Omaha daily bee., 1915-07-07
NEBRASKA LAD is
WRESTLING CHAMP
Joe Stecher of Dodge, Neb., Throws
Charles Cutler of Chicago
in Straight Falls.
SPLENDID CROWD AT CONTEST


Before a crowd estimated al
10000, which filled Rourke park to
overlooking, the unassuming young
man whose meteoric career has made
him a noted figure in the world Of
sport, Monday won two straight
falls from Charles Cutler of Chicago,
who since the retirement of Frank
Gotch has been defending the heavy
weight championship.
stecher won the worlds championship
with his famous body scissors hold,
coupled with half Nelson's.
The first fall came In II minutes and
ob seconds. The next fall. after an inter
mission Of a quarter hour. came In 10
minutes and 80 seconds
cutler Much Heavier. =
Cutler outweighed his opponent by a
good twenty pounds, but within a few
minutes after the beginning OF the match,
It was apparent that the extra weight
was Of little advantage to the Chicago
srappler.
It was the old old story OF youth
against age.
CNfNHFIs rs DeFibHlAF UINU0INApnNu anu
sracefui as fawu. made strange
contrast beside Cutler, who, at least
twelve years his senior, showed the
ravages, of time after few minutes
gruelling at the hands of the Nebraskan.
His paunchy stomach made for con-
sternation in the hearts of his hackers,
and after the match twas this same
paunch that got the blame for the defeat.
Great Cheers for stecher.
Though Stecher was not the champion
when he stepped into the padded ring.
the ovation he received proclaimed him
prophet that was honored, at least, in his
own land. When at the head of swarm
of followers he surgcd through the crowd
and appeared. near the platform, a
mighty roar, like the booming of thou
sand cannon. broke upon him.
Ah-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h Stecher Stach-
aaaaaaar! Ah-a-a-s!'
When Cutler appeared, he received a
generous cheer and prolonged clappipgf
Of hands, and a scattering Of cheers. but
besides Stechers greeting, II was like the
silence OF the grave.
1t was a representative American crowd
There were thousands of Stecher fanatics
and thousands just as jealous of Cutler.
but the majority were of no PREVIOUSLY
formed opinion at all With them Il was
simply case OF seeing the two men
stripped, standing side by side, and then
Judging which was the best man. And
when they saw Stecher beside Cutler.
with resounding applause, placed upon
aim the stamp of approval.
Joe Was Their Hero.
His every action was greeted with a
storm of announcement. 1t was Joe,
Joe! oh, Joe! Alta boyl joel" from the
time he stepped shoulder to shoulder with
the bigger man. until he stepped out Of
the ring, a conqueror.
When he left the ring. with Cutler iy-
Ing flat and GREATNESS from the terrible
effect OF the body scissors grip. Gordon
of police had to battle furiously to stem
the tide Of humanity that closed in upon
the hero. Stecher. fresh as from little
sprint, tried vainly to escSpe the plaudits.
At $3.50 o'clock all the dollar seats had
been sold and few minutes later the 81
seats were all occupied. Remained only
a few seats at S. and before the match
started, these too were snapped UP. Every
inch OF space in the capacious grandstand
was filled. and every bleacher seat con-
tanned spectator.
Gutter Makes Quick Grab.
The start Of the big match was made
at S;47. with BOTH men feeling their way.
but after minute Of wrestling Cutler
made quick grab with a crotch hold to
get behind, but it did not avail. For five
minutes they gruelled back and forth
with no apparent advantage. when, Cut
-.
while stlI standing. fletcher made n
strong defense. with the result that after
a few twists they went under the ropes
with Stecher behind.
~Stecher was given the position behind
after they were placed in the center of
The mat according to agreement and
hooked the scissors In very short time
Then began the punishment that was
The downfall OF Charles Cutler after the
Dodge county wonder had squeezed Cutler
With his scissors for about four minutes
he terrible pressure began to tell and |
Cutler was seen TO look at Frank Gotch !
and shake his head. The pain he was
forced to endure was plainly evident.
Cutler can't Escape.
Cutler made a heroic effort to get away |
md again they went under the ropes.
After they returned to the center Cutler
edged away and Stecher seemed in, dan
ger for moment. but he soon twisted |
behind and again hooked his sissors. For |
almost ten minutes Cutler was forced to |
lndure the terrific pressure OF those
gigantic legs of the Dodge county farmer
with Joe all the while trying to twist |
he giant over with nalf Nelson. After {
1903 minutes of wrestling he succeeded !
In putting both Cutters shoulders to the /
nat and Referee Ed Smith patted him
on the back.
ROOters Cheer stecher.
Pandemonium broke loose from the |
thousands of Stecher rooters until II
VAS noticed that Cutler failed to rise.
lie lay ON his stomach in the middle OF |
he padsed ring for several minutes UNI
II he was assisted to his corner. Here
Frank Gotch visited him and told him he |
must 20 back for the second fall. He |
,lso advised him to wrestle the second |
all without his jersey. 1t was rumored |
lround that Cutler would not return for |
he second fall, but when the agreed fif- |
cen minutes was up he walked to the |
enter.
Cutler was behind after one minute of |
wrestling In the second. but was very |
evident that he was about ali IN. He |
locked his arms around Stechers waist |
and forced the lad to carry his weight. |
Joe got away from him twice. After |