A Call to Arms

"At the ripe old age of 40, having been a part of this sport for almost a quarter-century, I find myself at a new plateau with a renewed sense of vigor at being afforded this opportunity to compete in an event of this magnitude."

He has had to turn away at least one contribution. His job at the highway department involves serving as a liaison between utility companies, private industries and public-works departments on road projects. It brings him in contact with a lot of vendors.

Kristen Watts

Free weights are a key part of Ray's regimen.

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More About

• Houstonian Gary Ray
• Eddie Reeves
• Vladikavkaz
• Chiropractic
• Alternative Health Care

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One sent along a contribution -- two $100 bills and a business card, addressed to Ray at his highway department office. A secretary opened it, and ethics-conscious supervisors advised him to send it back.

Even with the disappointment of his foray into the corporate-sponsorship world, Ray says he's not feeling neglected.

"There are so many people behind me: Dr. Eddie, Jeff, my wife. It's strange because it's coming about because of such a competitive sport, but I really have felt a lot of love from my supporters," he says. "It's really been a great thing."

That love, and the support of his teammates, will have to get him through the upcoming matches. The Palace of Sport holds 5,000 people; if it's filled, it's unlikely the crowd will be cheering on the Americans.

But whether Ray wins or loses, the outcome isn't likely to be known much outside the small circle of people who care about the sport. When his months of training come to a head, when he steps up to the spotlighted table, when it all comes down to a match that may last but a few seconds, he'll be largely on his own.

He'll come back to his desk at the regional office of the highway department, perhaps as a world champion, at the least as someone who has competed at the very top of his profession.

Not that anyone will notice.

The XX World Arm Wrestling Championships of the World Arm Wrestling Federation will take place between September 26 and October 5 in Vladikavkaz.

No television coverage is scheduled.

E-mail Richard Connelly at rich_connelly@houstonpress.com.