharged from the hospital. Please send well wishes to

Mary McConnaughey

7368 Monroe Circle

Omaha, NE 68127

AAA ***** Tonya Wood & Michael Todd

Michael put his knee to the floor and popped the question and of course, Tonya said yes. Wedding bells are going to ring for this made for each other couple March 24, 2007. We wish them all the happiness they truly deserve.
AAA ***** Jack Nisi

Deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Jack Nisi. Jack was killed in a garage explosion September 17, 2006. Please send condolences to The Jack Nisi Family * 6016 South 41st Street * Omaha, NE 68107
AAA ***** Shelli Arnold

2001 AAA National Champion Shelli Arnold lost her life suddenly over the Labor Day weekend. Deepest sympathies go to Shelli's family. Further info to follow if available.
AAA ***** Chris Coletti

Deepest sympathies go out to Chris Coletti and his family. Chris's mother passed away yesterday afternoon, August 17. Send condolences to

Chris Coletti * 4516 Hwy 20E PMB 177 * Niceville, FL 32578
AAA ***** Steve Pettis

Deepest sympathies go out to Steve Pettis and his family. Steve's uncle was killed in a motorcycle accident today, August 16. Condolences can be sent to

Steve Pettis * 11159 Red Arrow Box A-14 * Bridgman, MI 49106

WAF ***** Mustafa Mursaloglu

Mustafa was born 10/18/1975 in Hatay, TURKEY. He was a young dedicated guy looking after his mother and brother in Turkey by working 15 hours a day at work when I met him. He worked at a stock brokerage firm in ISTANBUL,TURKEY. We became best friends shortly after I met him in 1996.

He started armwrestling in 1997 in Turkey. He is the runner up in Turkish Nationals in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 at 128lbs and 138 lbs (63 kgs and 55kgs). He also took the 5th place at the EUROPEAN Championship in 2000 at 58 kilos in right hand. He moved to USA in 2002 September. He took the 5th place at 138lbs in GNC finals in Newyork City in September 2002.

He trained with Mike Bonelli, and his team in Virginia Beach from 2002 to 2004. He moved to Northern Virginia in early 2005 and started to train with Dave Patton's Team in Northern VA. He competed in several local Tourneys in East Coast successfully.

Mustafa never lied in his lifetime, never hurt anyone, never smoked, did not drink alcohol. He always smiled when you meet him and talked to him. People used to remember him with a big smile coming from the bottom of his heart. He loves life and living it to the fullest.

On January 18th around 10:30AM at his workplace(A local MARBLE&GRANITE COMPANY) he was securing some Granite slabs on to a hook. The forklift's hook that lifted the 2000 lbs Granite slabs snapped out and fell on Mustafa, damaging his head, skull,face and brain. He was rushed to Fairfax INOVA Hospital immediately and taken to a brain surgery right away. Ever since he has been staying under deep coma at the same hospital. His doctors are saying that he is in critical condition.

Written by: Alper Cosar

UPDATE: Today, May 23, 2006 at 4:45am, Mustafa passed away. Deepest sympathies go out to the

family of Mustafa Mursaloglu. We will all miss his shining smile.
AAA ***** Mike West

Deepest sympathies go out to Mike West and family. Mike lost his father, David M. "Mike" West, Sr. to illness February 17, 2006. Please send condolences to

Mike West * 1770 Kelly Ave * Georgetown, IN 47122
AAA ***** Adam Gerbert

December 17 at the TN State Championship, Adam suffered a break in his left arm. Please send well wishes to Adam Gerbert * 589 Scarborough Rd * Ellenwood, GA 30294
AAA ***** Justina Hopkins & P.J. Connelly

Justina & P.J. are set to tie the knot November 12, 2005. Best wishes, life long happiness are extended to these two wonderful people.
AAA ***** Paula Isturiz (Sister of Nancy Hester)

Paula Aline McKinney Kent Isturiz is the thirty-nine year old daughter of Sarah McKinney Kent of Greensburg and Russell Felps Kent of Clinton. Ancestors of both families came to St. Helena, the Felicianas and Washington Parish shortly after the Revolutionary War when the Florida Parishes were first being settled. They include the Kents, McKinneys, Travises, Harvins, Harrells, Youngbloods, Felps, Crittendens, Corkerns, Bickhams, Fosters, Bookers and others. The Craigs and Thomases were from Kentucky. Although some of the family names have disappeared from the area, thousands of their descendants populate the Florida Parishes.

Paula was reared in St. Helena, attended both Greensburg and Oak Forest High School and graduated from Oak Forest in 1983. She obtained a degree in communications from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1987; the same year she married Carlos Isturiz. In 1988 they moved to Houston and some years later to Round Rock, Texas where they are now living. Paula and Carlos have two children, a son John, 15 and a daughter Mattie, 10. Paula worked until Mattie was born and has been a housewife and volunteer in the school system since.
In the summer of 2003 she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. That summer and fall she had a lengthy round of chemotherapy. In June 2004 a new tumor was discovered. She again had months of chemotherapy and was referred to M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston for a blood stem cell transplant. Her two sisters matched one another, but neither matched her. Neither her children nor parents matched her. One person in the over 5,000,000 donors that are on the national donor list matched Paula. However, that person was not available. Paula's doctors decided to take Paula's own immature white blood cells (stem cells) and return them to her. She stayed in Houston for over six weeks to have this done and recover. The doctors believed this would have her in remission for several years during which time a donor may become available. The transplant was successful, but it was ineffective in treating the cancer. By February she began to have suspiciously large lymph nodes. In late May it was obvious that the cancer had returned. She is now undergoing a clinical trial with a new medication that is being tested. After the first six days of treatment, her liver enzymes were so elevated that additional treatment had to be delayed and the dose significantly reduced. She still doesn't have a matched donor.

• Paula was informed today, August 22, 2005 that the new treatment is not working; her tumor has doubled in size. She will need the transplant for survival. If there is anyone interested in finding out how to be tested to be a donor please contact me Nancy Hester: 225-635-1915 or nancyh@yahoo.com
AAA ***** Chad Silvers

Sincere sympathies go out to Chad Silvers who lost his grandfather, William "Tata" Young, May 27, 2005. All of us that knew Tata will never forget his tremendous love for the sport. His infamous "Knock em out Chad" will forever be remembered in our hearts. Please send condolences to

Chad Silvers * 426 Laurel Hill Dr. * Roebuck, SC 29376
AAA ***** Steve Pettis

Deepest sympathies go out to Steve Pettis who lost his grandfather May 20, 2005.

Please send condolences to

Steve Pettis * 11159 Red Arrow Box A-14 * Bridgman, MI 49106
AAA ***** Sue Patton

The armwrestling world lost a true pioneer March 21, 2005. Sue Patton, mother of armwrestling's Dave & Ray Patton passed away after a long bout with emphezema. Mrs. Patton's contribution to the sport of armwrestling is surpassed by none! We will all miss her.

Arrangements are:

Adams-Green Funeral Home * 721 Elden Street * Herndon, VA 20170 * 703-437-1764
AAA ***** Christopher Myers

Email received from Christopher Feb. 9

I kept getting sick real bad about every three months. I wound up in hospital first time they thought

it was food poisoning, second the same, last time they thought it was memingitis. Finally went to

an expert an as best as they can tell I have had a deviated septum with does not allow the sinus to

drain and there has been a long standing infection that has festered and spread into the

Menage (outer layers of brain, spinal cord) and formed a small cyst.

So basically they are going to break my nose roro-router my sinuses out pull out the cyst shove

eight rolls of toilet paper inside my head and I an supposed to be cured. We will see, I don't

trust Doctors very much. See you in GA

Christopher Myers

Note: Christopher had surgery Friday, Feb. 11 Please send get well wishes to

Christopher Myers*14-30 155th Street*Whitestone, NY 11357

AAA ***** Kathy New

Kathy lost her mother to cancer last month on Dec 18. It was her fourth bout with cancer, second time with lung cancer, and it finally took her. She used to love coming to tournaments with Kathy when she could. Please send condolences to

Kathy New * 1911 Pleasant St. * Des Moines, IA 50314

AAA ***** Bobby Hopkins

Bobby's father, Phillip, passed away suddenly yesterday, November 10. Phillip was struck with a massive heart attack. Phillip was more than a father, he was truely Bobby's best friend. Sympathies to

Bobby Hopkins * 6009 N US #1 * Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

AAA ***** Adam Gerbert

Adam suffered a torn bicep and tore tendons off the bone while competing in Brazil at the World Championships. Adam underwent surgery November 9. Doctors repaired the bicep and reattached the tendons. All signs show nerves are also in tact. Send recovery wishes to

Adam Gerbert * 589 Scarborough Rd. * Ellenwood, GA 30294
AAA ***** Dwayne Hanel

September 22, Dwayne's mother, Shirley lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Our deepest sympathies go out to Dwayne, Rhonda and their family. Please send condolences to Dwayne Hanel * 15279 Grover St. * Omaha, NE 68144
AAA ***** Andrea Paul

An aortic aneurysm took the life of Jerry Paul, father to Andrea Paul, early this morning, August 11. Jerry was a healthy 52 year old, 154 pound hard working man. Services will be held August 14. Please send condolences to: Andrea Paul * 1309 Scott Rd. * Papillion, NE 68046
AAA ***** Leslie & George Whims

Leslie & George Whims lost their mother July 7, 2004 and their father July 29, 2004. Our deepest and sincere condolences go out to both men. Please send sympathies to: Leslie Whims * 7903 Cantwell Rd. * Windsor Mill, MD 21244 -- George Whims * 1144 Gorsuch Avenue * Baltimore, MD 21218
AAA ***** Arlene Pfeiffer

Team New Jersey member, Arlene Pheiffer, is going thru a tough time right now. Her mother is dying with cancer and was recently sent home to stay with Arlene. She's set up her mother in her livingroom where she and her sister sleep on the floor and take two hour shifts thru the night caring and administering pain killers. Any and all prayers for a peaceful passing would be appreciated. Thanks to one and all on behalf of Arlene and Team New Jersey. God Bless, Jim Bryan

Update --- Mary Lee quietly left this world on Friday January 16 in the presence of her family. I would like to thank my friends here for their support and prayers. My family couldn't have had better support from Samaritan Hospice and close friends. When you see me you see the woman she guided through life. I thank her for all the good qualities she instilled in me and continue to work on any bad ones I found on my own. She was a tiny, caring, funny, candid and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is known by Nanny to her family because she was so much more than just grandmother to my children. May heaven hold those pearly gates wide open for her arrival. Arlene Pfeiffer

Please send condolences to Arlene Pfeiffer * 494 Mary Street * Mt. Holly, NJ * 08060
AAA ***** Mary McConnaughey

Mary McConnaughey's father, Rex, lost a short battle with cancer. Rex passed away Saturday, January 10th at 3:00am. Funeral services are Tuesday, January 13 at St. Joseph Catholic Rectory, 1306 23rd St., Auburn, Ne. In lieu of flowers please send bequests to Margart McConnaughey, P.O. Box 162, Peru, NE 68421. Our sympathies go out to Mary and her family. Please send condolences to Mary McConnaughey * 7368 Monroe Circle * Omaha, NE 68127
AAA ***** Heather McSherry

Heather McSherry's mother passed away at 4:00am Sunday, November 10, 2003. She had battled numerous illnesses through the years and lost to cancer. Our hearts and prayers go out to Heather and her family. Please send condolences to Heather McSherry * 205 Walnut Street * Spring Valley, OH 45370
AAA ***** Mary McConnaughey

Mary McConnaughey has lost her grandmother to illness. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mary and her family. Please send condolences to Mary McConnaughey * 7368 Monroe Circle * Omaha, NE 68127
AAA ***** Gregory Helm

The sudden death of Harry Helm, father to Gregory Helm, jolted the Helm family as well as our amwrestling family. "Karen, my father passed away 10/24/03 of a sudden heart attack. He loved armwrestling as you know as of meeting him last year and he had a ton of respect for you and your husband for doing what you have for armwrestling. He was 72 years old. Some interesting facts about him was that he was an All-State basketball and football player in Ohio and was back up to Johnny Unitas at Louisville University." Please send condolences to Gregory Helm * 3157 Chapelwood Lane * Jacksonville, FL 32216
AAA ***** Ron & Cindy Bath

Ron & Cindy recently lost Cindy's mother to cancer. Our hearts and prayers go out to Ron, Cindy, and family. Please send condolences to Ron & Cindy Bath * 223 Whitestone Dr. * Canton, GA 30115
AAA ***** Andrew Rhodes

Andrew Rhodes has been absent from competing and will continue to be M.I.A. at the AAA National Championships this year. Andrew was in an auto accident late last year and is still recovering from a sprained sacroiliac and disc problems. Send cards and speedy recovery to Andrew Rhodes * 915 Nelson Street * Ft. Wayne, IN 46807
AAA ***** James Battles

February 20 James Battles underwent orthoscopic surgery on his elbow. Doctors removed 2 very large bone spurs along with other fragments. Prognosis is good and James should be back on the table ready for Nationals. Send cards and speedy recovery to James Battles * # 2 Stewart Circle * Ft Walton Beach, FL 32547
AAA ***** Mike Mignogna

October 24, Mike underwent surgery to repair the subscapulus tendon of the rotator cuff and ruptured long head bicep tendon of the right arm & right shoulder. The rotator tendon was torn completely off the humerus bone but was succesfully re attached with anchors to the humerus bone. Since the bicep injury was 2 years old, part of the tendon had re attached itself to the acrom bone and front deltoid muscle. It had to be cut away and could not be reattached. Mike is in therapy and the prognosis at this time is that his competition days are over. Send speedy recovery to Mike Mignogna * 4811 Oak Terrace * Pennsauken, NJ 08109
AAA ***** Rex Kepler

Rex Kepler, AAA Iowa State Director, is in the hospital in serious condition. We received word from Rex's sister January 7 that he has an enlarged heart and a leak in his aorta valve. Doctor's have said his heart cannot withstand surgery. Medications are being administered with the possibility of surgery. Currently doctor's have prognosed 0% chance of survival. As we receive information, we will post here. Please keep Rex in your thoughts and prayers. Update --- Doctors at Mercy Hospital were attempting to keep fluid off of Rex's heart while still not giving him any chance of survival. Thank Goodness, Rex decided not to give up without a fight. Rex was transported to University Hospital in Iowa City, IA early yesterday afternoon. He has and is undergoing a battery of tests. Update --- Rex has been released from the hospital. He is on medication trying to build strength to withstand heart surgery. Send well wishes to Rex Kepler * 513 10th Avenue SE * Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
AAA ***** Robert Roark

Robert "Rob" Roark passed away December 20, 2002. Rob was a personal friend and co-worker of Heather McSherry. Our introduction to Rob came when he traveled with Team U.S.A. to Italy in 2001. He again went with all of us to Egypt in 2002 for the World Championships. Rob was instantly taken into our armwrestling family and became one of us. Our hearts and prayers go out to Rob's family and friends. We will miss him.
AAA ***** Steve Phipps

Steve recently was camping with his family, and believes waking up sleeping on the ground was the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back". Of course playing football and wrestling with family members didn't help matters either. Doctors have diagnosed surgery to remove the C-4 / C-5 disc in his neck and fuse the vertebrae. Pain is constant with the herniated disc putting pressure on the nerve. The exact date won't be for at least a month due to the doctor's schedule. Then, Steve should be in the hospital for one day and six weeks of recovery. Send cards and well wishes to Steve Phipps * 3817 53rd Street NE * Tacoma, WA 98422 UPDATE - Disc surgery on Steve's neck, December 2nd went very well. Most of his nerve pain is gone. Steve will be off work for 6 weeks. Doctors are not allowing any lifting for a while, so Steve will really have to hit it hard to get back in shape once he gets the green light.

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