Craig Daily Press / Former pro wrestler ponders comeback

Archive for Wednesday, March 2, 2005

March 2, 2005

Larry Holler is a North Carolina transplant.

Holler's first Colorado experience was in 1995 when he was one of 35 animal control officers chosen to take part in a training seminar at a ranch near Durango. The seminar is sponsored by the National Humane Society, based in Englewood.

" Aside from the beauty -- not taking anything away from North Carolina -- the kindness, genuine friendliness of the people just compelled me to want to come here," Holler said.

Holler's wife, Sonja, is a Craig native. He said his father-in-law convinced him lots of opportunities existed for making a living in the region.

In addition to being an animal control officer, Holler was extensively involved in pro wrestling.

"Pro wrestling is about 50 percent theatrics and 50 percent practice and not something anyone should do without proper training," he said.

Holler said he started out as a photographer for the Universal Wresting Alliance and graduated first to announcer, then to referee before taking his turn in the ring.

"Some of my cronies are trying to convince me to come back home and help get the association going," he said.

Holler, his wife, son Josh and daughter Emily have been here since 2003. He said the whole family likes what they've found.