Hard Work and Brains Pay Off: Golden Triangle Champion Freek E. Doyle Is Megastar Of The Year For 2024

Courtesy of Mark Charles III.

By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

When Freek E. Doyle first accompanied Man-Child to the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance, he immediately impressed as an accomplished manager. There were times in which wrestler and manager walked perfectly in step with one another.

And while Man-Child had certainly established himself among the best big men in all of the western half of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, little was known about the physicality of Freek. Quietly, the manager been training alongside Man-Child and other wrestlers in and around the Altoona and Johnstown territory.

Admittedly no longer 20, Freek was groomed to grapple. It turns out that he had a knack for the in-ring work. Add to the fact Doyle fine-tuned his physique, from ringside attendant to in-ring wrestler. It’s a task that’s more difficult than most can attest. Mayor Mystery, who has had a part-time relationship with the Freek Show, has wrestled in more than a handful of legal affairs over his Hall of Fame career; however, even the boastful Mayor of Parts Unknown would probably agree that he isn’t in the upper echelon of athletic achievement.

With all of the hard work and determination, plus with a stable of loyal accomplices, Freek E. Doyle was preparing to strike in 2024.

Joshua Kavod won Battle Bowl on January 6, but Doyle was one of the last Megastars in the ring and for awhile it looked as if Doyle might win the whole thing. At the raffle to determine who wins what championship opportunity, it was Doyle who came away with a chance to win the city of Pittsburgh’s premier prize: the Golden Triangle Championship.

Observers quickly thought that Freek had become then-GT Champ Tyler Grayson’s most devious adversary. They were correct.

At the KSWA’s 400^th and 24^th anniversary event on February 17^th  a Doyle-led Freek Show defeated New Glory, Tyler Grayson & T-Rantula in 8-man competition.

On May 18^th, Doyle proved that he was on the right track to individual success by defeating Captain Curly John and a veteran Harley T. Morris in a Triple Threat match at MJ’s Steel City Saloon.

A temporary hiccup occurred on June 30 when Doyle was not able to upend KSWA Champion Lou Martin on his home turf at Lawrenceville’s Independence Day celebration.

All this time, Doyle was publicly teasing Grayson with his Golden Ticket for the Golden Triangle Championship. He was able to cash it in the summer’s grandest stage: Brawl Under the Bridge. Freek E. Doyle was able to pull it off and win the championship.

In August, Doyle defeated Grayson in his rematch and a week later bested one of the best Golden Triangle Champions of all time in Shane Starr.

At Millvale Days, Doyle once again retained against Grayson. Perhaps more telling was Doyle’s next day defeat of a revamped “Apostle” Joshua Kavod, who had previously cashed in his chance at the KSWA Heavyweight Championship. The ending of this match had more consequence than previously guessed.

There was an infrequent tag team loss for the Freek Show (Doyle and Man-Child) against Grayson and Hall of Famer T-Rantula in Sheraden at the American Legion.

With constant hit-or-miss leadership appearances from the always crafty Mayor Mystery, Doyle was not able to step away from leadership from the Gibbtown, Florida quartet that also included Five Star Champion Man-Child, the uber powerful The Ram, as well as a rejuvenated Justin Sane.

Normally, the KSWA Championship is the last match—the Main Event—of FanFest on December 7; however, this year was different. The Freek Show Fun House Match between Doyle and former champion Tyler Grayson was the final professional wrestling match in Pittsburgh during 2024.

And Doyle was ready. Doyle, and then the other members of the Freek Show, took their time in decimating fellow Floridian Grayson (who inspired not one friendly save in the Steel City) in a definitive win. Much of that had to be established because of Freek E. Doyle, who had a near-perfect 2024.

That is why Freek E. Doyle, the reigning Golden Triangle Champion, is the KSWA Digest “Megastar of the Year” for 2024.

Don't "Sleep" On The Mill Rats, Get To Johnstown And Great Baseball

Moments before the Johnstown Mill Rats hit the field on Saturday, June 1.

By Thomas Leturgey

On a picture-perfect night in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Johnstown Mill Rats hosted their first block party on Johns’ Street. Inside the affordable ticket window immediately outside of Sargeant’s Stadium at the Point, staffed by a couple of quality representatives and friendly ticket takers, a couple of Manager Josh Merrill’s players stood behind a folding table, took photos, and signed autographs for a line of young fans.

A small, well-staffed concession stand provided snacks and drinks before the action was set to begin. Wearing crisp and familiar white, yellow and brown uniforms, the home team’s starting nine ran onto the field to start a 7 p.m. game against the Lafayette Aviators.

The first pitch of the night straight-on plunked the Aviator’s lead-off batter square in the small of the spine. But it was simply an opening-inning error, and the Mill Rats quickly got out of the first inning jam.

With “Polka Fest” music playing across Washington Street at the Bottle Works, and mascot Milton taking photos with everyone in the ballpark, the first Saturday Night of the Mill Rats season provided an All-American family outing.

More than 530 people, including dozens of youngsters racing up and down the steel grandstand (the young season’s most well-attended game), took in America’s Past Time as it should be…wholesome.

The Mill Rats, each batter introduced by an enthusiastic, country-accented public address announcer—who sometimes couldn’t be heard over introductory music—took a quick 2-0 lead on this night. Play on the field was small ball but effective.

The temperature, which hovered in the seventies during the afternoon, dipped into the mid 60’s, and the atmosphere was ideal for Pioneer League, or any other baseball.

A quick walk around the park showcased t-shirts, hats, novelty baseballs and other merchandise. A game-time hot dog was cooked and tasty (oftentimes, these perfunctory foodservice items are cooked poorly and gross, but not here).

Between innings, young patrons take part in simple games like trivia, stacking boxes, tug-of-war contests, or races while wearing impromptu “taco” costumes. It’s all done with an engaging host and other staffers eager to provide fun.

These games are well-paced and efficient. Everyone involved on the field, from the coaches and umpires to those physically playing the game, are professionals. At the ending of nine innings on Saturday, the Mill Rats were victorious and at least momentarily undefeated at home (the team lost on Sunday afternoon).

Early in the season, the Mill Rats have played all but two of their games at home. Their two games in Chillicothe, Ohio featured a total of more than 4,700 fans, against a total of 1,590 fans in four games.

Baseball in Johnstown is rich in history. Babe Ruth played there, and the AAABA has been an institution for the city.

The Johnstown Mill Rats are winning and should be a candidate for the playoffs. Baseball fans new and old need to attend as many games as possible. The Mill Rats are doing their part and providing quality for Cambria County and beyond.

 

 

Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall Of Fame Dinner To Honor 10 April 27

 

By Thomas Leturgey

Organizers are diligently planning to celebrate 10 new inductees into the Robert “Tick” Cloherty Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. KDKA radio’s Larry Richert will once again serve as the Master of Ceremony for the April 27 event at the Marriot Bonvoy Hotel at Station Square that’s expected to draw as many as 400 attendees.

This year’s class of nine men and one woman encompass much of the Western Pennsylvania landscape, which stretches from Erie County in the north to Greene and Somerset in the south. The territory stretches from the Ohio line in the west to McKean, Elk and Cambria to the east.

“In the class of 2024, we are recognizing another absolutely outstanding group of individuals who have played a major role in the Western PA sports world as players, coaches, administrators, and luminaries,” he continued.

Reilsono, who has attended the banquet in the past, called it a “class act.”

Artwork from the Western PA Sports Hall of Fame website.

To help promote this year’s inductees and the dinner, Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame President Jack Teitz was recently on an episode of the Claudio Reilsono Show to talk about the upcoming dinner.

Teitz, a former Big 10 official, is the 7th president of the organization. He succeeded Robert “Tick” Cloherty, who successfully helmed the Hall of Fame for 30 years and more recently, immediate past president Dan Carr.

Teitz talked about how the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is the largest of the 30 regional Sports Halls of Fame in the Commonwealth with 650 voting members.

“Our whole schtick is to try and help promote athletes, coaches, officials and sports personalities and contributors who have done exceptional things in the world of sports in Western Pennsylvania,” he told longtime Carnegie Mellon University baseball coach, author and podcaster Reilsono, and his co-host, Steve Mancini, an associate professor at Robert Morris University.

Teitz noted that the Western Pennsylvania Chapter has 750 members, and some 650 inductees that date back to 1963. “We induct about 10 to 12 each year,” he said. He noted that some 105 of the Western Pennsylvania Hall of Fame have advanced the umbrella organization, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Some of those members are Roberto Clemente, Arnold Palmer and Bruno Sammartino.

“We skipped a year because of Covid,” Teitz said. “This year we have 10 great inductees.”

In addition, others received special awards. Carol Zaleski, a leading proponent of swimming, recently retired after 45 years of service to the sport. She will receive the prestigious Darrell Hess Award.

And Mel Blount will receive a $5,000 donation from the William Campbell Foundation for his Mel Blount Youth Home and Youth Leader Initiative. Teitz mentioned that William Campbell was originally involved in sports, but then became a successful businessman. Last year, the Campbell Award was shared between the Roberto Clemente Foundation and the Franco Harris Foundation.

Teitz then talked about the inductees, including Central Cambria High School coaching legend Randy Wilson. He said that for 23 years, Wilson has successfully coached the Boys and Girls cross country teams and served as a school counselor in the Cambria County seat of Ebensburg. “His record is 225-5,” said Teitz. He said Wilson “has had a number of wonderful kids go onto to college careers.” Mancini touted Wilson’s incredible training and recruiting abilities as a coach.

Next up is Central Catholic Alumnus Jim McCoy also scored 2,734 points on the basketball court at the University of Massachusetts, which remains a school record. Ever since his freshman year in college, the 6’4” McCoy was unstoppable on the court. “He played in Sweden and Spain for more than 10 years,” Teitz continued. McCoy is also a member of the Pittsburgh Basketball Hall of Fame.

Darelle Porter played basketball Perry Traditional, was a Dapper Dan U.S. East All Star Team member, as well as a member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Fab Five” and was the all-time assist leader at the University of Pittsburgh. He was head coach of the Duquesne University basketball team. Porter currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ozanam Cultural Center, a community group and sports program for both boys and girls in the Hill District. “A lot of successful players have come out of the Ozanam Cultural Center,” Teitz added.

At 6’7”, Bruce Atkins, an All-State player at Wilkinsburg High School and played in the Roundball Classic is arguably the tallest member of this year’s class. Atkins went on to have a stellar collegiate career as a Duquesne Duke and was drafted in the 4th round by the Philadelphia 76er, in 1982.

Meghan Damico is an “all time tennis star at Fox Chapel,” he said. She was a Triple A Single’s Champion who went on to play at Denison University. She was a North Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2007-2008, said Teitz.

Teitz recognized Terry Russell as “a long-time Pittsburgh football player, coach and contributor.” Russell played at Central Catholic and then Duquesne University Football. He was a star player for Coach Dan McCann and then took over the program for several years. He remains a “lifetime supporter of Duquesne,” said Teitz.

The President touted Seneca Valley’s Mark Perry as “a very successful soccer coach.” Perry played and graduated from Springdale High School and went on to play at Wheeling Jesuit College. He has led remarkable teams at Seneca Valley, Fox Chapel, Hampton and Central Valley.

Ambridge’s “Mick” Marotti is a Strength and Conditioning Coach with some 44 years of skills. He served in that capacity in several places, including Notre Dame and the University of Florida and is currently on the staff at Ohio University. Teitz noted that he is also a member of the United States Strength and Conditioning Hall of Fame, Class of 2012.

Oakmont’s Mike Berger has worn different hats in his 45 years of professional baseball, from player, coach, front office, and coach. He’s worked for the Montreal Expos, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros. “He’s in Milwaukee now,” said Teitz.

Peabody High School’s Carl Kohlman will be honored posthumously. He was a contributor to many youth programs, but most notably served as the Executive Director of the Ozanam Cultural Center for more than 50 years.

“There are so many people who are so deserving, who don’t see a whole lot of media attention around them,” said Teitz. “Very successful people with very successful sports careers.

This year’s event is Saturday, April 17 at the Sheraton Station Square. Teitz explained that there is a room at the hotel where patrons and participants can see plaques with the names of all of the members. They also hope to find a more permanent home, and they have talked to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in the Strip District.

For more information on each of these 2024 Inductees ticket information for the April 27th induction ceremony, please check our website at westernpasortshof.org or call 412-855-7625.

Five Years Later: Western PA's Last Wrestling "Super Show" Was 2012's Deaf Wrestlefest

It's already been five years since Western Pennsylvania hosted its last professional wrestling "Super Show." Deaf Wrestlefest, held on Sunday, April 29, 2012 marked the last time that wrestlers from various regional promotions gathered to help raise funds for the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.

Organized by local wrestler Ken Jugan, aka the legendary Lord Zoltan, there were a total of 13 Deaf Wrestlefest cards, dating back to 1994. From 1994 to 2002, it was an annual, April tradition. Through decades of work, Jugan was able to line up big name talent like Cactus Jack and the Iron Sheik. Through the years, Koko B. Ware, King Kong Bundy, The Blue Meanie and others also wrestled or participated in other capacities on the popular shows.

But it also became a networking mecca for local professional wrestlers throughout Western PA, Ohio and West Virginia. Wrestlers from all over clamored to be on the show. For many it was a golden opportunity to perform outside of small towns an hour or more outside of Pittsburgh.

During those early years, the show was promoted in conjunction with Steel City Wrestling (SCW), which was considered to be the most prominent independent promotion in the metropolitan Pittsburgh area. That promotion closed shop in 2000, but the event went on without a hitch for two more years.

After the 2002 event, Deaf Wrestlefest took a hiatus. It returned with much fanfare in 2009. In 2009, dozens of local talent from throughout western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh's Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) combined for a 16-match event. Legends Dominic DeNucci and Shane Douglas teamed with Cody Michaels defeated Lou Marconi, Frank Staletto and a returning-from-retirement James J. Dillon. Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake even cut a woman's hair when the wrestler she managed took the pin.

Deaf Wrestlefest once again became a harmonious, fun-filled event for wrestlers, managers and other personalities. Jugan stopped wrestling on the shows, which allowed talent from elsewhere to participate.

The next year, Larry Zbyszko turned his back on David Sammartino in a tag team match, virtually re-enacting his famous betrayal of Bruno Sammartino decades prior. The fun and uniqueness of Deaf Wrestlefest was the showcase for all in the pantheon of independent wrestling.

In 2011, Zach Gowen traveled from Michigan to take part in the event. "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas also wrestled on the card, as did wrestlers from many regional promotions. In addition to towns away from metropolitan arenas, wrestlers from North Carolina traveled with Lord Zoltan's longtime friend and Johnstown, PA native Count Grog (Greg Mosorjak).

It was also a great opportunity for wrestling fans to see great regional wrestlers, as well as the top managers, such as Mayor Mystery and the aforementioned Count Grog. Studio Wrestling personalities such as Frank Durso also appeared to the joy of professional wrestling fans.

At the final Deaf Wrestlefest (Jugan's sons Adam and Blaise had either graduated from the school or were nearing the end of their time there), Jugan was able to bring in Bruno Sammartino and Dominic DeNucci. Sammartino raffled off a replica of his WWWF championship belt, with all proceeds going to the Western PA School for the Deaf.

Ten matches highlighted that event. Wrestlers from Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania highlighted the card. Zach Gowen and his "handicapped heroes" brother Gregory Iron traveled in for the show. WWE Hall of Famer Bushwacker Luke was in the final match, which also featured the last-ever appearance of Frank Keith, a manager, valet and sometime wrestler known as "The Joker." (Keith passed away earlier this year after suffering from a heart malady.)

Preston Steele (a Deaf Wrestlefest favorite), Mayor Mystery's Mercenaries, Shark Boy and a number of Pittsburgh wrestlers shared the card with a who's who from western Pennsylvania's up-and-comers, as well as veterans. Big Bully Busick, who also participated in different capacities over the annuls of DWF was a Special Guest Referee.

The Western Pennsylvania Pro Wrestling Super Show may return some day, but any will be hard pressed to top the 13 years of memories and funds risen by Deaf Wrestlefest.

The Choice(s) Are Clear For Pittsburgh's Sports Persons Of The Year

By Bronson Cayuse

The debut edition of Sports Pittsburgh Magazine hits with a body slam. Pittsburgh Independent Wrestlers--and VIPs of the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Shawn Blanchard and Lou Martin--are at the top of the list.

More than the Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger or Antonio Brown, the Pirates' Andrew McCutchen or Garrett Cole, or the Penguins' Sidney Crosby or Marc Andre Fluery, Blanchard and Martin have exuded excellence in their respective sport.

Blanchard, until recently, was the 6-time, "record-extending" KSWA World Champion. Blanchard first won Pennsylvania's most important wrestling belt on August 4, 2000, when he was 25. Roethlisberg was 18, McCutchen was not yet 14 years of age, and Crosby was a few days away from his 13th birthday.

All year long Blanchard has been touting himself as "Pittsburgh's #1 Sports Attraction." It's hard to argue his accomplishments. He defeated Shane Starr for the KSWA title, with the legendary manager James J. Dillon in his corner, on March 28. He successfully defended the title on numerous occasions before losing it to Kris Kash in the "Championship Cavalcade on December 5. Blanchard was forced by the KSWA Championship to defend his title against every other champion in the federation. That meant that Golden Triangle Champion Lou Martin faced off and with 5-Star Champion Mitch Napier, and the new tag team championships Starr and Kash. Kash and Starr, collectively known as "The Lost Boys," won the Commonwealth's most valuable tag team championships earlier in the evening from "Nasty" Nick Crane and Sniper--the Mercenaries--with Mayor Mystery in their corner.

Martin took umbrage to Pittsburgh Magazine omitting him in its "50 Most Powerful People in Pittsburgh." He took to calling himself the "#FaceOfPittsburgh" and was even beat up by the octogenarian Mayor of Homestead--Betty Esper--in June's "Brawl Under the Bridge." Martin had won the prestigious Golden Triangle Championship for the second time in his career on June 6. In addition to the Golden Triangle Championship, Martin is a two-time KSWA World Champion.

Martin has successfully defended his championship throughout the second part of 2015, most recently defeating "The Jester" with WWE legend Hillbilly Jim in his corner.

While Blanchard and Martin--who have perfected a Very Important Person (VIP) existence alongside KSWA Owner Tommy Faime--have routinely won matches by controversial means, they actually are arguably a part of the biggest charitable wing of any Independent Wrestling promotion. The philanthropic branch of the KSWA was the brain child of Owner Bobby O. A small group of KSWA wrestlers and staffers have been known to frequent charitable events and fundraising projects. Martin infamously "Kissed a Pig" on behalf a Pittsburgh-area Boys & Girls Club outing.

Crosby, McCutchen and Roethlisberger (and Brown, Cole and Fluery) were all touted for their community involvement, but none of the other Pittsburgh Sports Professionals brought home or defended championships in 2015. Only Blanchard and Martin made it to the top of their respective fields and meant more to the greater Pittsburgh Community.

Congratulations, Shawn Blanchard (The #1 Sports Attraction) and Lou Martin (The #FaceOfPittsburgh) on being named the very first Sports Pittsburgh "Sports Persons of the Year, 2015."

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--Bronson Cayuse is Editor in Chief of Sports Pittsburgh Magazine