The Yodeler Spring 2016 Spotlight:Spotlight: SchwingenSchwingen

SIX TIME CHAMPION SHV Member, Paul Kiser helps coach Ripon Schwingers to victory. W.C.S.W.A. The proper Schwingen hold is shown above. Right hand grabs the back belt slot & the left holds the rolled shorts’ cuff in front. What is Schwingen? Wikipedia explains,Schwingen (from German schwingen "to swing"), also known as Swiss wrestling and natively as Hoselupf (Swiss German for "breeches-lifting"), is a style of folk wrestling native to Switzerland. Wrestlers wear Schwingerhosen ("wres- tling breeches") with belts that are used for taking holds. Throws and falls are common because the first person to pin his/her opponent's shoulders to the ground wins the bout. The match takes place in a ring, a circular area with a diameter of approximately 39 feet that is covered with sawdust. The two opponents wear short pants made of jute over their clothes. The wrestlers hold each other by these shorts, at the back belt slot and in front at the rolled front pant cuff, and try to throw the opponent onto his back. There are several main throws, some of them very similar to judo techniques. A match is won when the winner holds the opponent's pants with at least one hand and both the opponent's shoulders touch the ground. By tradition the winner brushes the sawdust off the loser's back after the match. The match is judged by referees who give points, with a maximum of ten points for a winning throw. If the match ends without a clear win, the more active Schwinger is awarded the higher number of points. At a Schwingfest, every Schwinger usually wrestles six opponents, or eight at the Eidgenössische. The two Schwingers with the highest number of points after five (seven at theEidgenössische ) rounds get to the Schlussgang (last round). There are no weight classes nor any other categories. Usually, though, Schwingers are big men, at least 6’ tall and weighing in excess of 200 pounds. Schwingers from practical professions are called “Sennenswingers” (National folklore adherents) and wear dark slacks and solid colored shirts under their jute shorts. The “Turnerschwingers” are the gymnasts who excel in the sport, wear light colored clothing. Regional and cantonal Schwingfests are held outdoors, between Honored Ripon Wrestlers early summer and autumn; the most important being the to attend Eidgenössisches Schwingfest, which usually takes place every three Eidgenössisches Schwingfest in August 2016 years in different sites throughout Switzerland. The winner of this tournament is proclaimed Schwingerkönig. cont. on pg. 2 Frank Kaech, Logan Schallberger, Andrew Betschart, Zach Schallberger Schwingen, continued There were a lot of Swiss immigrants settling in California in the 1920s. They brought their ethnicity, customs and the activities they enjoyed with them to the United States. A favorite pastime was Swiss wrestling so Swiss Societies throughout the West Coast began to energetically support Schwingen. California’s very first Schwingfest was organized by the Imperial Valley Swiss Club on March 13, 1921. Paul Kiser’s father, Wendel who had immigrated to San Francisco from Sarnen, Canton Obwalden, Switzerland in 1925, was an experienced, strong Schwinger who traveled to Imperial Valley to compete and was crowned Imperial Valley’s Schwingfest Champion in 1925 and in 1927. Because of Schwingen’s popularity, Josef L. Inderbitzin organized the West Coast Swiss Wrestling Association in 1957 to assure uniformity and consistency. At this point the officially recognized Championship Schwingfests on the West Coast began. Wendel Kiser moved his family from San Francisco to Galt in 1942. He and his wife had three sons and two daughters. One of Wendel’s sons was Paul who wanted to followed in his father’s footsteps and learned to wrestle at a young age. Both Wendel and Wendel’s best friend, Albert Ming, trained Paul who participated in his first Schwingfest when he was 15 years old. At that time, in 1952, there were no age classifications so he wrestled with the older, bigger and more experienced Schwingers. Six years later he received his first West Coast Swiss Wrestling Associa- tion Championship Crown in 1958. Paul continued to wrestle throughout the 1960s and 70s holding many titles but held the W.C.S.W.A. Championship title another five times during his wrestling career. An acclaimed wrestler from Switzerland, Alois Peter moved to Sacramento in 1957. Frank Schmidig introduced Alois and Paul who became fast friends. Alois had won a prestigious Edigenossischen Paul Kiser Crown in Switzerland the year before he moved to Sacramento and he became a mentor to Paul. 1958, 1960, 1961 They were rival competitors at Schwingfests, but always friends and practice 1962, 1963, 1965 partners outside of competition. “Alois graciously shared his Schwinging knowledge and insights with me,” said Paul. “The Ripon Swiss Club Schwingers all looked up to Alois who challenged and inspired us to become better Bösen Schwingers.” (The wicked and the best.) Paul was married in 1965 after meeting Alice (you guessed it, they met at a Schwingfest) and Paul started coaching as well as competing. He has continued to coach, on-and-off, ever since. Paul drives to Alois Peter, 1956 Live Oak Rd, South of Lodi to train a group of Edigenossischen young Schwingers who he fondly refers to as the Live Oak Kool Kats; his pride and joy. It keeps Paul involved in the sport he loves and in touch with the younger generation of Ripon wrestlers. This year 4 of the Ripon Schwingers have been chosen to attend and represent California-USA at the Eidgenössisch Schwingfest in K o o l K a t s P r a c t i c e Estavayer, Switzerland, August 27-28, 2016. This is quite an honor Schallberger Cousins: for these young men. They are following in some very big footsteps. L to R: Clint, Jakob, Zach, (Paul Kiser), Lucas, Zane, Logan. Over the years the area has sent several Schwingers to compete and three have earned crowns; Don Widmer, John Ming and Al Ming. Hans Wagner, Tedy Betschart, Frank Beeler, Frank Imhof, Matt Ming, Andy Ming, Joey Ming, John Schallberger Jr, Martin Steiner, Nate Aufdermaur are some others from the area who had the privilege of being accepted to wrestle at the Eidgenössisch Schwingfest and represent the USA. Just making it to Swit- zerland’s most highly regarded Eidgenössisch Schwingfest is an honor in itself. The young men selected to go this year are all from the Ripon Schwinger Club, Andrew Betschart, Frank Kaech, Logan Schall- berger and Zack Schallberger. They have worked hard for many years on their wrestling skills and are thrilled at the chance to wrestle in Switzerland. The boys are also trying to raise funds to help with their expenses. The Sierra Swiss Club in Truckee worked with some individuals in Switzerland who donated $3,200 to the Ripon wrestlers, which will help cover their airline tick- ets. The Schwingerverband is providing lodging for each athlete in Estavayer, August 25th – August 28th. If you or any member of our Swiss Club would like to help these young men representing Northern California and the United States, please call or talk to Coach Paul Kiser and he will collect the donations and present the SHV Contribution to the athletes at Ripon’s June Swiss Club Meeting. Please donate ASAP and no later than the middle of May.

USA West Coast Schwingfest Dates 2016 San Joaquin Valley Swiss Club, Rippon, June 4 and September 3 Sierra Swiss Club, Truckee, July 16 San Diego Swiss Club,San Diego, June 18 Portland Swiss, Portland, OR August 6 Swiss Sportsmen’s Club of Tacoma, Tacoma, WA, June 25 & August 12-14 Aelpler Gruppe Swiss Club, Newark, Sept 10

Lewis-Pacific Swiss Society, Frances, WA July 1-3 Spring Issue 2016 Introducing Ripon’s Honored Schwingers Outgoing & Incoming ~ Thank you all!

Andrew Betschart Outgoing President Modesto, CA, 22 years old 2014 - 2016 He has 24 Crowns, 4 of them are West Bob Blattler: Coast Champion Crowns in which he has one Gold Crown. My goal was to reach out to our members and enrich our club’s He was a Perpetual Trophy Winner in unity and together we did just 2011 and 2015. that. This will be Andrew’s first trip to wrestle in Switzerland. We have a solid group of Swiss He works at American Crane Rental. Americans in our club and our Hobbies: Working on his truck/welding; tractor pulls; riding connection to Switzerland is alive quads in the sand dunes; going to the beach. and well. Parents:Ted & Marge Betschart, Sister Erika & Brother Teddy. The last two years have been a true pleasure and I appreciate those I had chance to work with and get to know. Frank Kaech Escalon, CA is 27 years old. I know we are in good hands with Anita Kassel and I’m proud to transfer the honor of serving as president on to her. He has 33 Crowns, 5 of them are West Coast Championship Crowns in which 2 Danke Vilmal, of those are Gold Crowns. Bob He was a Perpetual Trophy winner in 2013 and 2014. Anita Kassel, Incoming President 2016 - 2018: Frank has wrestled in Switzerland in 2014 and 2015. He received his Proscht! 1st Crown at the Schaffhauser Kan- I love our club and look forward to the years ahead. tonalschwingfest in 2015. (4a 4 wins (2 10.00)/2 losses) He also competed at the Basellandschaftliche Kantonalschwingfest (9d 3 The Sacramento Helvetia Verein runs smoothly and I hope to wins/2 losses/1 tie) and Klewenalp-Schwinget in 2015,(7a 4 wins keep it that way. I have a few ideas I’ll be sharing with you and 2 losses) and in 2014 at the Appenzeller Kantonalschwingfest throughout my term. (16f 2 wins/2 ties/2 losses) 2014 Abendschwinget Fankhaus (14f 1 win/3 ties/2 losses) Let’s enjoy ourselvess and in the meantime, I look forward to He is a 2012 Chico State Agribusiness Major and works as an Agri- seeing you at the meetings. cultural Appraiser. Hobbies: Schwingen; Raising Hay and Goats; Bis spöter! Parents:Tom and Janie Kaech, Brother TJ & Sister Katie. Anita Logan Schallberger Lodi, CA is 23 years old Visit www.sacramentoswiss.com and He has 24 Crowns. Five of which are West Like us on Facebook Coast Championship Crowns He was a Perpetual Trophy winner in 2012 This will be his first trip to Switzerland He will be graduating Stanislaus State this Spring with a Major in Accounting. He works for L & W Cabinets. Hobbies: Skateboarding; Snow Skiing; Weight lifting and Wine Tasting. Parents: Heidi & Louie Schallberger. Sisters: Lynice & Tori and Brothers: Jakob & Clint.

Zack Schallberger Lodi, CA is 25 years old. He has 19 Crowns, 3 which are West Coast Championship Crowns Zack wrestled in Switzerland in 2014 at the Appenzeller Kantonalschwinfest (3 wins/3 losses 14c) and the Abendschwin- SHV Board 2016-2018 get Fankhaus (14c 2 wins/4 losses) Sacramento Helvetia Verein - Standing L - R Zack is a 2012 Graduate of Chico State Annelise Kaelin, Trustee; Karleen Darr, Recording Secretary; with a Major in Exercise Physiology Franziska Froriep, Financial Secretary; Anita Kassel, President; and works as a Physical Therapist Aide. Sandra Wipfli, Vice President; Gabi Wackerli, Treasurer; Hobbies: Snowboarding; Playing Chess; Working out. Marta Allegrini, Sargent of Arms; Parents: Walt & Chris Schallberger. Sisters Nicole and Natalie and brothers Lucas & Zane Kneeling: Barbara Blattler, Trustee; Martha Friedrich, Trustee. 4 Mark Your Calendars April 6, Wed. 7 PM Member Meeting, Turn Verein May 21, Sat. 10 am Brunch and Jass at Ettore’s May 1, Sun. Noon Annual Picnic BBQ and May 22, Sun. 10 am Bridgeport Hike & Potluck, Penn Valley Appetizer Cooking Contest, Woodland June 1, Wed. 7 pm Member Meeting May 4, Wed. 7 PM Member Meeting, Turn Verein July - No Meeting May 19, Thurs. 10:30 Fun 9-hole Golf Tourn., Haggin Oaks August 3, Wed. Member Meeting & Swiss National Day Celebration

Visit www.sacramentoswiss.com for details

SHV Hikers! Bridgeport Hike, Penn Valley, May 22! Call John Sweat for details. 916-483-4858

Sacramento 9-Hole Fun Spring Helvetia Verein’s Golf Tournament 9-Hole Fun Prizes to top 3 Tournament foursomes! Thursday, May 19 ~ 10:15 AM - Noon New Bring your HAGGIN OAKS - Arcade Creek - Blue - 9-Hole Course Best Appetizer appetizers by $30 with cart and $22 to walk 12:15 PM Please Preregister by May 5, 2016 by Contest 1st - 3rd place awarded Emailing Joan Achermann ( [email protected] - and she will reply within 48 hours ) The day of the tournament you will Sign in 9:30 AM at Coffee Shop & Stay after for Lunch (optional) ! FUN ! ~ Yodeling encouraged but not required ~ Please fill out form enclosed and RSVP by April 22 Tournament Chairs: Walter Grob and Joan Achermann

Sacramento Helvetia Verein c/o Yodeler Editor, Joan Achermann 4315 Kilcher Court Carmichael, CA 95608

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SHV Nelson Grove, Annual Picnic ~ SUNDAY, May 1, 2016 ~ 12:00 NOON – 4:00 PM Noon: No Host Bar Opens, Appetizers, Entertainment, Raffle Ticket Sales and Games; Nelson Grove, Woodland, CA 2:00 PM: Barbecued Tri-tip or Sausage, Hot Beans, Pasta Salad & Green Salad, Bread, Spring Fresh Dessert & Coffee 3:30 PM: Raffle Drawing and Entertainment – Appetizer Winners are Announced

Enjoy a delicious barbecue at Woodland’s serene, cool and shady Nelson Grove Park. The park is remote, beautiful and quiet; the huge old trees naturally tent a wonderful playground for the kids, horseshoe pits for adults and encompass the lovely covered patio and picnic tables. You’ll feel as though it’s our club’s own private park.

Directions: Sacramento to Woodland I-5; Highway 113 Exit toward Yuba City; in approximately 1 mile turn left at Coli Lane. Continue ½ mile to park entrance on the right.

Dear Attendees – please bring an appetizer to share when you arrive. You do not have to enter the Appetizer Contest.

If you would like to enter your appetizer into the contest please sign in with Gabi Wackerli at the Appetizer Table between Noon and 12:15 PM. Attendees will vote for their favorite and prizes will be awarded to 1st – 3rd place. ! Fun!

Sacramento Helvetia Verein’s Spring Picnic Reservation Coupon Please mail completed coupon and payment to Paul Kiser ASAP and no later than April 22.

CHOICE PRICE NUMBER TOTAL Tri-tip $15.00 ______$______Sausage $12.00 ______$______Salads and Beans Only $10.00 ______$______12 Years & Under Tri-tip $7.50 ______$______Sausage $6.00 ______$______Checks payable to: SHV TOTAL DUE $______Name:______Email:______Phone:______Cell:______1) I will donate a raffle prize: Yes No 2) I will bring an appetizer: Yes No 3) I would like to enter my appetizer in the contest: Yes No Maybe 4) I will volunteer to help Yes No or please call Paul for job assignment at 916-739-1155 by April 22.

5) Mail coupon and payment to: Paul Kiser, 4150 Breuner Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95819