Press Release: Book signing this weekend at Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame

Reported by Ryan Droste of WrestleView.com
On Monday, July 10, 2006 at 11:01 PM EST

The following press release was sent in by Kyle Klingman, Associate Director of the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa...

PRESS RELEASE

“Wrestlers Who Write"

NEWTON – “Wrestlers Who Write" will be the theme of a book signing held Saturday, July 15, at the Inductions to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.

The inductions will be held in the International Wrestling Institute and Museum here in Newton.

“This is the second year we are having the book signing and we are excited about doing it again," said Kyle Klingman, the museum’s associate director. “We will have five or six authors here, including a former world champion and a legendary Hollywood stuntman and martial artist.

The public is invited to attend. However, if they come to the museum to see the inductions into the hall of fame, either will be a $10 admission fee. Being inducted are legendary wrestlers Bret “The Hitman" Hart, Larry “The Axe" Hennig and Bob Roop. Also present will be Nikita Koloff, who will receive the Frank Gotch Award.

Anyone wishing to attend the book signing after the inductions will be admitted for free. But they will not be admitted until 1 p.m.

The lineup of authors is as follows:

  • Harley Race, former world heavyweight champion, signing his book, “King of the Ring;"

  • Judo Gene LeBell, signing three of his books, including his biography about his 50 years in pro wrestling and Hollywood as a stuntman;

  • Mike Chapman, of Newton, author of 18 books, including 12 books on wrestling and two recent novels, “Achilles: Son of Peleus, Scourge of /Troy," and “Lowell Park." The latter has been optioned by a Hollywood film company and currently is in development;

  • Bill Murdock, author of the book, “Brisco: The Life and Times of NCAA and Professional World Heavyweight champion Jack Brisco,"

  • Jim Melby, author of the book “Gopherland Grappling,’

  • Michael Scheef, author of the book “1000 Wrestlers," with over 100 original drawings of famous professional wrestlers out of the past.

    Anyone wishing further information on the book signing or the museum’s weekend activities should call Kyle Klingman, at 641-791-1517.