Perry Wrestling: Q and A with “Maroon Dynasty” author Mark Kirk
Mark Kirk was never a state champion at Perry, but he may know more about the town’s history with wrestling than anyone alive today. Kirk graduted from Perry in 1975 and wrestled on the high school team. But he’s never quit following the school he once wrestled for. Kirk turned his passion for Perry wrestling into a book called “The Maroon Dynasty” which is a collection of facts, tables and colorful anecdtoes from the past.
What made you want to compile this book, and how long did it take?
I guess because I’m weird. But seriously, it started out as a small project. I had asked Scott Chenoweth if he knew of a list of all the state placers and it’s something that nobody had so it went from there. It took about six months for the first addition. I have a very understanding wife.
What do you think makes Perry wrestling so special?
There’s so many things that go into it. But I think mainly it comes down to pride, and being a part of something that’s bigger than you are. And it’s not just the wrestlers who have that pride, it comes from the whole community. You go to a dual and the band is there and there’s a huge crowd. You don’t see that in many places these days.
For a long time Perry was a farming town, going back to the days of Jack VanBebber. Has that dynamic changed where farm kids aren’t the primary source of wrestlers anymore?
Yes, times have changed. That used to be an old stereotype…just good ‘ol tough farm boys. I think now it’s kids who come from families where there parents have more typical jobs.
Of all the stats and facts in your book, which once stands out the most?
I think for me it’s the fact that every senior class for the last 50 years has been part of at least one state championship. To go 50 years, you can hardly put that into words.
For more information on “The Maroon Dynasty” contact Mark Kirk at mkirk811@cox.net
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
Thank you Matt you recognizing Mark Kirk’s work. Perry has a story that is unequaled in high school sports. Mark also did the color for the live broadcast of the state wrestling championships with Donnie Huff, another Perry High School wrestler. Perry’s local access channel covered our 37th state championship this year and as usual Perry had more fans show up than anyone else.
Mr. Patterson, you have been a bright light for the usually dark or non-existent wrestling news reporting. Thank you for your contributions! I am a bit bias being from Perry, but I would enjoy any good wrestling news, Geary Toun. MWC dominance of the 90′s, Sperry wrestling of the late 80′s. There is some good stories out there. Thanks again!