Armbreaker takes KBUT arm wrestling title

“Toin coss”

It was SRO Saturday night at the Talk of the Town for KBUT’s fourth annual Female Arm Wrestling Tournament. Sixteen women signed up for a shot at the prestigious title showcasing some of the brawn, and beauty this valley has.
Caroline “Depth Hoar” Czencush was back to defend her 2011 title against a mix of perennial contenders, some new faces, one former longtime local who has now returned to the Gunnison Valley, as well as some out-of-town talent.
In the end, a dark horse from Vail, Anne “Armbreaker” Armstrong, would take the 2012 title. While a relative unknown in these parts, Armbreaker did have a modicum of experience, having taken second place in a similar tournament in Carbondale last year. Plus, she just happened to be in town visiting a friend.
“They outfitted me and sent me to the bar,” says Armbreaker.
First of all, I really can’t say enough about the hospitality extended by Joel Lewis and the Talk of the Town to both fans and athletes alike.
The VIP seating was extraordinary with tremendous service. Anytime there was a lull in the action, Lewis was at the ready to make sure the VIPs were happy. Lewis made a point of either sharing “sips” off his private selection of liquid libation or took to the table himself to take on anyone who wanted a piece of the action.
It was truly a top-notch evening.
Fans filled the Talk as the ladies were busy getting registered, talking strategy, sizing up their opponents and, of course, drinking.
Depth Hoar was busy with a flurry of photo ops as men were hovering around asking for photos with the defending champion and her title belt.
Head referee Eric “Turbo” Ervin called the women upstairs to go over the rules of the double-elimination format and by 10 p.m. it was on.
Armbreaker made an early statement as she took Depth Hoar down in the opening match of the night.
“I was terrified,” admits Armbreaker. “It got me through the first round but Big Mac, Small Fry had some pipes and when I saw Lox, I thought I was done.”
Laura “Big Mac, Small Fry” Guccione (you remember Gooch, right?) surprised her opponent Mandy “Buckeye Mandy” Fay with a quick pin and Carrie “Vicious Vicky” Hicks treated her huge fan base to some ringside theatrics, holding on for dear life in the early matches to remain in contention. Vicky is a southpaw but was forced to wrestle right-handed in several matches. Nevertheless, she hung tough.
Depth Hoar recovered from her opening loss to find her title technique in her next two battles for back-to-back pins. Lauren “Penalty Lox” Alkire (formerly The Big Jewnit and the Hebrew Hammer and last year’s runner up) was in classic form, stepping up to take down her first two opponents.
Lox admits she was on the fence about competing this year but after a preliminary match, she was focused on the title.
“When I met and beat Joel T. Lewis in the first round, my competitive nature rose in my belly and I wanted the belt and I was going to do anything I could to get it,” says Lox.
Armbreaker proved technique backed by power is and always will be the keys to arm wrestling success. Armbreaker made a point of gaining the initial advantage immediately with a quick move and then driving her opponents hand into the table.
“I didn’t really have a technique,” says Armbreaker. “I just know the woman who beat me in Carbondale bent my wrist quick so I just tried to do that.”
Armbreaker and Penalty Lox advanced to the finals of the winner’s bracket while Maura “Eye of the Tiger” Roche (adorned in a full-body tiger suit), Big Mac and Vicky battled it out in the loser’s bracket.
Armbreaker proved too much for Lox to handle in their first match and Lox was sent down to the loser’s bracket to battle her way back for another shot at Armbreaker.
“She had a very quick and powerful first move, which caught me off guard,” says Lox.
Lox would regain her momentum with a win over Vicky to win the loser’s bracket and with the clock close to midnight, it was time for the main event.
Keen to Armbreaker’s move, Lox had a plan in place as she stepped back up to the table.
“The plan was to beat her on her first move and power her down,” says Lox.
Unfortunately, it didn’t play out as hoped for Lox, as Armbreaker’s first move gained the initial advantage once again and Lox just could not come back.
“I met a stronger opponent that kicked my ‘arm’ fair and square,” says Lox.
While Armbreaker is unsure if she’ll be back to defend her title, Lox is determined to win the title at some point and will return for more next year.
“I still have some unused nicknames up my sleeve. I will be back again” says Lox. “Plus, I’m sick and tired of being second.”