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Discussion Topic: RIP Gene Weiss
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on January 17, 2015
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Gene Weiss was a state champion for Shaker during the early 1950's.
He later went on to become a Pro wrestling referee and was for many years the chair of the Ohio boxing commission.
During the 1970's he started a chain of health clubs at a time when this was a brand new idea. In addition, he is generally recognized as the founder of the first significant wrestling camp in Ohio--The Ohio School of Wrestling--also during the 1970's.
He was quite an entrepreneur as well as a generally recognized expert on combat sports in the state.
On a personal note, he played a huge role in my involvement in wrestling as my older brother went to elementary school with one of his sons. Gene Weiss used to come to my brother's elementary school and teach moves to the kids. As a result, my older brother went to the Ohio School of Wrestling for one week over the summer in 1972. He dragged me with him and that became my first involvement in the sport.
FWIW--I hated the camp and the sport. But when I arrived at school for 3rd grade, everyone thought I was tough because I went to wrestling camp. I got a kick out of people thinking I was a tough guy and started doing it on a regular basis beginning in 7th grade.
My condolences to all the family and friends of Gene Weiss.
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