This month's article is a continuation of last month's where I am answering pertinent questions that were presented to me during various interviews.  I hope that these will answer any questions that you may have.  If any of you has another question that I can answer, please let Vince know and he will forward the same to me and I will answer.

You also spent a lot of time in the Central States Area.  How was Bob Geigel to work for?

Yes, I did spend a lot of time there and I learned a lot while in the territory.  Bob Geigel was one of the people that broke me into the business.  I think very highly of Bob Geigel.  He was an excellent mentor.

Any special memories of working there?

I have nothing but fond memories of working with Harley Race, Bob Geigel and Bulldog Bob Brown.  Of course, you know that Harley Race, Bob Geigel and Pat O'Connor owned the office in that territory.  I have great memories of riding from show to show with Harley Race.  He taught me so much!  He was the World Champion then and it was a privilege to ride with him and learn from him.  The experience remains something that money just could not have bought.

What group did you work for in Japan?

I worked for Giant Baba's group, known as All Japan Pro-Wrestling.

You returned to Oregon in approximately 1987 and this time you came back as a heel.  Can you expand on this experience?

I'll tell you, I really enjoyed this time period because I worked mainly as a heel.  It was a very big change for me since I had primarily been a babyface.  I loved the part of being a heel.  I didn't have to "be nice" and I didn't have to "kiss all the babies".  I felt that this was a very different experience for me.

Right after this time, you retired from wrestling.  Why?  Why did you ultimately end up doing?

I officially retired from wrestling in 1989 to pursue a career in law enforcement and criminal justice. Criminal Justice Administration was always in the back of my mind as something that I thought that I would like to do.  Since I firmly believe that "there is a season for everything", I felt that it was time for me to pursue this other dream and goal.

I graduated Cum Laude from LaSalle University with a degree in Criminal Justice.  I am presently the Chief of Security for the Yakima Department of Corrections in Yakima, Washington.  I presently oversee some 147 personnel and 800 plus inmates.

Was it a hard decision?  Do you miss wrestling?

Yes, on both counts.  It was certainly not an easy decision but because of certain happenings in my life, I knew that then was "the" time.  After careful consideration, deliberation and prayers, the choice was made.  Of course, I miss wrestling.  I oftentimes think about it, about the friends that I made, and the wild and wonderful times that I had.  I would do it over in a heartbeat.  But, of course, in retrospect, some things would be done differently and better.

What injuries, if any, did you sustain as a professional wrestler?

Where do I start?  I had the usual share of sprains, strains, cuts, bruises and breaks.  Two of my worst injuries were the injury to my right knee that requires two different surgeries on it and a stab wound in my back by an irate fan in South Africa in 1985.  Even now, at times, my elbows, knees and back give me trouble and I'm reminded that wrestling is, indeed, a rough and physical sport and that all of the above aches, pains and injuries are "part of the territory" in the life of a professional wrestler.

What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy when you are not working?

I enjoy traveling, hunting, fishing, wine tasting and collecting vintage wines.  I also very much enjoy curling up in front of the fireplace with a roaring fire to watch a good movie with my girlfriend and my children.  I also enjoy reading, both fiction and nonfiction, when time and my schedule permit.

That's about it for this month.  See you next month.

Sincerely,
Art Crews

AKA  The Kansas Cowboy
AKA  The Blonde Bomber