2000
AAA National Championships
Bakersfield, California
July 7-8, 2000
All photos are referred to from left to right and described by numbers 1-4
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| 1) Louisiana's Craig Tullier gets a little help from Arkansas Don Underwood as he has apparently had someone jerking on it. Although Craig did pull off a very tough National Championship win in the right handed 65kg class, he ended the day with a respectable fifth place finish left handed. 2) Washington State's Alan Brown crashed through the 85kg class managing to take out some of the past years best contenders in this class. Here, a great shot of Alan as he lines up with West Virginia's Art Ebling in an early round match-up that set the pace for what lay ahead. 3) New York's Ray Darling hangs tough against Texan Gary Ray in a match that would determine the fifth and sixth place seeding in the 100kg Open Class. Ironically, these two met in a first round match with Ray taking the win but it was Ray Darling that hung tough to take this match. 4) Michigan's Jerry Cooley prepares to lock up with an early round, unidentified opponent. Jerry came into the 2000 Nationals a bit leaner, meaner and with a renewed vigor. The problem was that there were 20 other 100kg men in his way to the title. I see great things ahead for this young guy. |
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| 1) I may be mistaken but it appears that Robert Redden has the game/set and match against this young opponent. 2) A quick glance behind the scenes at the 2000 AAA Nationals 3) Mr. and Mrs. "Cobra" Rhodes are all smiles after a successful defense of his National Title and the birth of their first child this past year. 4) We knew that these two brothers, Jimmy and Joe Fitzsimmons would eventually meet up but I wouldn't have bet on the outcome. Here, the two find themselves in a tough battle that ended with Joe taking home the bragging rights. Jimmy promises he will take the rematch next Thanksgiving. |
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| 1) Louisiana's Ray Hennerichs is in a lock-up with a consistently tough Rick Laton. Ray ended the day with a third and Rick followed with a fourth. 2) Third place finisher Bill Ballinger hangs tough against a very tough Bill Sinks. Bill ended the day placing second behind Jason Vale. 3) Louisiana's R.J. Molinere moved one step closer to his 70kg fourth place as he prepares to do business against Houston's own Ron Erdman. 4) Another cajun from the Bayou State (Louisiana) Jason Vincent battles for the pin and an eventual 60kg second place finish behind Rick Laton. |
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1) Leslie Whims advanced to a 60kg fifth place finish, but he earned it here as he found himself in a war with this young man. It simply came down to who wanted it most. 2 and 3) Defending World Champion Elaine Blik had an early advantage but could not hold on as Joette Peterson managed to pull off the upset win and take the National Title. 4) 2000 National Champ Judy Dodd hung tough at the end of the day and forced Karen Cooley into making a few controversial mistakes that cost her the match. When the smoke cleared, Karen had forfeited the match on fouls. |