The Ryan Sheets Arm Wrestling Tournament Story 

Ryan Sheets was an outstanding athlete at North High School excelling in wrestling and football. He became the SYL Champion Wrestler at North High his senior year and went to CSUB to wrestle. Ryan injured his neck at CSUB and due to complications from that injury and an auto accident he passed away in 2001.

Sometime in 2002, on of Ryan’s friends, who was also a wrestler at North High began talking with a family friend about doing something to honor Ryan’s memory. Both individuals knew that the Sheets family had a history in professional arm wrestling so it seemed like a no brainer that an arm wrestling tournament would be the vehicle to use. A few phone calls were made, meetings were held and the “1^st annual Ryan Sheets South Valley Arm Wrestling Tournament” happened in 2003.

The tournament is to honor Ryan’s memory, but is also a fund raiser for the wrestling kids of our community. We provide a scholarship each year to a graduating wrestler at North High fund the “Winfred Bootman-Ryan Sheets Wrestling Tournament” at North High, we also donate to the Coyote Club, Jockey Club, and other wrestling organizations around Kern County. In the first 4 years we were able to give over $20,000 in grants and scholarships.

Our first event was held at the CHP/420 hall on Alfred Harrell Hwy. It was a huge success and we were forced to move to a larger venue to handle the big crowd. We now have moved to the Veterans Hall on Norris Rd. in Olidale where the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and now 5^th annual tournaments have and are taking place. Our 1st tournament consisted of a handful of the most local arm wrestlers until now, the tournament is one of the most desired arm wrestling tournaments in California, drawing nationally ranked arm wrestlers to the event. Last year, we had 2 current and 9 former Champions in attendance, and they were surprised by the quality of our valley wrestler who won some of the weight groups. The women’s group also puts up a good show, 1^st place receives $300 each. 25 time World Champion Alan Fisher said it is one of the Best Local Tournaments on the west circuit and he will be back next year.

Deep pit and cold drinks are available through out the event, bring the whole family, children under 16 are free. Tickets for adults are only $5.00

If you are a charitable organization and want to sell tickets for added revenue, please contact us at the following number: 661.399.1155 or 661.301.2477

Thank you from the committee and our entire family for your generous support and caring.