Karl “Doc” Sarpolis

Karl “Doc” Sarpolis was a significant figure in the world of professional wrestling, best known for his role as a promoter in the Amarillo territory in West Texas. Though he did not originate the Amarillo territory, Sarpolis played a crucial role in the territory's development and eventual success in collaboration with the Funk family.

### **Early Life and Career**

Karl Sarpolis was born in 1904 and initially pursued a career in medicine, becoming a licensed chiropractor. His background in healthcare gave him a unique perspective on the physical demands and injuries common in professional wrestling. Sarpolis began his involvement in wrestling as a wrestler and later transitioned into promoting, leveraging his medical expertise to offer his services as both a promoter and a healthcare provider to wrestlers.

### **Entry into the Wrestling Business**

Sarpolis initially worked as a promoter in Chicago, where he had connections with local wrestling circles. By the early 1950s, he was actively involved in the wrestling industry, both as a promoter and through his medical practice, which served wrestlers. His growing reputation in the wrestling community led to partnerships with other promoters across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South.

### **Involvement in the Amarillo Territory**

The **Amarillo territory**, based in West Texas, had been founded by **Dory Detton** in 1946. By the mid-1950s, the territory faced challenges due to its relatively isolated location and difficulty maintaining a steady flow of talent. In **1955**, Detton sold the Amarillo territory to **Dory Funk Sr.**, a former professional wrestler and promoter with a vision for growth. This sale marked a turning point for the Amarillo territory.

**Karl Sarpolis** entered the picture when he became a partner with Dory Funk Sr. in the Amarillo promotion. Sarpolis brought both his promotional acumen and his business expertise to the partnership. He provided the necessary financial backing and managerial support that allowed the territory to expand. The collaboration between Sarpolis and Funk Sr. was highly effective, with each partner bringing unique strengths to the business.

### **Growth and Success in Amarillo**

Under the leadership of Funk Sr. and Sarpolis, the Amarillo territory, also known as **Western States Sports**, grew in prominence within the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). The territory was known for its rough, intense style, which appealed to the fans in West Texas and the surrounding areas. Amarillo wrestling became known for its high-quality matches, featuring both local talent and stars from other NWA territories.

Sarpolis' contribution to the Amarillo territory included a keen eye for talent and a strategic approach to booking matches. He helped negotiate deals with other NWA territories to bring in top stars for special appearances, which boosted attendance and built interest in the local wrestling product. The partnership with Funk Sr. also allowed for a steady pipeline of talent between Amarillo and other NWA regions, such as the Central States territory, where Sarpolis had connections.

Sarpolis' background as a chiropractor was another advantage. His understanding of the physical toll wrestling took on the body made him a trusted figure among wrestlers. This knowledge also helped him design training regimens and conditioning programs that kept wrestlers in shape, reduced injuries, and extended their careers.

### **The Funk Family and the Sarpolis Legacy**

The presence of the **Funk family** was pivotal in the territory's rise to prominence. Dory Funk Sr. established himself as the top promoter and a local wrestling hero, while his sons, **Dory Funk Jr.** and **Terry Funk**, would go on to become legendary figures in professional wrestling. Dory Funk Jr. won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1969, bringing additional prestige to the Amarillo territory. Terry Funk would also become NWA World Heavyweight Champion in 1975, further solidifying the region's importance in the wrestling world.

Sarpolis' partnership with Funk Sr. continued to thrive throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Their combined efforts made Amarillo a critical training ground for many wrestlers who went on to achieve national and international fame. Wrestlers like **Stan Hansen**, **Bruiser Brody**, and **Dick Murdoch** got their starts or gained significant experience in the Amarillo territory, benefiting from the strong promotional efforts and the rigorous training environment created by Sarpolis and Funk.

### **Role in the NWA and Influence on the Wrestling Scene**

As an NWA-affiliated territory, Amarillo was part of the broader wrestling network governed by the National Wrestling Alliance. This affiliation allowed Amarillo to book the NWA World Heavyweight Champion for defenses in the territory, which helped maintain its relevance and draw large crowds. Sarpolis was active in NWA meetings and had a voice in the organization's decisions, advocating for the interests of smaller territories like Amarillo.

Sarpolis' business acumen also helped the territory remain profitable during challenging times. He managed the financial aspects of the promotion efficiently, ensuring that talent was paid fairly and that expenses were kept in check. This financial discipline was critical to the territory's survival and success, especially during the 1970s when the wrestling business began to face increased competition from television and other forms of entertainment.

### **Later Years and Decline of the Territory**

By the late 1970s, the wrestling landscape began to change significantly. The territory system was gradually being undermined by the rise of nationally televised wrestling shows, and many smaller territories struggled to compete. Karl Sarpolis continued to be involved in the Amarillo territory, but as he grew older, he began to reduce his day-to-day activities.

In **1973**, Dory Funk Sr. sold his share of the promotion to his sons, Dory Jr. and Terry Funk, and their partner **Nick Roberts**. Sarpolis remained involved, but his role diminished over time. The territory continued to operate until **1981**, when the Funks sold it to **Blackjack Mulligan**. However, without the strong leadership and financial backing of the original promoters, the Amarillo territory could not sustain itself and eventually closed down.

### **Death and Legacy**

Karl Sarpolis passed away in **1994**, but his legacy in professional wrestling, particularly in Amarillo, remains significant. His contributions as a promoter, businessman, and supporter of talent development were instrumental in making the Amarillo territory one of the standout regions in the NWA during its peak. Sarpolis is remembered as a promoter who cared deeply about the wrestling business and the athletes who made it possible.

His work in partnership with Dory Funk Sr. helped lay the groundwork for the Funks' wrestling dynasty and contributed to the development of numerous wrestling stars who would leave a lasting impact on the industry. Sarpolis' legacy is tied to the rich history of professional wrestling in West Texas and the broader history of the territorial system that dominated wrestling for much of the 20th century.