Fighting for first place is a lot harder than it looks.
Thursday March 10 was the start of the PIAA State Championships for wrestling. From Penn Manor, Bobby Rehm and Evan Singleton fought to place in the tournament. By the end of the third day, Rehm won fifth place in states. Rehm is the first wrestler to place at states since Ryan Bosso in 2005. Bosso also placed fifth.
“I thought they did very well,” said coach Steve Hess. “They did outstanding.”
Evan wrestles against Josh Duplin. Photo by Alyssa Byers.
Both Rehm and Singleton won their preliminary matches on Thursday. Rehm wrestled Robert Rizzolino of Easton and won 4-2. Singleton took on Alec Gluvna from Corry, winning 7-3.
On Friday, things seemed to take a turn for the worst for Penn Manor. In the quarter-finals, Rehm lost to Zach Mcginnis of Waynesburg 11-8. Singleton also lost in the quarter-finals, 3-1, to Jeremy Reith of Father Judge.
Later in the day, however, Rehm won in the consolation quarter-finals to Kody Young from Punxsutawney 6-3. Rehm would move on to day three, Saturday March 12th. Singleton, however, lost to Josh Duplin from Westmont Hilltop 6-5. Friday was his final day in the tournament.
“It was really cool being up there and it was really cool knowing I was one of the top wrestlers in the state,” said Singleton.
Day three came and Rehm won against Mike Fake from Parkland 12-5. In his final match, Rehm wrestled Devon Litito from Liberty. He lost 7-3. This placed Rehm at fifth.
Bobby wrestles his way to fifth place. Photo by Alyssa Byers.
“I definitely feel like I could’ve done better. I feel like I could’ve been in the state finals,” said Rehm.
This was the last time the boys would wrestle in high school, and were respected for how far they’ve made it.
“You could always want to do better, but it’s a fine line at states,” said Hess.
This time of the year brings deja vu and arguments to student sports analysts Matt Ulmer and Marc Summy: March Madness.
Summy: Pitt fans prepare to be disappointed. The Panthers are not consistent enough to make a deep run. Don’t expect them to make it past the third round. Their weakness is big men and Old Dominion. Since Old Dominion has plenty of bigs, I am picking for them to play each other in the third round. I don’t think the Panthers will make it out of this one.
Another upset to watch out for is George Mason over Villanova. Although this George Mason team is not as good as the 2006 underdogs who fought their way into the final four, they are going into the tourney with enough steam to send Villanova home. Advancing in the brackets is all about who is hot and on a roll, the Nova Wildcats are 4-8 in their past 12 games while George Mason is 11-1. Enough said.
For my Final Four picks I am going with Ohio State, Duke, Kansas, and Florida. These are all strong teams, hence why they got the number one seed in their region, except for Florida who is number two.
Ohio State vs Duke will be a great game. These are two tough teams who go at it on the floor and have incredible individuals. These Final Four games have a National Championship like feel to them and don’t forget that Duke is last year’s defending championship team, so they will be hungry for another.
The Kansas vs Florida game will be a challenge of course, but I just think the Jayhawks are too good for the Florida Gators. Kansas runs an uptempo game and when you add the Morris brothers and the role player’s three-point shooting, it is tough for any team to stop them.
Look for Duke to meet Kansas in the National Championship game. Although I am a Duke fan I won’t be biased and just have Duke going all the way.
I strongly believe that Kansas will come out on top. If they play their game, nobody can stop them.
Ulmer: Are you kidding me? George Mason over Villanova. You people are crazy. Sure, I’m a Villanova fan, but it doesn’t take being biased to realize a team from the CAA with a weak schedule like George Mason to know Nova is going to win. With that being said, it saddens me to accept there is no way Nova is getting past Ohio State.
Out all of all four number one seeds, I think it’s pretty obvious Ohio State is the most lethal and Pittsburgh is the weakest. No team who has lost their first conference tournament game has ever went on to win the National Championship, sorry Pittsburgh. Duke, unless they get Kyrie Irving 100 percent healthy, there will be no repeat this year. Kansas is the only team in my mind that can put up a legitimate fight with the Buckeyes.
Jared Sullinger is the core of the Buckeyes and looks to be dominant enough to get a championship as a freshman.
Any team who shoots 14/15 from the three point range against Wisconsin leads me to think they aren’t collapsing in this year’s tourney.
Freshman sensation and Player of the Year nominee Jared Sullinger and shooter Jon Diebler who hit seven three’s in that game, lead the powerhouse squad.
My Final Four features the Buckeyes, Kansas Jayhawks, Pitt Panthers, and the red-hot Uconn Huskies. My biggest pick was the Kemba Walker-led Huskies over the reigning champs Duke. In my championship match-up i have Ohio State sliding by Kansas in what will be a fantastic game.
Be sure to comment and let the Penn Points staff know how you feel about these two experts’ brackets.
Woodshop – a little known class – but it’s beloved by many students.
When selecting school courses, not all students opt for the hands-on classes. But there is a select group of students who know what one of their electives will be each year. These students, without question, will have a woodshop class in one of their blocks. Tyler Dommel, for instance, is a four-year veteran of wood shop.
Tyler Dommel posing with his project - Photo by Matthew Soto
“I took woodshop all four years,” Dommel said, “It will help me (create things) in the future,” said Dommel.
In the upper level classes, students are able to choose what they want to build with teachers, Matt Soto, permission.
Last year Dommel made a coffee table and this year he is making a TV stand. These projects he will be able to keep for a lifetime.
“My most successful project is my coffee table,” said Dommel, “but my TV stand this year will be equally as nice.”
The Cabinetry II class is the most advanced class of wood shop that Penn Manor offers. Some students who take this class joke around to other Penn Manor students that cabinetry II is an AP class, in more specific terms, “AP Wood.”
Kyle Musser has been taking woodshop classes for two years.
“I would recommend this class because it helps you think,” said Musser.
Musser plans to continue taking cabinetry classes to reach the “AP Wood” level.
Soto, the woodshop teacher, claims his favorite part of the class is the creativity and using the machines.
Matthew Soto helps a student cut wood - Photo by Eric Gerlach
“There are a lot of potentially dangerous machine that we need to be skilled in using,” said Soto.
Even with the potentially hazardous machines students use, Soto provides a safe class says Kyle Kann, another four year veteran.
“He keeps a safe work environment,” says Kann. “He runs a tight ship.”
Kann claims the most irritating part of the class is taking the safety quizzes before the students can use any machines. Although he understands the reasoning, everyone needs to be certified for each machine to ensure the safety of themselves and everyone in the shop.
“It’s something hands-on you can do during the day, and I’ll get something to keep at the end of the year,” said Kann.
Since the shop is tucked away in the lowest level of the school some students aren’t even aware of it.
Student working on their woodshop - Photo by Eric Gerlach
“I’ve never taken woodshop,” said Brandon Schuman.
Schuman has decided to stay away from the hands-on class claiming he doesn’t enjoy working with wood. He admits it would be an enjoyable class for some students.
“It gives appreciation for hard work and enhances their ability to be good craftsmen,” said Soto. “They have the enjoyment of making something they can take home with them.”
The class even takes part in “doughnut Friday.” If everyone is progressing in their project the class enjoys a quick snack before heading off to second block.
Almost all “AP Wood” students agreed, others should take part in this hands on class, although they don’t mind keeping the secret to themselves.
Another in a series of stories profiling Penn Manor alumni who are doing interesting things with their lives after graduation.
Man or machine? Either way this guy is alumni.
Peter “Petey” Deluca is a Penn Manor High School grad from Conestoga, Pa., with a natural ability to stand between the pipes playing goalie in lacrosse like a brick wall.
Courtesy of www.facebook.com
Deluca’s legendary career is entering its prime as he decided to continue his athletic success from Penn Manor at Jacksonville University – 80 degrees and sunny has its obvious advantages.
According to Deluca, his college team is dedicated.
“Everyone works hard and looks forward to practice,” he reported.
However, Deluca’s high school career needs more explanation as he was one of the top goalie prospects in the nation.
He earned all-American status as a junior along with first team all-district and two all-league honors.
He finished his senior season with 241 saves and a 70.2 percent save rate. The three-year captain demonstrated more than just lax skill in high school as he was a captain, member of the National Honor Society, Gold Honor Roll student and an AP Scholar.
Deluca played with Blue Mountain, a stellar summer lax club since ninth grade and played for Adidas Central Pennsylvania’s team as a rising senior.
Deluca’s skill never kept shy in high school as he constantly proved to be the best athlete on the field contest to contest.
The best athlete on the field in high school proves a lot to the high school world, but what about the best athlete on the division-one playing surface?
The dedicated player has taken his abilities to the next level as expected for the JU Dolphins where he has jumped in with the elite division-one bunch as a starter. Many freshmen don’t receive any playing time and often redshirt because of their less than hopeful chance of playing time.
Jacksonville Mens Lacrosse Jerseys Courtesy of www.facebook.com
Deluca has proved otherwise as he’s been receiving tons of recognition for his star-like play.
Deluca couldn’t say enough about the difference in play between high school and college.
“Well it’s a different game. Pretty much everything changed, the athleticism was obviously the biggest difference,” he said.
Deluca’s first game was a duel that will help his career, he recalled.
“I’ve never played for more than one thousand fans let alone in stadiums that have capacities of about 80,000 spectators. It was crazy and a lot of fun.”
Staying in Jacksonville would satisfy nearly all teen athletes. However Deluca’s career has never settled for the easy road.
The Lancaster county native has been flying all over the country to reach games.
Deluca focusing on the Georgetown attackman Courtesy of www.jacksonville.com
“It’s wild, a completely different experience. I just got back from Denver where we played two games including Denver and Air Force.”
This first college appearance was an exciting match-up even if the final result was a loss.
Deluca’s continued college play has just improved to 2-2 after a huge win against Air Force to put the Dolphins back on track. The freshman had a personal NCAA career-high 15 saves.
The talented freshmen has a lot more fame to come as his success continues to rise. Deluca has been featured on lax.com and in a Paul Rabil, the Michael Jordan of lacrosse, video.
Deluca is excited to continue the college season and hopes to make the NCAA tournament.
LATEST UPDATE: According to YahooNews the official death toll reached 1,833 on Monday, but the number did not take into account the 2,000 bodies that Japan’s Kyodo News said had been found in the hard-hit Miyagi Prefecture on Japan’s northeast coast. At least 2,369 people were missing on Monday, the National Police Agency said. Meanwhile, the second explosion in two days occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
The Japanese have been hit by one of nature’s biggest punches.
An 8.9 magnitude earthquake, the largest to ever hit Japan, struck Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.causing a 23-foot tsunami wave. Hundreds of people are reported dead or missing as the wave swept away boats, cars and homes while far-reaching fires burned out of control, including at a nuclear power plant.
The quake has already been followed by more than 5o aftershocks, many of them reaching a magnitude of 6.0 which have been felt as far away as Tokyo. The resulting tsunami headed toward Hawaii and the U.S. west coast at speeds of up to 620 mph.
Tsunami hitting Japan Photo credit: USATODAY.com
As far away as Millersville, Pa. is from Japan and Hawaii, a few people in Penn Manor High School are waiting news on the disaster about the conditions and safety of their friends and relatives.
Jen Felegi, a senior, has a grandmother, Sumi Okawa who is originally from Japan. She said she checked this morning if her relatives in that country are safe.
“Yes, I’ve spoken to my sister. Everyone is okay,” said Okawa, contacted by Penn Points Friday morning.
Penn Manor senior Lauren Ressler was waiting to hear about an uncle, Alex Victorino, in the Marine Cops stationed in Japan. Ressler said she was worried about some reports that mentioned a building collapsed near where he is stationed.
Later in the day, Ressler got word her uncle, whose daughter attends Hambright Elementary, was not injured in the quake.
A few hours later, the tsunami hit Hawaii and warnings covered the Pacific, as far as South America, Canada, Alaska and the entire U.S. West Coast.
Waves were predicted to hit the western coast of the United States between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. EST Friday. Evacuations were ordered for parts of Washington and Oregon. All harbors are closed and vessels were being ordered to leave the harbor.
Cindy Stoner, a chemistry teacher at Penn Manor was on the beach in San Diego when the tsunami waves were rolling in Friday morning. She said in a phone interview that the “waves were coming in clumps, bunches, 10 to 15 minutes apart. The animals are quite worked up.”
She estimated about 100 people were on the beach watching the waves.
Stoner said the tsunami was hitting at low tide with a water temperature at about 57 degrees. Despite warnings, she said “people were preparing to swim” in the strong waves.
Police said 200-300 bodies were found in the northeastern coastal city of Sendai, near the epicenter of the quake, according to Chron.com. Another 88 were confirmed killed and at least 349 were missing.
In Japan, large fishing boats and other sea vessels rode the high waves into the cities, slamming against overpasses and snapping power lines.
Upturned and partially submerged vehicles were seen floating in the water and ships anchored in ports are crashing against each other. Train services in northeastern Japan and Tokyo, which normally serve 10 million people a day, were suspended. Tokyo’s Narita airport was closed indefinitely.
Residents near a Tokyo Electric Power Company nuclear reactor on Friday were ordered by the government to evacuate because of a possible radiation leak as Japan’s strongest earthquake in over a century shut down power plants and oil refineries.
Tsunami in Japan. Photo credit: USATODAY.com
The plant’s system was unable to cool the reactor, although the reactor was not leaking radiation, its core remained hot even after the shut down. The plant is 170 miles northeast of Tokyo according to USATODAY.com.
Dave Bender, Honors Earth Science teacher at Penn Manor, said there should be some concern about the fire at the nuclear power plant.
“This could affect us but it depends on the extent of the damage (at the plant),” said Bender. “Nuclear power plants have come a long way in their design and the accident at TMI helped.”
“Japanese are well-prepared for earthquakes because they get so many of them,” said Bender. “They use a French design that is considered the best.”
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said Kauai was the first of the Hawaiian islands to be hit by the tsunami. Water flooded the shore of Honolulu and swamped the beach of Waikiki.
Penn Manor student Jing Li took Japanese lessons when she was in China from a teacher who now lives in Tokyo.
She received this e-mail this morning from the teacher to her students:
“I am planning to teach your Friday morning at a regular time, but very bad case, I can not.
We have had earthquake today — most people in Tokyo are ok, but all the trains/subways stop for hours. I was so lucky I came home early today. (me and my family are ok, but not my room…)
Right now, we still feel some shakes constantly since 2:45 p.m. (right now after 6 p.m.).and according to the news right now, we may lose some power (electricity) tonight(=our JP lesson time).
I think we will be just fine,” assures Ms. Reiko
Officials warned that the waves will continue and could become larger, but a scientist at the tsunami warning center said it didn’t appear that they would cause major damage in Hawaii.
“But there is going to be some damage, I’m sure,” said geophysicist Gerard Fryer in Hawaii.
It’s the subject of almost every newscast and newspaper article across the country. Increasing national debt, state budgets in crisis, and personal finances are stirring a movement to reverse this accumulation of unpaid money.
Republican Gov. Tom Corbett announced Tuesday his plans to reverse this trend and cut Pennsylvania’s state budget by billions of dollars.
And the main target? Education.
According to published reports, Corbett wants to oust over 1,500 state workers, freeze school employee’s salaries for one year and cut budgets for public education and higher education. He said he is fulfilling his campaign pledge to decrease the deficit without additional taxes or costs to the taxpayer.
“The substance of this budget is built on four core principles: Fiscal discipline, limited government, free enterprise and reform,” Corbett said.
The state subsidy to the fourteen state-owned colleges in Pennsylvania is expected to be cut by 50 percent. This means tuition could potentially skyrocket and the availability of financial aid will, most likely, drop. What does this mean for students going to college?
With state budget cuts, college tuition may soar.
It’s going to be expensive,” predicted Penn Manor senior Caitlyn Whirt. “It’s already hitting hard. Financial aid is extremely hard to get.”
Phil Gale, Principal at Penn Manor High School said his worst fear is that students won’t go to college, that they will leave in greater debt, or that parents will be pressed to pay more out of pocket.
“We knew the budget was changing, but I was surprised by how much is being cut from higher education,” said Gale about the about the 50 percent cuts to state college budgets. “In a state like Pennsylvania, that’s a lot of money.”
Students, like Whirt, are relying more on scholarships and banking on receiving student loans to help them pay for school in the fall.
Senior Katie Maisel is aware of the rising tuition, but she said this will not affect her college choice. Maisel, who will be attending Penn State’s Honors college in the fall, said her parents want her to apply for more scholarships because of the drop in state funding.
Due to an expected increase in tuition for state-funded higher education, students may turn toward private colleges and out-of-state institutions as a more affordable option.
Dr. Mike Leichliter, superintendent for Penn Manor School District, said public institutions of higher education have always been the more affordable option for students.
“They (students) go for a good program at a lesser cost,” said Leichliter about state programs.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett addresses the media in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Bradley C Bower, Politics PA)
Phil Gale, however, emphasized private schools’ ability to give out more financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships because they do not rely on state funding.
Conservative legislators have always favored a smaller government and these cuts to public institutions may be paving the path to an all-private education.
Leichliter and Gale both agree that technical schools and community colleges may become a more common road for students after high school. These smaller educational institutions are more affordable and more goal-oriented, providing students with focused studies.
“We already support technical training at Penn Manor,” said Lichleiter. “We send more students to CTC than any other school district in Lancaster.”
Students and families are weighing their options and their wallets, while state-supported colleges scramble to reconfigure their budgets.
Governor Tom Corbett called for a nearly $1 billion budget cut in state spending for schools and a one-year freeze in salaries for all school employees during his budget address Tuesday.
Those who may benefit from Corbett’s budget plan will be the taxpayers, said Corbett in a public statement, because their taxes won’t rise. He made it clear that there will be a rise in property taxes, and there will be teacher layoffs.
Political science professor at Franklin & Marshall College, Dr. G. Terry Madonna, told Penn Points the state governor is arguing that he’s simply doing what he was elected for.
Dr. G. Terry Madonna, political analyst. Photo courtesy of F&M
Corbett repeatedly pledged during his campaign that he would not raise taxes. But he did target school funding.
“Education takes the hardest hit (from the proposal),” said Madonna, a leading political analyst in Pennsylvania. “it seems the state is going after education.
“There’s going to be a pretty significant reduction in services from public schools,” reported Madonna.
“I see it as a win for the working folk,” said Corbett in his statement.
Superintendents from local school districts are not as enthused.
“We’ve made reductions (for next year) already,” said Dr. Michael Leichliter, Penn Manor Superintendent, who noted the district’s projections were within 1 percent of the governor’s proposal. “We’ve cut mid-day transportation for kindergarten, cut individual school budgets by 25 percent, we’ve cut maintenance.”
Penn Manor will see an 8 percent drop in its state funding, from $11 million down to $10.5 million. That reduction is just under the $1.5 million average in cuts for school districts in Lancaster County. The School District of Lancaster, which has the largest student population and budget, may see a reduction of more than $7 million in its state funding next year.
While Leichliter said the Penn Manor District is “alright” this year, he predicts bigger cuts in programs and services in upcoming years.
“In the next two years or so we are going to be making such big cuts that some parents will say, ‘this is becoming too personal for us’ and perhaps reverse the trend,” Leichliter said. “But we do have to
Teachers are one of the targets in the governor's budget. Image courtesty of NEA
be willing to make some changes.”
At the same time, state representative Scott Boyd, a Republican from West Lampeter Township, is proposing a bill that would allow schools to cut their staff even if they don’t see a significant drop in enrollment. The Pa. School Code now states that districts can only eliminate staff if enrollment drops significantly or it is reorganizing or programs are being eliminated.
Leichliter said staff reductions at Penn Manor are being done through retirements this year but the future may not be as painless for public school employees.
“Most states permit schools to furlough employees for economic reasons and Pennsylvania (currently) does not,” said Leichliter. “There will continue to be a huge gap between our revenue and our spending. In future years, every school district is going to need to consider furloughs.”
A local Democrat was outspoken in his opposition to the budget proposal.
“The proposed cuts to education mean that they’re going to be paying higher property taxes locally,” said state representative Mike Sturla, in a Lancaster Newspapers article. “Their kids are probably going to have another five or 10 kids crammed in their classrooms.”
The salaries of teachers, administrators, even janitors will be frozen for one year under Corbett’s proposal, a move that is estimated to save taxpayers $400 million.
“I am aware of the budget cuts, but to the best of my knowledge, however, the salary freeze is (at this time) a recommendation by Corbett. I don’t believe he can mandate something like that,” said Penn Manor assistant principal Jason D’Amico.
Teri Hay, an art teacher in the art department believes that “what made America’s education strong is creativity.”
“No cuts will be made in the arts, but materials will need to be rationed,” Hay said. “I hope that Corbett makes education a top priority– it’s the future of our country. Education should be the last thing to be cut,” Hay stated.
Penn Manor principal Philip Gale is glad the cuts are what they are and not what be believes they could have been,
“We’re feeling a bit of relief,” says Gale, “We anticipated the cuts- we’re glad it wasn’t worse. Public schools are in for a challenge.”
Madonna added, “(Pennsylvania’s) debt is nowhere near other states. (Ours) is more manageable. Now they are just figuring out how to deal with a four-billion dollar deficit.”
Kendal Phillips and Robin Brenner contributed to this report.
On March 4th the Broadway show, The Music Man, will be premiered at the Penn Manor High School auditorium starting at 7:30 P.M.
The plot of the musical is about a con-man, Harold Hill (Tim Deubler), who is interested in fooling the whole town of River City, Iowa into buying band instruments with promises of assembling a boy band. However, his evil master-minded plan is overthrown when he is introduced to the gorgeous, Marian Paroo (Jill Wiley) who threatens Hill stating that she will inform the whole town of his scheme.
Tim Deubler and Jill Wiley play the leads in the Penn Manor musical "The Music Man". Photo by Carolyn Zimmerman
“It is a pretty famous show and a lot of people know the songs, it’s just a classic,” said Deubler.
The musical will also feature many famous Broadway tunes such as “Ya Got Trouble,” “Till There Was You,” and “Gary, Indiana”.
“‘Ya Got Trouble’ is definitely my favorite song to perform because I am the lead in it and it look me a while to memorize so it was sort of a challenge,” added Deubler.
The Music Man had great success on Broadway, premiering in 1957 and went on to win five Tony’s and an Oscar in 1963. Penn Manor Director Melissa Telesco believes their version will be equally as appreciated.
“I think the audience will enjoy the cuteness of the little kids and the classic harmonies of the barbershop quartet,” said Telesco.
In recent years, all of the musicals were run the same way. In a switch, this year there will be two significant changes.
The obvious change is that the musical will not just be featuring high school students in it’s cast, elementary school children will be starred as well and they are thrilled to be carrying such a heavy burden.
“They are very excited, they are always asking to stay late for more practice,” Said Telesco.
Some of the children have key roles including Chris Sherts who plays Winthrop, Marian’s little brother and Lauren Elledge and Haley Fafel who plays Amaryllis, one of Marian’s piano students.
Elementary school child Chris Sherts sings on stage. Photo by Carolyn Zimmerman
The more noticeable change made in this year’s musical is that it will be open for viewing two weekends in a row, March 4th-5th and March 11th-12th with hopes of gaining a larger revenue and audience.
Each ticket costs $5 for students and $7 for adults prior to March 3rd and $6 for students and $8 for adults if purchased at the door.
Although there are changes this year, the cast and crew will still take their duties and parts as seriously as they always have.
This is the first in an occasional series about people at Penn Manor who have changed themselves for the better.
By Cheyenne Weber –
Kids at school called Evan Bigler “Big E.” And with good reason.
Obesity is the number one health risk facing the youth of America today. Obesity contributes to an estimated 400,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Evan Bigler, a Penn Manor High School junior, was once staring into those statistics at his obese weight of 285 pounds.
“I hated when kids called me “Big E” before my weight loss. I didn’t need people to remind me that I was fat,” said Bigler with a look of disgust on his face at the memory.
Bigler, before the weight loss. Photo by the Bigler family.
“It’s not that I ate unhealthy foods but I ate a lot of food all the time with little to no cardio,” Bigler explained. “I didn’t want to eat a lot, I was just hungry all the time, I couldn’t help it, I ate like a big kid because I was a big kid,” said Bigler.
Evan Bigler walks in the hallways a little different these days.
He often wears a tight T-shirt with his chest and biceps straining the fabric through his shirt and wearing his slim size-34 jeans and his slicked back, gel-spiked hair and always rocking his fresh watches, a different watch almost everyday.
But the most noticeable change in his wardrobe is the new air of confidence he wears.
“Knowing what I know of Evan Bigler, I knew if he put his mind to it, I knew he could do it,” said Doug Kramer, Bigler’s math teacher who sometimes worked out with the high school junior, developing a mentoring relationship with the teen. “I am proud of Evan for losing the weight and I am happy he got himself healthier.”
“Just keep dieting and keep exercising. Don’t stop. You’ll eventually see improvements,” insisted Bigler.
Bigler after his drastic weight loss. Photo by the Bigler family.
“If there’s anyone reading this who wants to lose weight and change their life like I did, contact me and you can use my gym anytime and I will help you get to your goal weight,” Bigler said.
“One time my family came over for dinner and I hadn’t seen my uncle in forever and my uncle said to my dad while I was sitting on the couch, ‘Who in the heck is that kid sitting on your couch?'”
“My dad goes, ‘that’s Evan’ and my uncle said ‘no way’ he looks like a new person,” remembered Bigler.
After all the weight loss and the new look, Evan started to come out of his shell and he started to get new friends and he now goes to more sporting events, dance parties and clubs.
One could say Evan is popular for the first time in his life.
But even though he has new friends and he’s talking to girls and is always busy, Evan still hangs out with his old friends saying they will always be his friends.
“Evan’s been my friend and neighbor for seven years now and I walked out of my house one day and the kid was ripped. But him losing weight and getting new friends didn’t affect our relationship as friends at all, it actually made us better friends,” said Eric Schlotzhauer.
“It’s hard to share my time with my old friends and new friends, I have been hanging with my new friends more lately and to be honest, the people I hang out with now, I just have more fun with. My old friends will always be my friends but I guess you could say I moved on in my life and just want to try new things, that I couldn’t do before,” explained Bigler.
-Waking up early for school feeling tired and sore
-Sitting in a chair all day at school
-Seven hours later, school’s over
-Now it’s Friday night and it’s game time… Are you ready?
Many athletes face these conditions and worry they aren’t ready. Their bodies may be aching from earlier games and practices that week and they turn to their pre-game best friend, Advil. But what they may not know is that they may be damaging their bodies with excessive ibuprofen rather than helping themselves.
“I’d take four before a game, it made me less sore,” one senior varsity athlete said.
“I have to take four because I feel like I’m immune to two because I’ve been taking it for so long,” a junior at Penn Manor said.
Photo courtesy of www.smackbomb.com
Even one Penn Manor administrator, a former athlete, said, “In college I used to pop 15 a day.”
It’s an accepted practice among many athletes on teams at Penn Manor to take the over-the-counter painkillers before the game, not just after. Advil, Aleve and ibuprofen are among the painkillers taken BEFORE they play and also before they feel any aches, pains or stiffness associated.
(Although the people interviewed for this story gave their names, their identities are being withheld because most coaches said they were unaware of this common practice.)
“I have to take two Advil and two ibuprofen before a game. If I only took two I wouldn’t feel as good,” a senior baseball star said.
Are these athletes really feeling better after the medication? Is it a placebo making them think they feel better? Is it actually causing more problems than it’s solving?
The truth is, these athletes say they are actually feeling better after taking these relievers, but that’s not necessarily true. The problem is that if athletes feel really sore, some think they need triple or quadruple the actual amount of the preferred dose when this in fact is not the case.
The 2010 edition of the Physicians’ Desk Reference strongly warns patients not to take more than the recommended dose, not to exceed use for more than 10 days unless directed by a physician and to use the smallest effective dose. One of the many side effects of taking ibuprofen is a severe allergic reaction.
Another problem with athletes taking these medications, according to the same source, is that the pills may raise blood pressure during the contest or event which could easily affect players’ ability.
And there can be even more severe results of taking too much ibuprofen.
image courtesy of http://www.generics.name/aleve.html
According to research institutes, Ibuprofen overdose damages your internal organs like the liver. While in some cases it has been reported that it has result in a permanent liver damage, in other cases where the victim was taking the dose for a long and continued period it has resulted in organ failure one by one.
Second question is, are these athletes aware of the negative effects?
The responses from athletes were much the same.
“I didn’t think so. I always felt fine and have been taking them all my life,” said one.
“I just do it,” said another.
“Nope.”
“I just take it during the season.”
It’s not clear whether coaches are aware of the extent of this practice.
Dave Hess, track and field coach, said, “I didn’t know any athletes took them. I wouldn’t think of any athletes doing that.”
Athletic director, Jeff Roth, said, “I’ve never heard of it.”
Final question, Did you know that many athletes are taking 4 ibuprofen before participating?
Coach Hess followed with, “WHAT?”
Mr. Roth said, “I can’t believe that.. They’re just not in shape!”
