Arm wrestlers compete at 180th Medina County Fair

MEDINA — Arm wrestlers of all ages competed against each other at the Medina County Fair for the chance to earn a national ranking on Sunday. Steve Simons owns a company called the Simons Entertainment Group, and Arm Wrestling USA is a portion of the group. Similar arm wrestling events are held at state and county fairs across the United States. "It's a chance for anybody to come out and be an athlete on a weekend," he said. The arm wrestling tournament has been a part of the Medina County Fair for around 15 years, Simons said. Sunday's tournament featured a variety of competitors including a match up between a 77-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, in which the 77-year-old man won. "The people are wonderful here, and the competition is terrific," Simons said. Arm wrestlers compete in the following weight classes: Men's featherweight is 145 pounds and under. Men's lightweight is 145 pounds to 170 pounds. Men's middleweight is 171 pounds to 193 pounds. Men's light heavyweight is 194 pounds to 219 pounds. Men's heavyweights are 220 pounds and over. Women's lightweights are 144 pounds and under. Women's open class is 145 pounds and over. The competition is a round robin tournament, Simons said. Everyone competes in several matches, and the best go into a sudden death final round. "You could lose a match at the beginning, and if you keep winning, you could come out the winner at the end," he said. Simons said the majority of people who win at the Medina County Fair earn a national ranking. People who win can continue to compete in higher competitions like the national championship at the Arizona State Fair. "It's 40 percent strength, 40 percent technique and 20 percent guts," he said. "Who wants it the most? The most exciting matches come when both are evenly matched, and then it becomes a question of fortitude." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.