Shortly after Kerry was born The Adkissons moved to Texas. At that time Kerry's father was known to Professional Wrestling Fan's as Fritz Von Erich, "The Master Of The Iron Claw". To this day in the Lone Star State, the name Von Erich is synonymous with Wrestling. Kerry was the most inquisitive of the kids growing up. Certain toys, certain tools and hidden gifts had to be specifically hidden away from Kerry, because he could find anything he ever wanted. Sometimes, his Mom and Dad would hide something from him so well they couldn't find it themselves. They'd ask him if he'd seen such and such, and he'd show them where it was. In 1964 the Adkissons welcomed younger brother Michael to the Family. The next addition to the growing family was Chris Barton Adkission, who was born in 1970. This was a very special and happy time in Kerry's life. He and his four brothers grew up out in the country. On the Adkisson's land were plenty of wide open spaces, several ponds and creeks, woods full of wildlife. Each boy had their own horse, his own mini-bike, and his own dog. As a boy, Kerry and his brothers were also involved in little league: football, baseball, basketball and track. The boys weren't considered great athletes but they were tough and they became dedicated to weight training. By Junior High the Adkission Boys began to make a name for themselves in The Lake Dallas School System.
By The time Kerry had enrolled in Lake Dallas High School, He was quite an athlete. Kerry was All-State in football (at fullback and linebacker) and was named to the All-State and All-American track teams, after setting the Texas state schoolboy record several times in the discus. Kerry trained numerous hours everyday with his father. The hard work paid off. Still standing is Kerry's state high school record. His senior year, Kerry was so much better than any discus thrower before him that in one day he officially set new state records six times in six consecutive throws. Kerry then went on to break the SMU school record for the discus. On that day Kerry broke the record throw that was set by his father Fritz many years before. Kerry also went on to break the junior world record for the discus. He was a leading contender for the US. Olympic Team. He had over fifty offers from colleges. Kerry eventually picked Houston. At that time the number one shot put and discus coach in the U.S. was there, Tom Telez. Kerry also knew that Tom was the U.S. Olympic weight coach. Kerry gave up other sports such as football to pursue his Olympic Dream. Sadly, President Carter boycotted the Moscow Olympic games, Kerry was crushed. Kerry had always wanted to be a professional wrestler, now that his Olympic Career was over....Professional Wrestling's "Modern Day Warrior" was born.
