Get ready for the challenge – Winnipeg Free Press

If you have visited my bio Free press website, it's no surprise to learn that I once had unusual athletic aspirations.

“Mike McIntyre grew up wanting to be a professional wrestler. But when this dream did not come true, he tried his best to become a professional writer,” the profile begins.

It's true. Much of the passion for the squared circle came from a great childhood friend, Andy Lewis, who shared a similar interest.

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His parents owned a pizza place called Angelo's on Henderson Highway. We'd gather there for the WWF pay-per-views, watch them on the big screen, stuff our faces with pepperoni pie, and cheer on larger-than-life acts like Hulk Hogan, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Bret. Hitman” Hart and “Rudy” Roddy Piper of Winnipeg.

Ah, to be young again. Those were the old days indeed.

Andy and his family moved to Edmonton when we were teenagers, but we stayed in touch and stayed close. While we always had plenty to talk about—our shared love of hockey (we've been together for years), our parents and spouses, and eventually our children—the latest happenings in the wonderful world were never far behind.

Only now was there a deeper connection.

I stayed in Winnipeg, headed to journalism school, and took a full-time job in the city in 1995 at the age of 20, while Andy began his professional wrestling career in places like Puerto Rico and Mexico. In 1996 at the age of 21.

Cool, huh? I certainly think so, and his career has been a lot of fun to follow, which has even included several appearances with Vince McMahon's WWE, where he famously stunned “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in a cameo. Monday night is raw watched by millions of people around the world.

I have never seen my friend's struggles in person because most of her encounters were away from home.

But tonight, everything changes.

Andy is back in town as part of a six-match card hosted by Wrestling United at the Culturel Franco-Manitobain Centre. Going by the ring name Andy Anderson, he takes on Winnipeg's Shane Madison.

Given that the world of “sports entertainment” is scripted, I know pro wrestlers don't always have respect for their athletic abilities, but there's nothing fake about the status of these guys. It's really impressive and Andy, who is now young. 49, looks as good as ever.

I haven't asked him if he'll win or lose – I want to be surprised like everyone else – but I'll be rooting for him. And, in a way, we're living vicariously through my friend as he continues to do what we both dreamed about when we were little kids.

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Thinking about Andy's accomplishments made me think of other friends who have excelled in various sports.

My longtime classmate (since elementary school) Jill Officer was an Olympic gold medalist and one of the province's most decorated curlers.

My former minor hockey teammate Mike LeClair went on to the NHL and played 341 career games, including one season with the Anaheim Ducks where he played alongside Timu Selanne and Paul Kariya.

Rob McMillan, a former junior golfing friend of mine from Rossmere, had a professional career that included 11 PGA Tour events.

It's a very good company, don't you think? None of their talents blew me away, but it's a nice consolation to be able to write about the sports they're good at.

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I'd like to thank my good friends at the Canadian Animal Blood Bank who have two big sports events coming up that could use your support.

The first is Friday, May 31, when the Winnipeg Goldeyes and the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association team up to raise funds for CABB. For every ticket sold for that night's ball game at Blue Cross Park, $5 goes to support their operations. I will be with the CABB board members, staff and volunteers and would love to see you there.

Then, on Thursday, July 11, CABB will host its second annual charity golf tournament at Wildewood Golf Course. The nine-hole swing I had the pleasure of attending last year is a blast, the dogs beckon you to join the course. (There are voluntary walks if you need them when you get shot).

They're only selling 64 tickets, and I expect them to go fast, so be sure to head over to their website and grab a spot, where you can learn more about their important, life-saving work. to our four-legged furry friends.