To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the disappointing news to many students that Fairfield has officially forbade the Ham Channel from any further production of one of its most popular shows, the Fairfield Wrestling Federation, or FWF. It has also forbade the airing of any further episodes of the show, even the tapes that have already been made.
As a “wrestler,” for the last two years in FWF, and co-producer for the last 18 months, this rushed and final decision is very disappointing to me. I know this will also be disappointing to the many people who approach me on this campus to complement me on the comedy of the story lines, or quality, or creativity. or even stupidity of our show. If the university deemed our show to be inappropriate for production because of the risk to student-athletes, I suppose it would be OK by me. However, I really wish there was some dialogue, asking about safety instead of reading embellished and faux reports from the internet.
I would be the first to admit to anyone that we get bumps and bruises, but I don’t know a single guy or girl who’s ever participated in any sport who doesn’t get bumps and bruises. This is professional-style wrestling, a combination of athletic ability, and yes, acting. FWF wrestlers have never performed a move on the mat that they did not decide was appropriate for them. I know this because I helped chereograph the results of the matches. The wrestlers are all my friends, and the last thing I would want would be for them to get hurt.
My point is not that the school is definitely wrong for pulling us off the air, but that the way they did it was very poorly handled. I wish they had had definitive dialogue with those who did the wrestling and the acting. In these conversations, the administration would find a core of people who love wrestling and enjoy each other’s company as well as producing a show that has honestly captured the attention of a good number of students. Although I am disappointed with the end we had to have, I want to take this opportunity to thank anyone who has shown the FWF support. I truly had a blast participating in FWF, and I thank everyone who had a role in its production, especially Rob Rocco, Jim Finnegan, Ross Ajeman, Megan Ur and Rob Mehran. I would also like to thank profusely everyone in the crew or studio audiences who faithfully showed up and took our crazy show with a grain of salt and a wry smile. It was one of the most interesting experiences of my life, and I’ll never forget being an “amateur pro-wrestler.” No bumps or bruises can cheapen that for me.
Sincerely,
Colin Davis, ’03
Two-time FWF Champion
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