Missouri Wrestling Revival

From www.stlouiscore.com 

This past weekend the St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers of the Third District gathered in Cherokee Park (3248 Lemp) to benefit the family of one of their own; fallen officer Julius Moore.

Wife of officer Julius Moore & 3 kids (Wife holding two) Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat

This was the fourth consecutive meeting of the Men of Shell and the Men of SLMPD District 3 and at this year’s game there were over 1900 in attendance. Even though the Men of SLMPD District 3 had less players (16 vs. 22) and faced a few ‘ringers2,’ they were victorious by a score of 38 to 30.

The Men of Shell Team picture(Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat)

The Men of SLMPD District 3 team picture (Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat)

This game carried special significance for all the players and those in attendance because all proceeds benefited the family of fallen 3rd District Officer Julius Moore.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department:

Police Officer Julius Moore died on Thursday, October 15, 2009 as a result of injuries sustained during an on-duty vehicle accident on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. He was 23 years old.

Officer Moore was in his patrol vehicle with his lights and siren on, responding to a call to assist his fellow Third District Officers in their efforts to capture burglary suspects who had fled on foot. While en route to the call at approximately 12:57 p.m., Officer Moore’s patrol vehicle collided with a tractor trailor that was attempting to make a right turn. The collision pushed Officer Moore’s patrol vehicle into a traffic light and a brick wall before the vehicle came to a stop. He was taken to Saint Louis University Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. He remained in the Intensive Care Unit until October 15 when he was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. The driver of the tractor trailor was not injured in the collision and has cooperated fully with the investigation. No charges against him are anticipated at this time.

Officer Moore graduated from Normandy High School in 2004. He joined the department in April of 2007 as a Civilian Recruit in Training and graduated from the St. Louis Police Academy on December 6, 2007. He spent his entire commissioned career assigned to the Third District as a patrolman. He is survived by his wife, their three young children (two sons and a daughter all under the age of 5), his parents, a sister and many other family members in addition to his police family.

Remembering Officer Julius Moore (From the Official St. Louis City Police Department Website) On Sunday, October 25, a flag football game was held to benefit Police Officer Julius Moore’s family including his three young children, two sons and a daughter all under the age of 5. Third District officers took on local business owners and employees from Joel’s Shell with Officer Moore’s fellow Third District Officers prevailing 38-30. More than 20003 people attended the event including the marching band from Normandy High School, Officer Moore’s alma matter.

Though final numbers are still being determined, the event raised more than $2200 through food sales alone. The Third District Police Partnership will also match that amount. Donations from individuals and business through St. Louis continue to pour in for the Moore family. Memorial t-shirts are also being sold.

Officer Moore died on Thursday, October 15, 2009 as a result of injuries sustained during an on-duty vehicle accident on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. He was 23 years old. The funeral for Officer Moore was held Saturday, October 24 in University City. Law enforcement officials throughout the bi-state area and across the country lined surrounding streets to pay tribute to the young officer who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Officer Moore graduated from Normandy High School in 2004. He joined the department in April of 2007 as a Civilian Recruit in Training and graduated from the St. Louis Police Academy on December 6, 2007. He spent his entire commissioned career assigned to the Third District as a patrolman.

*1 1900 was the official fan count at the end of the first 30 minutes of gameplay. The crowd continued to grow as the game progressed.

*2 RINGERS rappers, wrestlers and non-Shell players signed by ‘Superstar’ Head Coach Travis ‘The Crook’ Cook to stock the Shell roster with talent capable of bringing down the Men Of SLMPD District 3. The players were all deemed elegible by Game Officials because all live, work or do business in the Benton Park Community.

*3 FINAL OFFICIAL TOTAL 2,145 in attendance

*4 St. Louis Wrestling Hall-Of-Fame’s very own NICK RIDENOUR limited-edition ‘Helmets Of War’ shirt design sold out in less than 20 minutes and a second edition is being worked on to handle the demand for Ridenour’s sought-after t-shirt. The SLMPD is also offerring a Julius Moore t-shirt in 2 styles and are selling out fast.

(From “Big George Rumples, SBAC Reporter) The MMWA-SICW, in association with Joel’s Shell, Johnny’s In Soulard, Dr. Pepper, Save-A-Lot Foods, Nick’s Embroidery and various area leaders from the Benton Park-Soulard Neighborhood, took part in what KMOV-TV Channel 4 dubbed “the most important sporting event in St. Louis” on Sunday, October 25th, 2009 as The Shell Community Volunteer Football Team (aka “The Men Of Shell”) took on SLMPD District Three in a flag football challenge to raise funds for the family of beloved fallen 3rd District Police Officer Julius Moore. The event featured a military fly-over, honor guard, helicopter landing, fireworks, two marching bands and participation by MMWA-SICW stars Shaft, “Gorgeous” Gary Jackson, Chucho and several others. Tony Casta, the official Master Of Ceremonies for the 2009 Julius Moore Benefit Flag Football Game, was flanked by a dozen St. Louis politicians including Alderman Ken Ortmann, as he kicked the action off with the coin-toss.

MMWA-SICW Referee “Big” Jim Harris was the Head Official for the game and was praised highly by both teams for his fairness and quality of calls. Both singles champions from MMWA-SICW, Heavyweight Champion Phil E. Blunt and Jr. Heavyweight Champion AJ Williams, played as part of the Shell Community Volunteers and making big plays on the field.

Williams called the experience “incredible and fullfilling” and praised the SLMPD and MMWA-SICW’s own Tim Miller for promoting and coordinating the event. “Miller is a great promoter and the success of this event proves it” said Williams. “Tim and the boys in blue got together and they did the thing up right and showed that good people can come together and do good things. I’m blessed for being a part of all of this!”

AJ Williams objecting to what he saw on the play Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat

Tim Miller with his family. Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat

Gary Jackson added, “Timmy Miller is like Don King, just a little more lighter and less round. Timmy Miller, when handed the ball, runs with it just like the great one, Gorgeous Gary Jackson, and scores big when the game is on the line! This here, the Julius Moore Benefit, reflects the spirit of what it’s all about… that’s giving back!

Tim Miller interviews Referee "Big" Jim Harris (Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat)

Timmy Miller, the players, the police and everyone should be proud because today we came together, had a great day in the (Cherokee) Park, made some noise and money for a great young family, and partied like rockstars, baby!”

A.J Williams and Nick the shirt guy (Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat)

Shaft, who brought his entire family to the event, called it an atmosphere that was great for a family day out. “The balloons, the food, the bands, the copter, fighter jets, STL rappers, wrestlers, fireworks and a few thousand friends and neighbors? Are you kidding me? This kind of thing is good for the children to see and be a part of and it shows that all of us can do great things when we join together and make the effort. There’s no place else my family would rather be today and I’m very proud to be involved in all of this with all of these great people!” said Shaft.

Phil E Blunt holds his ground. (Photo credit Michael VanHoogstraat)

The final score was SLMPD 38, Volunteers 30. SLMPD QB Chuck Ervin (Calverton) was named 2009 MVP with a City League record 277 passing yards, half a dozen touchdowns and ran the ball into the endzone himself to seal the victory.

SLMPD RB Isbell racked up over 100 yds rushing and caught two endzone receptions. Volunteers QB Gator Bass passed for 202 yards, three touchdowns. Volunteers standouts on offense included James Montgomery and Dan Carey. Volunteers standouts on defense included AJ Williams, Rob Lott and Jason “Foot” Miller. The “Fighting Spirit” award was won this year by SLMPD Officer Isbell for his aggressive sportsmanship on the field. The final attendance figures for the game total over 2000 and next year the game might have to relocate to handle the growing following this annual event is generating.

All in all, it was a great day for St. Louis!

For info on MMWA-SICW check out their myspace here

To contribute to Officer Moore’s family (all proceeds will go to the children):

3rd District Police Partnership
Julius Moore Fundraiser
3157 Sublette Ave
St. Louis, MO 63139

For more information on the St. Louis Police Department Third District Business Association please visit: www.slpd3d.org