ABBOTT COLUMN: Ed Aliverti was one of a kind, and made a tremendous impact
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by Gary Abbott
Ed and Shirley Aliverti receive a special USA Wrestling award celebrating their career together as wrestling announcers during the 2009 World Team Trials in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Larry Slater photo
When you think of Ed Aliverti, you think about the history of American wrestling. For somebody who has been involved in the sport for the last three decades, it is hard to recall a major event without the sound of Ed's voice echoing through the arena.
I think of my first Olympic experience, back in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, when I first saw the American flag raised for an Olympic wrestling champion in person, it was Ed who was on the PA system. When I picture John Smith and Kenny Monday up on the Olympic podium I hear Ed saying the words "the United States of America."
I picture the 1990 Goodwill Games, in Ed's beloved Seattle, Wash., in a sold-out Hec Edmundson Arena on the Univ. of Washington campus, when the United States faced the Soviet Union in the championship finals. I remember Soviet coach Ivan Yarygin going up in the stands to argue with FILA President Milan Ercegan. I visualize a hobbled Bill Scherr gamely defeating Andrei Golovko at 100 kg to give the USA its first major win over the USSR in this kind of multi-sport event. It was Ed who helped create the atmosphere for that thrilling evening.
I remember a defining moment in college wrestling in 1994, when Pat Smith of Oklahoma State became the first four-time NCAA individual champion on the mats at the Univ. of North Carolina, a gutsy performance against a tough Sean Bormet of Michigan under tremendous pressure. It was Ed who helped set the scene for that dramatic moment.
Then there was 1996 in Spokane, again in his home state of Washington, when Kendall Cross and Terry Brands had one of the most memorable three-match series in the history of the U.S. Olympic Team history before a large and enthusiastic crowd. Once again, the tone of the day was set by Ed Aliverti and his announcing.
Think of a big moment. If it happened in international or U.S. wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s, you can be certain that Ed was there. He was the world's most famous and popular public address announcer for wrestling, hands down.
Ed Aliverti was an educator and a musician and a person who never competed as a wrestler. However, after being invited to help in local Washington state wrestling events, he defined the kind of enthusiasm, energy and skill necessary to make what he called "the world's oldest and greatest sport" as exciting as it could be.
Today, I was honored to be sitting in Claire's Pantry in Edmonds, Wash., having an omelet an hour before gametime, which was Ed Aliverti's funeral. Across the street was the Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning Company, and down the hill was the entrance to the ferry which takes commuters out into the famous Washington fog. I was there to represent USA Wrestling and the sport of wrestling, but I was also there to say goodbye to a valued friend and mentor. I got the pre-game jitters, just like old times.
I was thinking about how most people only got to hear the product of Ed's labor, when his voice would explode with sound when an athlete was working for a pin or scored a last second takedown for the win. I was blessed to see Ed Aliverti behind the scenes, preparing for the action.
This man did his homework like nobody else. He wanted all of the biographies and information on every athlete, not just the Americans. He was always very appreciative for all the research we did for him, which allowed him to be accurate and informative. Ed also spent the extra time to get the pronunciation correct for the international wrestlers by talking directly to the coaches and wrestlers and writing down the phonetics. It didn't matter if they spoke English or not; Ed would communicate with them and make them his friends. And when it came time to wrestle, whether it was a Russian or a Mongolian or an Iranian, even if the pronunciation was very, very difficult, he said their names correctly.
In addition to announcing, Ed also took great pride in his singing. He had his own style when presenting the United States national anthem, and had a few varieties which also sometimes included America the Beautiful or God Bless America, or a medley of a few of them. I also heard him sing the national anthem of other nations, something he did with the same kind of attention and detail that he gave to his announcing efforts.
Ed was never a one-man show. He always had his wife and best friend Shirley with him at the key events, and she often played a major role in helping with the production of his presentations. He also had an announcing partner at many major events such as the NCAA Championships and international competitions, the equally talented Sandy Stevens. Ed and Sandy worked very well together, complimenting each with different strengths and styles. They joked that some people thought that they were married, because they did so well announcing as a team. The show was that good.
As great an announcer that Ed Aliverti was, he was even better as a person. Ed Aliverti was excited about more than wrestling. He was excited about life. He was friendly, positive, upbeat and sincere. He truly was pleased to see you and visit with you. The conversation was always about more than wrestling. He would tell you about his most recent theater production and other adventures, then ask about your family. This person truly cared and had a kind heart.
His funeral was very fitting for the man we all know and love. When announcing wrestling, Ed always was at his best for a full house, and he must be pleased to have seen that it was standing-room only at the large church. The entire Edmonds community came out to share the moment and support the Aliverti family during what was called a celebration of his life.
The service was a top-notch production, something that would have also pleased him. As you might expect, the music was unbelievable, with a choir that seemed to be 100-people deep and sung with beauty and precision. We were told that Ed was an important member of that choir group over the years. The homily by Rev. Kenneth Haydock was also very touching, especially when he had trouble holding back the tears when speaking about a person he clearly loved and respected. The eulogy was delivered by his younger brother Bob Aliverti, who spoke in direct and simple terms about all of the many things that Ed did for others during his amazing life and how loved he was.
I was pleased to spend time with wrestling people that I know. John Graham was there, and shared stories with me about how Ed announced the Virginia Duals. Bill and Betty Martell were also on hand, and talked about all the years that Ed was the announcer at the Concord Cup. I saw Marlin Grahn, the former Portland State coach, and Larry Gibson, the Hall of Fame Medal of Courage coach, but did not get a chance to visit. I got an email from Washington wrestling photographer Dave Jedlicka that he saw me there, but he was never able to find me in the crowd once the service ended. I am sure there were others, but we were not able to find each other. The place was that packed. There were so many people from all parts of his life, a large family of relatives, plus a tremendous extended family from music, theater, church, school and everywhere that he went
The reception was held in a school gymnasium, again a perfect setting for a man who announced so many great wrestling competitions. Once people had filled their plates with food and sat at the many tables, a group of his friends showed a well-produced video about Ed's life. People were allowed to vote on whether to watch the 15-minute version or the 30-minute version, and everybody wanted the longer show.
The video showed Ed involved with one of his true passions, musical theatre. We once again had the chance to hear Ed's strong and distinct voice filling an arena. Perhaps the most compelling moments were some segments from the last show he ever performed, just two months ago in a local production of Phantom of the Opera. Ed was there with us, and you could not leave the reception without being reminded of the magnitude of this special person.
I am now sitting at the Seattle-Tacoma airport heading back to Colorado with so much wrestling history running through my mind. I remember that when you saw Ed Aliverti prior to an event, you knew something important was about to happen. You would see wrestling at its best, or at least, wrestling presented at its best...
The last time we saw Ed Aliverti was at the 2009 World Team Trials in Council Bluffs, Iowa. USA Wrestling brought Ed and Shirley out to join us, to recognize them for all their years of service to the sport and USA Wrestling. Ed was bald from the treatments for his cancer but his spirits were high. He sang one of his great medleys prior to the finals and entertained the international wrestling community one last time.
There was only one Ed Aliverti, and he will be missed, not only for his professionalism as an announcer but also as a valuable and impressive human being who loved life and all those who were in it.
Note from the author - I can not remember the first time I met Ed Aliverti, but I know that he has been an important part of my 22-year journey on the USA Wrestling staff. I hope all the details of my memory are accurate for this story. Wrestling was blessed to have Ed Aliverti in our tight community. His wife Shirley Aliverti says hello to all of Ed's friends within wrestling, and appreciates their love and support at this time. As Shirley said to me, Ed will not be forgotten
When you think of Ed Aliverti, you think about the history of American wrestling. For somebody who has been involved in the sport for the last three decades, it is hard to recall a major event without the sound of Ed's voice echoing through the arena.
I think of my first Olympic experience, back in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, when I first saw the American flag raised for an Olympic wrestling champion in person, it was Ed who was on the PA system. When I picture John Smith and Kenny Monday up on the Olympic podium I hear Ed saying the words "the United States of America."
I picture the 1990 Goodwill Games, in Ed's beloved Seattle, Wash., in a sold-out Hec Edmundson Arena on the Univ. of Washington campus, when the United States faced the Soviet Union in the championship finals. I remember Soviet coach Ivan Yarygin going up in the stands to argue with FILA President Milan Ercegan. I visualize a hobbled Bill Scherr gamely defeating Andrei Golovko at 100 kg to give the USA its first major win over the USSR in this kind of multi-sport event. It was Ed who helped create the atmosphere for that thrilling evening.
I remember a defining moment in college wrestling in 1994, when Pat Smith of Oklahoma State became the first four-time NCAA individual champion on the mats at the Univ. of North Carolina, a gutsy performance against a tough Sean Bormet of Michigan under tremendous pressure. It was Ed who helped set the scene for that dramatic moment.
Then there was 1996 in Spokane, again in his home state of Washington, when Kendall Cross and Terry Brands had one of the most memorable three-match series in the history of the U.S. Olympic Team history before a large and enthusiastic crowd. Once again, the tone of the day was set by Ed Aliverti and his announcing.
Think of a big moment. If it happened in international or U.S. wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s, you can be certain that Ed was there. He was the world's most famous and popular public address announcer for wrestling, hands down.
Ed Aliverti was an educator and a musician and a person who never competed as a wrestler. However, after being invited to help in local Washington state wrestling events, he defined the kind of enthusiasm, energy and skill necessary to make what he called "the world's oldest and greatest sport" as exciting as it could be.
Today, I was honored to be sitting in Claire's Pantry in Edmonds, Wash., having an omelet an hour before gametime, which was Ed Aliverti's funeral. Across the street was the Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning Company, and down the hill was the entrance to the ferry which takes commuters out into the famous Washington fog. I was there to represent USA Wrestling and the sport of wrestling, but I was also there to say goodbye to a valued friend and mentor. I got the pre-game jitters, just like old times.
I was thinking about how most people only got to hear the product of Ed's labor, when his voice would explode with sound when an athlete was working for a pin or scored a last second takedown for the win. I was blessed to see Ed Aliverti behind the scenes, preparing for the action.
This man did his homework like nobody else. He wanted all of the biographies and information on every athlete, not just the Americans. He was always very appreciative for all the research we did for him, which allowed him to be accurate and informative. Ed also spent the extra time to get the pronunciation correct for the international wrestlers by talking directly to the coaches and wrestlers and writing down the phonetics. It didn't matter if they spoke English or not; Ed would communicate with them and make them his friends. And when it came time to wrestle, whether it was a Russian or a Mongolian or an Iranian, even if the pronunciation was very, very difficult, he said their names correctly.
In addition to announcing, Ed also took great pride in his singing. He had his own style when presenting the United States national anthem, and had a few varieties which also sometimes included America the Beautiful or God Bless America, or a medley of a few of them. I also heard him sing the national anthem of other nations, something he did with the same kind of attention and detail that he gave to his announcing efforts.
Ed was never a one-man show. He always had his wife and best friend Shirley with him at the key events, and she often played a major role in helping with the production of his presentations. He also had an announcing partner at many major events such as the NCAA Championships and international competitions, the equally talented Sandy Stevens. Ed and Sandy worked very well together, complimenting each with different strengths and styles. They joked that some people thought that they were married, because they did so well announcing as a team. The show was that good.
As great an announcer that Ed Aliverti was, he was even better as a person. Ed Aliverti was excited about more than wrestling. He was excited about life. He was friendly, positive, upbeat and sincere. He truly was pleased to see you and visit with you. The conversation was always about more than wrestling. He would tell you about his most recent theater production and other adventures, then ask about your family. This person truly cared and had a kind heart.
His funeral was very fitting for the man we all know and love. When announcing wrestling, Ed always was at his best for a full house, and he must be pleased to have seen that it was standing-room only at the large church. The entire Edmonds community came out to share the moment and support the Aliverti family during what was called a celebration of his life.
The service was a top-notch production, something that would have also pleased him. As you might expect, the music was unbelievable, with a choir that seemed to be 100-people deep and sung with beauty and precision. We were told that Ed was an important member of that choir group over the years. The homily by Rev. Kenneth Haydock was also very touching, especially when he had trouble holding back the tears when speaking about a person he clearly loved and respected. The eulogy was delivered by his younger brother Bob Aliverti, who spoke in direct and simple terms about all of the many things that Ed did for others during his amazing life and how loved he was.
I was pleased to spend time with wrestling people that I know. John Graham was there, and shared stories with me about how Ed announced the Virginia Duals. Bill and Betty Martell were also on hand, and talked about all the years that Ed was the announcer at the Concord Cup. I saw Marlin Grahn, the former Portland State coach, and Larry Gibson, the Hall of Fame Medal of Courage coach, but did not get a chance to visit. I got an email from Washington wrestling photographer Dave Jedlicka that he saw me there, but he was never able to find me in the crowd once the service ended. I am sure there were others, but we were not able to find each other. The place was that packed. There were so many people from all parts of his life, a large family of relatives, plus a tremendous extended family from music, theater, church, school and everywhere that he went
The reception was held in a school gymnasium, again a perfect setting for a man who announced so many great wrestling competitions. Once people had filled their plates with food and sat at the many tables, a group of his friends showed a well-produced video about Ed's life. People were allowed to vote on whether to watch the 15-minute version or the 30-minute version, and everybody wanted the longer show.
The video showed Ed involved with one of his true passions, musical theatre. We once again had the chance to hear Ed's strong and distinct voice filling an arena. Perhaps the most compelling moments were some segments from the last show he ever performed, just two months ago in a local production of Phantom of the Opera. Ed was there with us, and you could not leave the reception without being reminded of the magnitude of this special person.
I am now sitting at the Seattle-Tacoma airport heading back to Colorado with so much wrestling history running through my mind. I remember that when you saw Ed Aliverti prior to an event, you knew something important was about to happen. You would see wrestling at its best, or at least, wrestling presented at its best...
The last time we saw Ed Aliverti was at the 2009 World Team Trials in Council Bluffs, Iowa. USA Wrestling brought Ed and Shirley out to join us, to recognize them for all their years of service to the sport and USA Wrestling. Ed was bald from the treatments for his cancer but his spirits were high. He sang one of his great medleys prior to the finals and entertained the international wrestling community one last time.
There was only one Ed Aliverti, and he will be missed, not only for his professionalism as an announcer but also as a valuable and impressive human being who loved life and all those who were in it.
Note from the author - I can not remember the first time I met Ed Aliverti, but I know that he has been an important part of my 22-year journey on the USA Wrestling staff. I hope all the details of my memory are accurate for this story. Wrestling was blessed to have Ed Aliverti in our tight community. His wife Shirley Aliverti says hello to all of Ed's friends within wrestling, and appreciates their love and support at this time. As Shirley said to me, Ed will not be forgotten
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