Sera Osiecki Sweeps Ladies Division at Thunder Bay Arm Wrestling Competition
The Osiecki Family represents for Manitouwadge bringing home medals from each overall category; Men, Women, Kids under 8 and Kids over 9 - That's one STRONG Family! Photo by Elaine Legarde for OntarioNewsNorth.com.
THUNDER BAY, ON – Saturday, March 19th, John Oseicki, creator of Manitouwadge Mixed Arms (MMA) arm wrestling club (CLICK HERE for coverage from their 1st competition), travelled with his family to attend an arm wrestling competition he organized at Crocks the Office. Approximately 30 competitors; men, women and children, competed in a dozen categories divided by gender, weight, right or left arm.
'98 National World Champion Paul Belluz raised the bar for the lightweight competitor at the event. Photo by Eleaine Legarde for OntarioNewsNorth.com
Osiecki was thrilled to have Paul Belluz among the competitors from Thunder Bay; Belluz held the title of national champion when World Arm Wrestling competition was held in the city in 1998. At Saturday’s event Belluz proved he’s still in a class of his own winning both right and left arm categories in the lightweight division.
Osiecki was pleased to see Manitouwadge place well at the tournament, re-inforcing his desire to have arm wrestling become a well established sport on the Northshore. His wife, Sera, claiming 1st place for both right and left arm in the ladies division as did his son Jonah in the 8 and under children’s competition. Osiecki’s daughter Kristin, would not be left out of the winners’ circle, she place 2nd in the kids 9+ left arm competition.
Other Manitouwadge notables included Sandy Patton who place 3rd in the Heavyweight category, Trish Beaulieu who took home 2nd for the ladies left arm duel and Karly Campbell earned 3rd in the Kids 9yrs and up left hand category. One more Manitouwadge connection, those who remember the Fernandez Family will note that Martin Fernandez, Danny’s son, won 3rd in the kids 8 and under Right arm showdown.
"Arm wrestling involves alot more technique than most people realize" Explained MMA Founder John Oseicki to OntarioNewsNorth.com's Elaine Legarde, "It's at least 50% mental, you need to have a strategy and be anticipating your oponents next move" finished Osiecki.
"Arm wrestling involves alot more technique than most people realize" Explained MMA Founder John Oseicki to OntarioNewsNorth.com's Elaine Legarde, "It's at least 50% mental, you need to have a strategy and be anticipating your oponents next move" finished Osiecki.
What’s next for Osiecki and the Manitouwadge Mixed Arms club?Those interested in becoming members of the club can contact Osiecki, on Facebook or at 826-1245, and join Manitouwadge Mixed Arms at their regular weekly practice Tuesday evenings. He is currently working on hosting competitions in Marathon; Oseicki believes Schreiber and Terrace Bay residents will make the short drive to compete as well, and Sault Ste. Marie. Finally, April 30th Osiecki and the MMA will be hosting another arm wrestling competition at KG’s Bar & Lounge in Manitouwadge, it will be a fundraiser to assist two families of children fighting cancer (the Costello Family is one of these).
KIDS RESULTS
UNDER 8yrs old (left & right handed)
- 1st Jonah Osiecki
- 2nd Matthew Norhaugen
- 3rd Matin Fernandez
KIDS 9yrs and up (Right arm)
- 1st Mattew Belluz
- 2nd Noland Belluz
- 3rd Mercedes Beauchemin
KIDS 9yrs and up (Left arm)
- 1st Mathew Belluz
- 2nd Kristin Osiecki
- 3rd Karly Cambell
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MORE NOTABLE RESULTS
Women
- 1st place Sera Osiecki right and left arm
- 2nd place Trish Beaulieu left arm
- 3rd place Elaine Legarde left arm
Men
- Men’s Lightweight Right & Left Arm – Paul Belluz 1st
- John Osiecki – 3rd men’s left
