Excert from Travel By Coach by Dr. Glynn Leyshon

Dr. Leyshon has written many books on the sport of wrestling, he is Canadian Amateur Wrestling's historian.  He is Canada's most successful coaches in the sport of amateur wrestling and deserving of the title.  His book, Travel by Coach, tells of his and his team's adventures at the 1966 World Championships, 1973 World Cup, 1973 World Student Games and more.  It was an exciting read for me because it included numerous adventure involving my Dad.  I was able to secure a copy of the book directly from the author himself....what a treasure for our family!!

The following is a excerpt from the book:  Travel By Coach by Dr. Glynn Leyshon

There are many tales to tell. We were babes in the woods; all of us new to international competition and about to have our eyes opened very wide indeed.  We traveled from London in (Pete) Lockyer’s car and had big Harry (Geris) in our group.  He carried a large cardboard cartoon with the logo of a rental agency on it.  We found he had rented a jacket for the occasion i.e. the parade and reception (which two never materialized) and when we asked about shirt and tie he replied,

“Shirt and tie? No one said we had to have those.  But I got cufflinks.”

At the border we went through the usual questions and Harry in the rear seat seemed all right until the customs official asked for ID.  I heard him say,

“What’s this?”

Harry responded, “That’s my library card.”

“Are you trying to tell me that this is your ID?  A library card?  Everyone out.  Get out of the Car.”

We had time convincing the chap we were not undesirable aliens although it further developed that Harry had been born in Holland which compounded our problems.  It was not to be, unfortunately, the only incident and Harry was not the only yokel in the crowd as the day progressed.

We drove into Toledo gaping at the buildings and as excited as bumpkins on their first outing  Look at the funny traffic lights they have here.  They only have lights on one side.  The honking of horns and flashing of lights of cars speeding toward us convinced us something was wrong and then I noticed we were merrily proceeding the wrong way on a one-way street.  In a panic the driver turned right onto a side street and we all breathed (a) sigh of relief until the honking and flashing began again.  We were on another one-way street going, of course, the wrong way.  Eventually we got to the Glass Field House named after the contributor to its erection.  We were housed in a dormitory next to the complex.  The escapades continued.