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THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025

Flexing some muscle for veterans’ hall in Portsmouth

Arm wrestling tournament raises money for VFW Post 5390 hall

Posted 4/25/25

PORTSMOUTH — Some strong-armed men and women turned out to the VFW Post 5390 hall in Common Fence Point recently.

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Flexing some muscle for veterans’ hall in Portsmouth

Arm wrestling tournament raises money for VFW Post 5390 hall

Chris Burns (facing camera) attempts to slow down powerful Maine arm-wrestler Kurt Howgate during their match, with referee Bill Caldwell looking on. Howgate and Burns took first and second place, respectively, in both the open left-hand heavyweight/super division, and the open right-hand super heavyweight division.

Chris Burns (facing camera) attempts to slow down powerful Maine arm-wrestler Kurt Howgate during their match, with referee Bill Caldwell looking on. Howgate and Burns took first and second place, respectively, in both the open left-hand heavyweight/super division, and the open right-hand super heavyweight division.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE, JR.

Referee Bill Caldwell looks on as Mike Skinner pulls down the left arm of George Simmons.

Referee Bill Caldwell looks on as Mike Skinner pulls down the left arm of George Simmons.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE, JR.

Mark Bugbee (left) battles Nick Mancini in one of the matches. Mancini prevailed.

Mark Bugbee (left) battles Nick Mancini in one of the matches. Mancini prevailed.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE, JR.

Michael Connors (left) slowly puts Nick Mancini’s left hand onto the mat for the win.

Michael Connors (left) slowly puts Nick Mancini’s left hand onto the mat for the win.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE, JR.

Michael Connors celebrates after defeating Nick Mancini.

Michael Connors celebrates after defeating Nick Mancini.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE, JR.

Seth Bai (left) and Jeff Giles lock up in battle.

Seth Bai (left) and Jeff Giles lock up in battle.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE, JR.

Posted Friday, April 25, 2025 3:25 pm

PORTSMOUTH — Some strong-armed men and women turned out to the VFW Post 5390 hall in Common Fence Point recently.

Their mission? To flex some muscle in order to raise funds for a needed sprinkler system. All proceeds from the “Pulling for Veterans” arm wrestling tournament, organized by Rick North on April 12, went to the hall.

Here are the results from the tournament:

Mens’ left hand — open

1. Lightweight (175 pounds and under): Tom Sears, first; Steve Briggs, Jr., second

2. Middleweight (176-210 pounds): Ron Ermini, first; Joe Kelleher, second

3. Heavyweight/super (211 pounds or more): Kirt Howgate, first; Chris Burns, second

Men’s right hand — novice

1. Lightweight: Brandon Wright, first; Sam Bernier, second

2. Middleweight: Steve Briggs III, first; Steven Briggs, Jr., second

3. Heavyweight/super: Jeff Giles, first; Seth Bai, second

Women’s right hand — open

Ashley Moreira, first; Ryanne Kelleher, second

Men’s right hand — open

5. Welterweight (161-175 pounds): Ronny Abrev, first; Tim Sears, second

6. Middleweight: Juan Rodriguez, first; David Brien, second

7. Light heavyweight (201-225 pounds): Frank Hirst, first; Ron Ermini, second

8. Heavyweight (226-250 pounds): Frank Hirst, first; James Fitzsimmons, second

9. Super heavyweight (251 pounds or more): Kurt Howgate, first; Chris Burns, second

Supermatch (VFW Post 5390 versus VFW Post 443 in Mass.)

Rick North, first; Seth Bai, second

Largest class winner

Ron Ermini