North American Armwrestling Championships
“There used to be a North American Championship held in Amos, Quebec. There were more dogfights at this competition every year than I have ever seen, or taken part in.”
– Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes
– Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes
In the early 1970s, spurred on by the increasing popularity of the Carling O’Keefe World Wristwrestling Championships in Timmins, Ontario, local armwrestling contests started to be held in small towns like La Sarre, Rouyn, and Noranda in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of southwestern Quebec . These events were typically organized by service clubs (e.g., Kiwanis, Rotary). Thinking that armwrestling would be a good fit for its annual expo, the Amos Rotary Club decided to add an armwrestling contest to its program. Ken Taylor and Daniel Tremblay, both active armwrestlers, and René Bibeau, President of the Amos Rotary Club, were among the main figures to make this event a reality.
The first contest, held at the Amos Curling Club on July 31st, 1976, was a resounding success, with 76 entries for this right-arm only competition. In fact, once the tournament got going, an additional 25 people wanted to sign up, but because the contest had already begun they had to be turned away. It was a three hour contest, and the crowd ate up the action. The tournament featured three men’s weight classes (lightweight: up to 175 lbs; middleweight: 176 to 200 lbs; and heavyweight: over 200 lbs) and the inaugural winners were Donald Racine (middleweight) and Ken Taylor (heavyweight), both from nearby Rouyn, Quebec. Unfortunately, the name of the lightweight champion appears to have been mistakenly omitted from the local newspaper report (if anyone remembers who won, please contact me).
The first contest, held at the Amos Curling Club on July 31st, 1976, was a resounding success, with 76 entries for this right-arm only competition. In fact, once the tournament got going, an additional 25 people wanted to sign up, but because the contest had already begun they had to be turned away. It was a three hour contest, and the crowd ate up the action. The tournament featured three men’s weight classes (lightweight: up to 175 lbs; middleweight: 176 to 200 lbs; and heavyweight: over 200 lbs) and the inaugural winners were Donald Racine (middleweight) and Ken Taylor (heavyweight), both from nearby Rouyn, Quebec. Unfortunately, the name of the lightweight champion appears to have been mistakenly omitted from the local newspaper report (if anyone remembers who won, please contact me).
Action shot from the inaugural tournament
To help promote the event, Ken Taylor was one of the key people would spread the word about it among the armwrestling community – perhaps most effectively when he attended the Carling O’Keefe World Championships in Timmins. Timmins, which is just a three-hour drive from Amos, held its annual event – the biggest one in Canada – at the end of May, just two months prior to the Amos tournament. Ken won the heavyweight title in Timmins in 1977, which must have lent some credibility to the Amos event, given his association with it.
Wally Kapel, who won the lightweight division of the Carling O’Keefe Worlds four years in a row between 1973 and 1976, was one of the first elite pullers to make the trek to Amos for the 1977 tournament, which offered a $1,200 total prize purse sponsored by Labatt 50 Beer. He entered two classes, but soon realized that the Quebec competition was stiffer than he expected. He placed in both, but did not manage to secure a title.
Heavyweight champion Ken Taylor being congratulated by referee Daniel Tremblay. Also seen in the pic are tournament director René Bibeau (on the mic), event sponsor Georges Chartrand (middle), and 2nd place finisher in the heavyweight division Donald Racine (right).
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1977 Champs and VIPs. Left to right: Gratien Piché (middleweight champion), Georges Chartrand (event sponsor), René Bibeau (tournament director), Ken Taylor (heavyweight champion), Daniel Tremblay (referee), and Yvon Maheux (lightweight champion).
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An open women’s division was also added in 1977, and attracted a whopping 25 entries. However, while the men were competing for cash, the women were competing for non-monetary prizes. 225-lb Ken Taylor repeated as champion of the heavyweight division, after which he took a break from competition to take on officiating duties for the 1978 tournament.
The prize purse was increased again for 1978, with $1,650 up for grabs for the men’s competition ($350 for 1st, $150 for 2nd, and $50 for 3rd in each class, plus medals), thanks to sponsorship from O’Keefe Ale. The result? Record attendance, both in terms of entries and spectators. It was becoming clear that the tournament was outgrowing its venue.
Michel Fréchette (left) getting ready to pin François Frenette for the 1978 middleweight title.
André Plante (white) being pinned by 1978 lightweight class champion Daniel Tremblay.
In 1979, Northern Ontario puller Kevin Plummer became the first double winner, taking first place honours in both the light and middleweight divisions. The cash prizes had increased yet again, and Mr. Plummer won a cool grand for his efforts.
The referee declares a pin during the 1979 tournament.
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Action shot from the 1979 women's division
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1980 saw Amos native Daniel Tremblay as well as future Quebec Armwrestling Hall-of-Famer Yvon Champagne win their respective classes, after both finishing in the runner-up position behind Kevin Plummer the previous year. They chose a good year to win, because the cash prizes had increased yet again, with $700 going to each of the champions of the men’s classes. 1980 also marked the first year that Lucie Desaulniers won the women’s title. She would repeat as winner in 1981 and go on to become one of Canada’s best female pullers of the early ‘80s, earning five WPAA Canadian titles in a row between 1980 and 1984 as well as a WPAA World title in 1983.
1980 Champs and VIPs. Left to right: René Bibeau (tournament director), Yvon Champagne (middleweight), Lucie Desaulniers (women), Daniel Tremblay (lightweight), Raymond Bédard (heavyweight), and Bob Dufresne (event sponsor).
Lucie Desaulniers - one of Canada's top female pullers of the early '80s
In these early years (1976 through 1980) the event would have been appropriately considered to be a regional contest. Almost all of the pullers in attendance lived within a few hours’ drive of the venue. But by 1981, the cash prizes had become so substantial that the contest began attracting top talent from the US. Dan Mason made the trip up with Guy Lasorsa and their presence was felt. Dan was no stranger to travelling up north to compete. He won a WAWF world title in Wetaskiwin, Alberta in 1979, and won the Carling O’Keefe Worlds three years in a row between 1979 and 1981. He easily won the Amos tournament in 1981, while Guy placed third in the middleweight class.
Top finishers in the 1982 heavyweight class (left to right): Dan Mason (1st), Guy Lasorsa (2nd), and Yvon Champagne (3rd)
In 1982, another American made his first appearance in Amos: Virginia’s Dave Patton. He didn’t travel all that way for nothing – he competed in two of the three weight classes, hoping to double up his prize money. The total cash prize purse was now up to $4,000. Despite being one of the smallest competitors in the tournament at 153 lbs, he made quick work of all his opponents in the light and middleweight classes, making him the big money winner of the day.
Guy Lasorsa about to be pinned by Dave Patton in the final of the 1982 middleweight class.
1982 also marked the first year that none of the classes were won by local area pullers, though André Plante fought valiantly on his way to a second place finish in the 46-man lightweight field. The women’s division was also eliminated, likely due to dwindling participation.
The 1983 tournament drew an even greater number of out-of-area competitors. The addition of a new featherweight class (up to 150 lbs) certainly helped. Mr. Patton was no doubt excited about this development, as was Ontario’s Paul Cecchini who made his first trip to the event. Plus, a 19-year-old phenom by the name of John Brzenk decided to go try to win a share of the money (which he did).
John Brzenk about to pin Yvon Champagne in the final of the 1983 middleweight class.
Roland Lafrenière (left) and Yvon Levasseur were involved in a war of a match in the 1983 middleweight division. Roland would go on to take third place.
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Dave Patton downing the arm of Canadian champ Paul Cecchini in the 1983 featherweight final.
California's Ed Levitt (left) faced Ontario's William Top in the final of the 1983 lightweight class. William was the victor.
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1983 Champs and VIPs. From left to right: John Brzenk (middleweight), Bob Dufresne (event sponsor), Dave Patton (featherweight), Jim Northern (heavyweight), William Top (lightweight), and René Bibeau (tournament director).
By the mid-80s, the event’s popularity had grown to the point that it was the expo’s second biggest draw following concerts. Almost 2,000 spectators would pack the Amos Arena where the tournament was held every year, wanting to see the best armwrestlers perform and hoping that a local puller would do well. When you consider that Amos only had a population of a little more than 10,000 at the time, you can see that the community really supported the tournament. The contest capped off the Expo – it was the main event among Sunday festivities.
With the Carling O’Keefe Worlds not having been held since 1982, the Amos event had become the most prestigious annual pro tournament in Canada. It was decided that the event should be renamed to convey this newfound status, so in 1984 it was re-christened as the North American Armwrestling Championships. Along with the new name came a re-jigging of the weight classes. The new classes were 0-145 lbs, 146-165 lbs, 166-185 lbs, 186-205 lbs, and 206+ lbs. These classes helped attract even more elite-level talent to the event.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 1984 contest was Tony Franciskos’ upset win over Maryland’s Jim Northern to win the heavyweight class. Tony, who was virtual unknown going into this event, shocked everyone. He would go on to have a successful pulling career over the next several years.
Tony Franciskos (right) about to surprise everyone in the final of the 1984 heavyweight class.
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Jim Northern congratulating Tony Franciskos for his win.
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In a repeat of the 1983 final, Dave Patton is about to defeat Paul Cecchini to win the 1984 featherweight title.
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Amos native and fan favourite Christian Goyette (facing camera) took third in the 1984 lightweight division.
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The top pullers of the 1984 North American Championships. Left to right (front row): Wilfrid Caron, Paul Cecchini, Dave Patton, Christian Goyette, Lyle Flood, and William Top. Left to right (standing): Tony Franciskos, Roland Lafrenière, Robert Viens, Ken Taylor (referee), Gene Tatti, Vic Price, Gil Tremblay, Yvon Champagne, and John Brzenk. (Missing: Jim Northern). Tournament director René Bibeau is in the foreground.
By 1985, one thing had become a near certainty: Dave Patton and John Brzenk would be attending the contest, and both would win their classes. They did not disappoint. Dave chose not to bother cutting weight to make the 145 class, which allowed Paul Cecchini to win his first North American title after finishing in the runner-up spot the prior two years. To the crowd’s delight, Dave and John got to face each other in the final of the tournament’s first ever overall division, which grouped the class winners in one super-class. It was a great match, with John emerging as the victor.
The 1985 contest saw 18-year old Serge Usereau turn some heads in the featherweight class. In his first “big” event, he made it all the way to the finals and gave Paul Cecchini all he could handle. He would go on to be one of Canada’s greatest lightweight pullers of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. And Lucien Labrosse, in his first trip to Amos, impressed by winning the 185-lb class.
John Brzenk - 1985 light heavyweight champion
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Paul Cecchini - 1985 featherweight champion
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Jim Northern - 1985 heavyweight champion
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Christian Goyette - 1985 runner-up in the lightweight division
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Quebec actor Paul Dion, watching the 1985 event. Paul was a big fan of armwrestling and regularly travelled to Amos for the North American Championships. He helped arrange sponsorship and media attention for many of Quebec's biggest tournaments over the years.
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After 10 years of successful tournaments, a decision was made not to hold the event in 1986. The probable reason? The tournament would have fallen on the same weekend as the Over the Top Championships in Las Vegas! Almost all of the top pullers on the planet would be attending Over the Top, including regular Amos top finishers like Dave Patton and John Brzenk. With the value of prizes awarded at the North American Championships, it was probably felt that the investment would not be worth the talent that it would attract. (Incidentally, both Dave and John won their divisions at Over the Top, along with huge prizes: Dave, $5,000, and John, a Volvo White Truck!)
The North American Championships returned in 1987, and among the new faces was multiple-time Canadian Champion Gary Goodridge. His first-time out, he easily won his class, though he would lose to Mr. Brzenk for the overall title. One of the most memorable matches in the tournament’s history also occurred in 1987. Amos resident Christian Goyette defeated Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes twice to win the middleweight title! Cobra’s reputation had preceded him – the fans knew he was the man to beat. You can imagine the crowd roar that erupted when Cobra was pinned (twice) by an Amos native! (Thankfully, video of this historic match can be found on ArmSport Videos.)
Paul Cecchini (right) eventually won the 1987 featherweight class, but third place finisher (and Amos native) Martin Lemerise made him work for it.
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Christian Goyette - 1987 middleweight champion
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The tournament results from 1987 through 1992 were remarkably consistent, with Dave Patton winning the lightweight, John Brzenk winning the light heavyweight, and Gary Goodridge winning the heavyweight divisions. John also won most (if not all) of the overall titles. But there was more variety in the featherweight and middleweight classes. Ontario’s Paul Cecchini, Florida’s Ray Taglione, Alberta’s Dave Hicks, and Massachusetts’ Gabe Accardi all took turns at the top of the featherweight podium. In the middleweight division, greats like Connecticut’s George Givens, Quebec’s Robert Viens, New Hampshire’s Steve Baillargeon, and Rhode Island’s "Cobra" Rhodes earned top honours. The tournament always featured a "who's who" of the top pullers of the '80s.
Area-puller Eric Trépanier is thrilled to take third place in the 1988 featherweight class.
Christian Goyette in a match with Andrew "Cobra" Rhodes in 1990. Christian won this match but lost to Steve Baillargeon in the finals of the middleweight division.
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Martin Lemerise finishes in third place in the featherweight division for the third time in 1989.
Martin Lemerise (facing the camera) won this match against Chris Power, but lost the 1991 featherweight final to Gabe Accardi.
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1992 saw a fitting end to the North American Championships. Martin Lemerise, an Amos native who reached the podium on four separate occasions between 1985 and 1991, finally ascended to the top of the featherweight class. The crowd was thrilled to have a local champion – it had finally happened after a five-year drought.
Though the tournament was still very popular among the fans, fewer pullers were coming out because the competition had become so stiff. Placing in the money was a major challenge and it got to the point where sponsors had a difficult time justifying the expense ($8,500 in cash prizes). Ultimately, a decision was made to stop hosting North American Championships. Instead, the armwrestling contest would be limited to employees of companies whose headquarters were in the area. The cash prizes dropped significantly and it was intended to be a friendly competition with rivalries between local companies. Unfortunately, there must have been a lack of either participation or fan interest, because this format only lasted two years before armwrestling was removed from the expo’s program altogether in 1995.
Everyone who attended the North American Championships with whom I’ve spoken has fond memories of the event. The level of talent, combined with the huge crowd support, made for a competitive atmosphere on par with the biggest armwrestling events in the world. I wish I could have been there to experience it first-hand.
Researched and Written by Eric Roussin
Special thanks to Ken Taylor, who granted the author several extended interviews.
Tournament Results
1976 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 31st, 1976 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. ?
2. ?
3. ?
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Donald Racine (Rouyn, QC)
2. John Gilmour (Kirkland Lake, ON)
3. Yvon Maheux (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Ken Taylor (Rouyn, QC)
2. Donald Racine (Rouyn, QC)
3. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
Tournament Director – Daniel Tremblay
Emcee – René Bibeau
Referees – M. Lambert, Bob Leclerc, and Réjean Legeault
Total Entries - 76
1977 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 31st, 1977 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Yvon Maheux (Amos, QC)
2. Wally Kapel (Timmins, ON)
3. Roger Morin (St-Dominique, QC)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Gratien Piché (Barraute, QC)
2. Denis Brillan (Rouyn, QC)
3. Wally Kapel (Timmins, ON)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Ken Taylor (Noranda, QC)
2. Donald Racine (Rouyn, QC)
3. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Ginette Perron (La Motte, QC)
2. Thérèse Lévesque (Amos, QC)
3. Colette Thibeault (Amos, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Daniel Tremblay
Total Entries - 75
1978 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 30th, 1978 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
2. André Plante (Rouyn, QC)
3. Yvon Maheux (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Michel Fréchette (Val d’Or, QC)
2. François Frenette (Barraute, QC)
3. Sylvain Bolduc (Senneterre, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Pierre Lambert (St-Félix, QC)
2. Jean-Yves Angers (Landrienne, QC)
3. Gratien Piché (Barraute, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Nicole Maheux (Amos, QC)
2. Ginette Perron (Amos, QC)
3. Thérèse Lévesque (St-Félix, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 93
1979 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 29th, 1979 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Kevin Plummer (Iroquois Falls, ON)
2. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
3. François Frenette (Barraute, QC)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Kevin Plummer (Iroquois Falls, ON)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Pierre Lambert (St-Félix, QC)
2. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
3. Alfred Polson (Pikogan, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Pierrette Desrochers (Val d’Or, QC)
2. Lucie Desaulniers (Amos, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
1980 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
June 29th, 1980 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
2. André Plante (Rouyn, QC)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
2. Gratien Piché (Barraute, QC)
3. Sylvain Bolduc (Senneterre, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Raymond Bédard (Iroquois Falls, ON)
2. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
3. François Frenette (Barraute, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Lucie Desaulniers (Amos, QC)
2. Nicole Maheux (Amos, QC)
3. Pierrette Desrochers (Val d’Or, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 60
1981 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
August 2nd, 1981 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. André Plante (Rouyn, QC)
2. Maurice Pleau (Toronto, ON)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Mike Shannon (Fredericton, NB)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Guy Lasorsa (Springfield, MA)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Dan Mason (Springfield, MA)
2. Don Lefebvre (North Bay, ON)
3. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Lucie Desaulniers (Amos, QC)
2. Nancy Robinson (Iroquois Falls, ON)
3. Terry Robinson (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 59
1982 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
August 1st, 1982 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. André Plante (Noranda, QC)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Guy Lasorsa (Springfield, MA)
3. Cliff Parkinson (Guelph, ON)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Dan Mason (Springfield, MA)
2. Guy Lasorsa (Springfield, MA)
3. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
1983 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 31st, 1983 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-150 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Paul Cecchini (Hamilton, ON)
3. Guy Dalcourt (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 151-175 lbs
1. William Top (Brighton, ON)
2. Ed Levitt (Hollywood, CA)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. John Brzenk (IL)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Roland Lafrenière (Rochebeaucourt, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Jim Northern (MD)
2. Sylvain Daigle (Noranda, QC)
3. Claude St-Germain (Macamic, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 69
1984 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 29th, 1984 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
3. Wilfrid Caron (Haileybury, ON)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. William Top (Brighton, ON)
2. Lyle Flood (Echo Bay, ON)
3. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Vic Price (VA)
2. Gil Tremblay (VT)
3. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (IL)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Roland Lafrenière (Rochebeaucourt, QC)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Tony Franciskos (Longueuil, QC)
2. Jim Northern (MD)
3. Gene Tatti (Hamilton, ON)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 69
1985 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 28th, 1985 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
2. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
3. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
4. Claude Tardif (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
3. Denis Rivest (Amos, QC)
4. Marc Boucher (Macamic, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Lucien Labrosse (Ville d’Anjou, QC)
2. Bill Larose (Chelmsford, ON)
3. Vic Price (VA)
4. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Roland Lafrenière (Rochebeaucourt, QC)
4. Georges-A. Bergeron (L’Acadie, Montréal, QC)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Jim Northern (MD)
2. Sylvain Daigle (Noranda, QC)
3. Jocelyn Bergeron (L’Acadie, Montréal, QC)
4. Claude St-Germain (Macamic, QC)
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 55
1987 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 26th, 1987 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
2. Ray Taglione (Jacksonville, FL)
3. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Greg Tapola (AB)
3. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
4. Paul Engel (ON)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
2. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes (RI)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Rob Graham (London, ON)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Rick Baarbe (London, ON)
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Gary Goodridge
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referees – Ken Taylor and John Miazdzyk
Total Entries – 75
1988 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 31st, 1988 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Ray Taglione (Jacksonville, FL)
2. Dave Hicks (Edmonton, AB)
3. Eric Trépanier (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Paul Engel (ON)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. George Givens (CT)
2. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
3. Greg Tapola (AB)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Murray Park (London, ON)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Rick Baarbe (London, ON)
Referee – Ken Taylor
1989 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 30th, 1989 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Dave Hicks (Edmonton, AB)
2. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
3. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
4. Walter Penney (ON)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes (RI)
3. Mark Gardiner (London, ON)
4. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
2. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
3. Doug Patterson (ON)
4. Paul Engel (ON)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Robert Graham (London, ON)
3. George Givens (CT)
4. Michel Roy (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Garvin Lewis (Toronto, ON)
3. Rick Baarbe (London, ON)
4. Eric Vallière (Montréal, QC)
Referee – Ken Taylor
1990 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 29th, 1990 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Dave Hicks (Edmonton, AB)
2. Ray Taglione (Jacksonville, FL)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Mario Bolduc (Sherbrooke, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
2. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Scott Eisenhower (Roy, IN)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Garvin Lewis (Toronto, ON)
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
3. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries – ~100
1991 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 28th, 1991 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-140 lbs
1. Gabe Accardi (MA)
2. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
3. Danny Paquette
4. Alain Mercier
Men’s Right 141-160 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Pat Mastrangelo (ON)
3. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes
4. Denis Dubreuil
Men’s Right 161-180 lbs
1. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
2. Sheldon Leitch (AB)
3. Rusty Healey (ON)
4. Gilles Plante (Dubreuilville, ON)
Men’s Right 181-200 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Tony Senger (AB)
3. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
4. James Coates
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Laurent Cliche (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)
3. Ron Highet
4. Pierre Vallière
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
Tournament Director – Michel Blanchette
Referee – Ken Taylor
1992 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 26th, 1992 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-140 lbs
1. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
2. Christian Gilbert (Mont-Brun, QC)
Men’s Right 141-160 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
Men’s Right 161-180 lbs
1. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes
2. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 181-200 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Steve Morneau (Gatineau, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Laurent Cliche (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)
Tournament Director – Michel Blanchette
Referee – Ken Taylor
July 31st, 1976 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. ?
2. ?
3. ?
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Donald Racine (Rouyn, QC)
2. John Gilmour (Kirkland Lake, ON)
3. Yvon Maheux (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Ken Taylor (Rouyn, QC)
2. Donald Racine (Rouyn, QC)
3. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
Tournament Director – Daniel Tremblay
Emcee – René Bibeau
Referees – M. Lambert, Bob Leclerc, and Réjean Legeault
Total Entries - 76
1977 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 31st, 1977 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Yvon Maheux (Amos, QC)
2. Wally Kapel (Timmins, ON)
3. Roger Morin (St-Dominique, QC)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Gratien Piché (Barraute, QC)
2. Denis Brillan (Rouyn, QC)
3. Wally Kapel (Timmins, ON)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Ken Taylor (Noranda, QC)
2. Donald Racine (Rouyn, QC)
3. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Ginette Perron (La Motte, QC)
2. Thérèse Lévesque (Amos, QC)
3. Colette Thibeault (Amos, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Daniel Tremblay
Total Entries - 75
1978 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 30th, 1978 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
2. André Plante (Rouyn, QC)
3. Yvon Maheux (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Michel Fréchette (Val d’Or, QC)
2. François Frenette (Barraute, QC)
3. Sylvain Bolduc (Senneterre, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Pierre Lambert (St-Félix, QC)
2. Jean-Yves Angers (Landrienne, QC)
3. Gratien Piché (Barraute, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Nicole Maheux (Amos, QC)
2. Ginette Perron (Amos, QC)
3. Thérèse Lévesque (St-Félix, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 93
1979 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 29th, 1979 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Kevin Plummer (Iroquois Falls, ON)
2. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
3. François Frenette (Barraute, QC)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Kevin Plummer (Iroquois Falls, ON)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Pierre Lambert (St-Félix, QC)
2. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
3. Alfred Polson (Pikogan, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Pierrette Desrochers (Val d’Or, QC)
2. Lucie Desaulniers (Amos, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
1980 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
June 29th, 1980 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Daniel Tremblay (Amos, QC)
2. André Plante (Rouyn, QC)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
2. Gratien Piché (Barraute, QC)
3. Sylvain Bolduc (Senneterre, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Raymond Bédard (Iroquois Falls, ON)
2. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
3. François Frenette (Barraute, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Lucie Desaulniers (Amos, QC)
2. Nicole Maheux (Amos, QC)
3. Pierrette Desrochers (Val d’Or, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 60
1981 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
August 2nd, 1981 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. André Plante (Rouyn, QC)
2. Maurice Pleau (Toronto, ON)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Mike Shannon (Fredericton, NB)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Guy Lasorsa (Springfield, MA)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Dan Mason (Springfield, MA)
2. Don Lefebvre (North Bay, ON)
3. Jean-Yves Angers (Amos, QC)
Women’s Right Open
1. Lucie Desaulniers (Amos, QC)
2. Nancy Robinson (Iroquois Falls, ON)
3. Terry Robinson (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 59
1982 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
August 1st, 1982 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-175 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. André Plante (Noranda, QC)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Guy Lasorsa (Springfield, MA)
3. Cliff Parkinson (Guelph, ON)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Dan Mason (Springfield, MA)
2. Guy Lasorsa (Springfield, MA)
3. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
1983 Amos Rotary Expo Armwrestling Tournament
July 31st, 1983 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-150 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Paul Cecchini (Hamilton, ON)
3. Guy Dalcourt (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 151-175 lbs
1. William Top (Brighton, ON)
2. Ed Levitt (Hollywood, CA)
3. Gaston St-Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON)
Men’s Right 176-200 lbs
1. John Brzenk (IL)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Roland Lafrenière (Rochebeaucourt, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Jim Northern (MD)
2. Sylvain Daigle (Noranda, QC)
3. Claude St-Germain (Macamic, QC)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 69
1984 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 29th, 1984 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
3. Wilfrid Caron (Haileybury, ON)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. William Top (Brighton, ON)
2. Lyle Flood (Echo Bay, ON)
3. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Vic Price (VA)
2. Gil Tremblay (VT)
3. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (IL)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Roland Lafrenière (Rochebeaucourt, QC)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Tony Franciskos (Longueuil, QC)
2. Jim Northern (MD)
3. Gene Tatti (Hamilton, ON)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 69
1985 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 28th, 1985 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
2. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
3. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
4. Claude Tardif (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
3. Denis Rivest (Amos, QC)
4. Marc Boucher (Macamic, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Lucien Labrosse (Ville d’Anjou, QC)
2. Bill Larose (Chelmsford, ON)
3. Vic Price (VA)
4. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Yvon Champagne (Longueuil, QC)
3. Roland Lafrenière (Rochebeaucourt, QC)
4. Georges-A. Bergeron (L’Acadie, Montréal, QC)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Jim Northern (MD)
2. Sylvain Daigle (Noranda, QC)
3. Jocelyn Bergeron (L’Acadie, Montréal, QC)
4. Claude St-Germain (Macamic, QC)
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries - 55
1987 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 26th, 1987 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
2. Ray Taglione (Jacksonville, FL)
3. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Greg Tapola (AB)
3. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
4. Paul Engel (ON)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
2. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes (RI)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Rob Graham (London, ON)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Rick Baarbe (London, ON)
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Gary Goodridge
Tournament Director – René Bibeau
Referees – Ken Taylor and John Miazdzyk
Total Entries – 75
1988 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 31st, 1988 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Ray Taglione (Jacksonville, FL)
2. Dave Hicks (Edmonton, AB)
3. Eric Trépanier (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Paul Engel (ON)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. George Givens (CT)
2. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
3. Greg Tapola (AB)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Murray Park (London, ON)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Rick Baarbe (London, ON)
Referee – Ken Taylor
1989 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 30th, 1989 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Dave Hicks (Edmonton, AB)
2. Paul Cecchini (Thorold, ON)
3. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
4. Walter Penney (ON)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes (RI)
3. Mark Gardiner (London, ON)
4. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
2. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
3. Doug Patterson (ON)
4. Paul Engel (ON)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Robert Graham (London, ON)
3. George Givens (CT)
4. Michel Roy (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Garvin Lewis (Toronto, ON)
3. Rick Baarbe (London, ON)
4. Eric Vallière (Montréal, QC)
Referee – Ken Taylor
1990 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 29th, 1990 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-145 lbs
1. Dave Hicks (Edmonton, AB)
2. Ray Taglione (Jacksonville, FL)
Men’s Right 146-165 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Mario Bolduc (Sherbrooke, QC)
Men’s Right 166-185 lbs
1. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
2. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 186-205 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Scott Eisenhower (Roy, IN)
Men’s Right 206+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Garvin Lewis (Toronto, ON)
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
3. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
Referee – Ken Taylor
Total Entries – ~100
1991 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 28th, 1991 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-140 lbs
1. Gabe Accardi (MA)
2. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
3. Danny Paquette
4. Alain Mercier
Men’s Right 141-160 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Pat Mastrangelo (ON)
3. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes
4. Denis Dubreuil
Men’s Right 161-180 lbs
1. Steve Baillargeon (NH)
2. Sheldon Leitch (AB)
3. Rusty Healey (ON)
4. Gilles Plante (Dubreuilville, ON)
Men’s Right 181-200 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Tony Senger (AB)
3. Robert Viens (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC)
4. James Coates
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Laurent Cliche (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)
3. Ron Highet
4. Pierre Vallière
Overall
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
Tournament Director – Michel Blanchette
Referee – Ken Taylor
1992 North American Armwrestling Championships
July 26th, 1992 – Amos, Quebec, Canada
Men’s Right 0-140 lbs
1. Martin Lemerise (Amos, QC)
2. Christian Gilbert (Mont-Brun, QC)
Men’s Right 141-160 lbs
1. Dave Patton (Fairfax, VA)
2. Serge Usereau (St-Michel de Napierville, QC)
Men’s Right 161-180 lbs
1. Andrew “Cobra” Rhodes
2. Christian Goyette (Amos, QC)
Men’s Right 181-200 lbs
1. John Brzenk (Salt Lake City, UT)
2. Steve Morneau (Gatineau, QC)
Men’s Right 201+ lbs
1. Gary Goodridge (Barrie, ON)
2. Laurent Cliche (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)
Tournament Director – Michel Blanchette
Referee – Ken Taylor
Local Champions
Amos residents who won titles at the Amos Rotary Expo/North American Championships:
Yvon Maheux (1977)
Daniel Tremblay (1978 and 1980)
Nicole Maheux (1978)
Lucie Desaulniers (1980 and 1981)
Christian Goyette (1987)
Martin Lemerise (1992)
Yvon Maheux (1977)
Daniel Tremblay (1978 and 1980)
Nicole Maheux (1978)
Lucie Desaulniers (1980 and 1981)
Christian Goyette (1987)
Martin Lemerise (1992)
Most Class Titles
Dave Patton – 11*
John Brzenk – 9
Gary Goodridge – 6
*Dave Patton won North American titles 10 times in a row between 1982 and 1992 (no event was held in 1986). He also won 10 titles in a row at the World’s Wristwrestling Championship in Petaluma, California between 1981 and 1990. Total dominance!
John Brzenk – 9
Gary Goodridge – 6
*Dave Patton won North American titles 10 times in a row between 1982 and 1992 (no event was held in 1986). He also won 10 titles in a row at the World’s Wristwrestling Championship in Petaluma, California between 1981 and 1990. Total dominance!