UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 5
October 3, 1996
In this corner: UD police lieutenant is 'main man' in the ring

     An accidental discovery made during a routine campus
investigation 12 years ago had a dramatic impact on the life of
UD Public Safety Manager Bill Katorkas. While taking a report
from a student in the Rodney Residence Hall Complex, then-
investigator Katorkas noticed several wrestling posters on the
student's walls.
     During their continuing conversation, Katorkas discovered
that the student was a professional performer with the East Coast
Wrestling Association, and Katorkas mentioned he might be
interested in working as the group's ring announcer.
     "I had always been interested in performing, and I always
wanted to do announcing," Katorkas said, reflecting on the chance
meeting in 1984. "My life's dream was to announce an event at the
Spectrum. So, I made a few calls, they gave me a tryout and I
became the back-up announcer."
     Today, Katorkas-known in area wrestling circles as Billy
K-is the main ringmaster at events that feature such colorful
characters as Boogie Woogie Brown, Cheetah Master, Glamour Boy
Lance Diamond, Dr. Destruction and Blue Thunder.
     From September through May, the local wrestling group-which
was formed by James Kettner and has been headquartered in
Elsmere, for 29 years-is scheduled to perform monthly at St.
Matthew's Hall near Newport. According to Katorkas, approximately
40 wrestlers, ages 21-34, take to the mat for enthusiastic crowds
and a regular following of more than 400.
     Katorkas said his attire-a black tuxedo, slicked back hair
and gleaming shoes-is a bit conservative when compared to the
wild, flowing garments and props that grace the broad backs of
some of his colleagues. However, when he speaks into the
microphone, people stop, look and listen.
     A veteran of hundreds of matches and events, Katorkas said
he experiences none of the nervousness of his early days. He
admitted being "absolutely scared" on the night of his official
debut, and being caught in Friday night traffic on I-295 didn't
help relax his tension.
     "I raced into the hall in my tuxedo," he recalled. "They
handed me the match cards and said, 'Good luck!'"
     In addition to the pre-match announcing, Katorkas is
responsible for color commentary, which he provides from a
reserved table at ringside.
     Such comments as "And the Cheeta Master is going to the high
ground!" and "It looks like Cowboy John Blaze is down and out!,"
delivered in an urgent tone, help get the crowd into the match
and heightens their enthusiasm and involvement.
     Katorkas described his role as a combination moderator and
cheerleader, who is there to entertain the audience and emphasize
the actions of the wrestler-performers.
     In the past, a large number of the East Coast Wrestling
Association's performances were presented as charitable fund-
raisers. In the group's first 25 years, it raised more than
$10,000 for charity per year.
     Time has not diminished Katorkas' enthusiasm for his very
visible role in the local wrestling world. "I love it. I just
like being able to step into somewhat of a fantasy world and act
out a childhood dream. This is a role I can fill.
     "I was in Rehoboth last year, walking down the beach, and
this kid says to his mother, 'Look! There's Billy K from
wrestling!' I went over and talked to him, told him about the
upcoming events. It made him feel good to recognize me, and it
made me feel good, too. It's satisfying."
     Katorkas said he had done some high school and college
wrestling, but being in the ring with athletes twice his size has
provided some interesting moments. He has been slapped, knocked
down and tossed airborne across the ring into the ropes. Most of
it, he admits, is part of the show. But, there are those times
when things can get a little out of hand.
     Seeing the reaction of the crowd tells Katorkas that local
wrestling shows provide a form of entertainment that people want.
     "I like being a part of this," he said. "It's entertainment
for a younger audience and for families that don't have the
opportunity to afford the big shows or who can't get to
Philadelphia."
     His most embarrassing moment?
     "I had started to sing the national anthem, like I do at the
beginning of every event, but the tape broke and I had to finish
the entire song by myself. Nobody joined in like I asked them to.
It was the longest, most embarrassing moment in my life. I can
announce, but I can't carry a tune."
     Katorkas' 8-year-old daughter, Samantha, likes the matches.
But his twin 3-year-old sons, Adam and Alex, aren't old enough to
go yet. When they are, Katorkas will probably be able to get them
ringside seats. 
                                                    -Ed Okonowicz

     Editor's note: The East Coast Wrestling Association will
present a full card beginning at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, at
St. Matthew's Hall. For information, call Jim Kettner at 999-9662.