Speed Gibson

I see that long time broadcaster Rod Trongard has died at age 72 from cancer. I remember him from the days of Chuck Knapp on KSTP-AM. But mostly, I remember his years as a ringside announcer for the American Wrestling Association.

Those were the days, my friend. Wrestlers had personalities, promoters hatched plots, and we loved it so. I attended a couple of the TV matches at the Calhoun Beach Hotel, then home to channel 11 (WTCN). Today's bunch of steroid-loaded wife-beaters doesn't work unless than't all you know

I remember one night in St. Paul where Verne Gagne was again taking on Nick Bockwinkle. When Bobby (the Brain) Heenan was introduced as Nick's second in his corner, Verne stormed off in protest - we thought. And then I heard a roar from the crowd as Verne returned with The Crusher in tow as his second. Throughout the match, whenever Heenan so much as stood up, so did the Crusher. Heenan retreated and we applauded our approval.

Those of us who remember wrestling's glory years feel sorry for those who were born too late. For no mater who won, you went home happy.