Are Wrestler's Just Like Everbody Else?

Are wrestler's just like everybody else?  What makes them different from other athletes?  Jake Herbert, 2012 Olympian, gives his short explanation on what sets the wrestler apart from others.  Watch the video and feel free to comment.  Regardless of what you think, the video does a great job show casing the effort that a wrestler puts out.  Something every sports fan should appreciate.  

  

It's Good to Do Good

50 Years of Wrestling Celebration

Calling all  Brandywine Heights Bullet Wrestling Alumni and Coaches,

50 years of wrestling deserves celebrating!  Please be our honored guest and help us celebrate 50 Years of Bullet Wrestling on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 11:30am at the Brandywine Heights High School gym.

In 1962 the PIAA officially recognized Bullet wrestling as a varsity sport.  In the last 50 years, over 400 athletes have competed as a Bullet wrestler.  Throughout the past seasons, many pins have been scored, many opponents have been defeated, many conferences championships have been won and many medals have been awarded.  These victories have built a long and storied wrestling tradition that still stands strong today.  But our tradition has also been built by the discipline and courage that each athlete displayed no matter the win-loss record.   This is the tradition that was built by 400 tough, spirited, and disciplined wrestlers.  Wrestlers like yourself.  Bullet Wrestlers.

The goal is to have at least one member from every team from each of the last 50 years.  All alumni wrestlers attending will be recognized during a special ceremony prior to the wrestling match against Columbia.  There will be a reception in the cafeteria after the match.  Bring pictures, your medals and of course, any good Coach Lovello stories.

If possible, RSVP by:

Finding us on Facebook and joining the Alumni Match Event on Bullet Wrestling Facebook

Sending an email to locoparentis1225@aol.com

Calling 610-682-9923 and leave a message.

Outstanding Sponsor Award

Much thanks to Fenstermacher Construction for a very generous donation to the Bullet Mat Club.   Their donation has earned them the Outstanding Sponsor Award for the the 2013 season.  Fenstermacher Construction's donation along with our other sponsors' donations has made it possible to purchase new singlets, new sweatshirts, strength training and LVAC clinics.  Please check out our sponsor page.  Stop by one of their businesses and thank them.

Team sporting new sweatshirts compliments of our Sponsors!

Catchin' Up with Coach A

Coach A talks about the team's improvements,  the upcoming Oley match and head Coach Lovello.

District 3 Standings

The Bullets moved up in the District 3 Rankings after last weekend performance.  Bullets are now ranked 10th coming up 6 spots after last weekends performance.  Congratulations Bullets.  In order to advance in the District playoffs, the Bullets need to be in the top 8.  As of Jan 20th, both Schuylkill Valley and Hamburg were in the top 8 teams, while Wyomissing was listed at 12th.  For the entire list, click on the link below.  

 PIAA District 3 Team Rankings

FYI - Schedule Change

Just wanted to make sure everyone knows about the schedule change. The Oley match will be on Thursday, January 24 at 6:30pm at Oley Valley!

Weekend of Wrestling

500 Wins for Coach Lovello

Congratulations to Coach Sam Lovello on achieving an amazing 500 career wins yesterday at the Twin Valley Raider Duals.  He becomes only the 6th PA coach to have accomplished this.  Thanks to Coach for all the years of dedication and service to our high school team.  Imagine the number of  "teaching moments" in 37 years!

The Twin Valley Wrestling community did a great job of acknowledging this milestone, stopping the tournament to recognize Coach Lovello and award him a certificate and team picture.

The Bullets went 4-1 for the day losing only to James Coughlin High School in the final dual of the day 39-31.  Probably the most exciting match of the day was when the Bullets beat Twin Valley by 1 point, coming down to the last match.  Again, the Bullets showed a lot of heart during this match, especially junior wrestler Zach Sessions.

We went old school for Coach 500th win and dug out a photo from a SV match.   It shows the enthusiasm he still has for this sport, even after 500 wins and 37 years.

Bullets over Spartans by 1 Point

Bullets had a great night tonight with a BIG victory over Wyomissing.  After giving up a forfeit at 220 lbs, the Bullets trailed the entire dual match but pulled out the victory with 3 pins in the last 3 matches.  There were some herculean efforts made throughout the line-up.  Safe to say, everyone did what they needed to.   Coach Lovello got his 498th win tonight.  The fans loved it.

Lucas Reichard gets a quick pin to start the turn around.

Dan Schmeck working for the pin

Brandon Langston fighting for hand control

Chris Langston with the final pin of the night
that put the Bullets ahead by 1 pt to win the dual.

Senior Night Frivolity

We are going to miss these senior Managers and Wrestlers next year.

Senior Night Pomp

Last night the Past, Present and Future of Bullet Wrestling were honored in a short ceremony before the match.  

Our seniors, Chris Langston, Adam Mackie and Pete Renda  will too soon become part of our past as they move beyond their high school years as Bullet wrestlers.  Collectively they represent 26 years of dedication and hard work for our wrestling teams.  From the Bullet Mat Club to PIAA State Championship competition they have honored our school with their dedication, relentless striving and success.

Our high school team is our present.  Together they continue 50 years of Brandywine wrestling.  Whether working hard in the wrestling room or in competition they proudly continue our legacy of outstanding wrestling. At a school known to support and hold high this great sport they are our connection to our storied past and our hopes for a bright future.  

Similarly, the youth wrestlers of our Bullet Mat Club are our future.  They aspire to walk in the footsteps of our former wrestling greats and to go even further when their time comes.  For the oldest among them that is only three years away.  For the youngest it may be nine years.  When their time comes we will be here to cheer them on as well.  50 years of Bullet wrestling…are you kidding?  We’ve just begun!

GBG

Sam Lovello Earns National Hall of Fame Honor

Sam Lovello has earned the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.  Congratulations Sam.  This is well-deserved!  Fans are looking forward to celebrating his 500th win in the upcoming days.  Read the full article in today's Reading Eagle.

Lovello Earns Hall of Fame Service Award

Sam's Corner - Number 3

Sam took some time to talk about the upcoming matches this week, in particular, the Schulykill Valley  matchup.  It should be a fun match.  Come on out!

Poll Results - Dan Gable

Almost 75% of our pollsters agreed!

Get the Word Out

If anybody reading this blog knows a Bullet Wrestling Alumni please let them know that we are celebrating 50 yrs of Bullet Wrestling and would like them to attend the wrestling match schedule for February 2, 2013 at Noon. Our hope is to have one wrestler from each of the fifty years that Bullet Wrestling has been recognized by the PIAA.  There will be a reception after the match and plenty of time to re-live the 'ol days.

Alumni should RSVP to the facebook event at Face Book Alumni Match

OR

send an email to locoparentis1225@aol.com, with the subject line as Alumni Match

It would be great to get all alumni out to celebrate 50 years!

Go Bullets Go.  GBG.

Our Champions

Hunter Gimbor - 106 lbs

Adam Mackie at 182 lbs

Pete Renda at 170 lbs

Senior Night

Hope to see everyone come out for Wednesday's match against Schuylkill Valley.  Our 3 seniors wrestlers will be recognized before the match.  The future of Bullet Wrestling will also be recognized.  Our elementary wrestlers will also be recognized!  Our senior wrestlers include Pete Renda, Chris Langston and Adam Mackie.

Go Bullets Go.  GBG.

Bullets Earn 6 Medals

The Bullet's hard work is only beginning to pay-off earning them 6 medals in this weekend's BCIAA Individual Tournament and 5th place in the team standings.  Freshman wrestler at 106 and fourth seed earned his first place medal pinning his opponent in the finals match.  Pete Renda scored a tech fall (16-0) against Schulykill Valley's Joey Waack in the finals match.  Adam Mackie easily controlled Marcus Johnson in his final's match (7-0) and also earned a first place medal for the Bullets.  Dan Schmeck lost a very close match in the semi-finals but dominated in the consolation bracket and took 3rd place.  Langston thrilled the fans with his close matches throughout the entire bracket and earned 5th place with a take down in the last seconds of the match.  Austin Weller earned his sixth place medal loosing in OT but showing tremendous fight and improvement.

All wrestlers are showing great improvement.  None of them are afraid of hard work.  Tough week ahead with matches against Schuylkill Valley on Wednesday and Wyomissing on Friday.

Enjoy the picture of the team and coaching staff celebrating after the tournament.  The person standing behind Coach Lovello is Kevin Oswald who will be helping the team out in the second half of the season.

Rippey's Believe It or Not - County Preview

Sorry this wasn't posted sooner.  Brian Rippey gives his preview of what to expect at this weekend's County Tournament.  Bullets have been working hard in the wrestling room and in the weight room this week.  Their work is going to start paying off.  

Wrestling starts at 5:30pm on Friday night at Reading High School.  

Click here for >> Rippey's Preview

Sam's Corner - Take 2

Another installment of Sam's Corner where he looked back at the Conrad Weiser match and looks forward to the Kutztown match on Wednesday.  It is always entertaining and insightful to hear directly from Coach Lovello so check out the video.

 

Recap Rap

Scouts, Bouts and Shouts

It had me nervous at the start,
We gave 18 for free.
To beat these guys will be an art,
Bonus points will be key.

The first Scout out was pretty stout,
Had 50 extra pounds.
Collin Conrad to Conrad Weiser,
First one's a Bullet bout.

That first pin just got us rollin
Our crowd got pretty loud
The Scout coach got obnoxious
Our fans just drowned him out.

Had some pins from likely suspects,
One win I really liked.
Kyle Caskie put the hammer down,
He teched and our score spiked.

Things got a little rowdy
Over a certain call.
Weiser got a big gift,
Luke wasn't pinned at all.

It started a commotion
A pow-wow there ensued.
It sparked a strong emotion,
As far as fans? We booed!

In the fray they said, "Dan stay!"
Just let us work this out first.
Once it had blown over
A few of us had cursed.

They had three wins and forfeits- two,

...that "pin" that wasn't real.

And when the dust had settled,

The winner was revealed.

It wasn't smooth, it wasn't pretty,

The 'zebra' stole the show.

But when it all was over,

twas really nice to know,

We had some points and they had fewer,

The side shows didn't kill it,

In the end the Bullets won,

The others had to chill it.

G-B-G  Go-Bullets-Go! 

Bullets Beat Scouts

Great match by all Bullet wrestlers last night against the Conrad Weiser Scouts.  Bullets won the match 38-34. The wrestling started at 285 lbs.  Collin Conrad wrestles up against the CW heavyweight who weighed in at 270 lbs.  A take down by Conrad got the crowd charged up and he pins his opponent in the first period.  Kyle Caskie stepped up tonight, wrestling in his first varsity match of the season and ended his match with a HUGE tech fall for the Bullets.  Check out the short highlight video of both matches.

Both teams had to endure some questionable calls.  Glad to see that it didn't interfere with quality wrestling or with the outcome of the match.

  

Shout Out to Kirby Heagy

Meet Bullet Manager Kirby Heagy.  Kirby has been a fan of Bullet wrestling since she was 10, attending matches to watch her cousins.  Her knowledge and interest in the sport is a HUGE asset to the team.  She can be seen at the scorer's table, taking video on the sidelines or  making sure the team is hydrated.  Organization is a key skill of Kirby's and both the coaches benefit from this attribute!  Thanks for all you do Kirby.  Read on to learn more about Kirby.

Q.  How many years have you been managing the Bullet Wrestling team?

A.  2 years!

Q.  What made you want to be a manager for the team?

A. I have been watching wrestling since I was little.  I figured if I was going to be at the matches, I might as well help out.

Q.  Did anyone in your family wrestle?

A.  Yes, my cousins Kyle and Mark Moser. 

Q.  What do you like most about being a manager for the team?

A.  I don't mind getting the guys anything they need, but my favorite would be just going along to all the matches and seeing the guys' hard work pay off.

Q.  What do you like most about the sport of wrestling?

A.  I like how it test your self control and how only certain people are cut out for the sport.

Q.  Do you play any sport?  

A.  Yes, I play soccer and field hockey.

Q.  Any good "coach" stories you want to share?

A.  I asked Coach Adam what I should write for this question and he said I should say that he is perfect and his name should be The Rock God.

Q.  If you were the coach, would the wrestlers be running more sprints or fewer sprints?

A.  Depends if they are nice to me or not. 

Q.  What is the best word or phrase to describe Bullet Wrestling?

A.  "Keeps you on your toes."

Bullet Boast - Adam Mackie

Meet senior wrestler Adam Mackie.  Adam has been wrestling since he could walk...well, probably even before that. Bullet fans love to watch Adam's explosive style of wrestling.  He goes BIG.  Fans are always entertained by his matches.  Picture below is Adam pinning his opponent, as usual.  Read on to learn more about Adam.

GBG.

Q.  How many years have you been wrestling? 

A.  12 yrs 

Q.  How did you get started in wrestling? 

A. My Siblings

Q.  What is your favorite wrestling memory or highlight? 

A.  Winning a State Medal.

Q.  What is your favorite food in-season? 

A.  Anything I want.

Q.  What is your favorite food out of season?

A.  Anything I want. 

Q.  What advice would you give an elementary school wrestler? 

A. Get out now....Just kidding.  Stay with it!

Q.  Why do you wrestle? What do you like about wrestling? 

A.  I like to win.

Q.  Do you have a goal for the season? 

A.  State Champ!

Q.  Best word or phrase to describe Bullet Wrestling? 

A.  Never surrender.

Rippey's Rankings - Jan 15

Congratulations to the Bullet Wrestlers who showed up today in the Berk's Wrestling Rankings.  Renda and Mackie both took the #1 spots at 170 lbs and 182 lbs, respectively.  Freshman wrestler, Hunter Gimbor is currently ranked #2 at 106 lbs behind Lucas Miller of Boyertown.

Looking forward to head-to-head competition of all the Berks wrestlers at the BCIAA Individual Tournament on January 11 and 12th.

GBG.  Go Bullets Go.

Where Have All the Fans Gone?

Twenty years ago in 1993, the Bullets wrestled the Oley Valley Lynx in front of a crowd of 2,900 enthusiastic fans at Kutztown University.  Not surprisingly, the Bullets overcame and conquered the Lynx in an awesome 36-24 victory.  That year the Bullet wrestlers went undefeated until they met Wilson and Cocalico in the final matches of the season.  Their overall record was 18-2.  Even considering the impressive stats for the team, this blogger  would not have believed the size of the crowd had I not read it in the 1993 BHHS yearbook and confirmed it with one of the wrestlers on the team, our own Coach A.

In 2013, our wrestlers are working just as hard as the wrestlers did in 1993.  What can be done to bring more fans out to our matches?


 

Bullet Boast - Coach A

Meet Assistant Coach Steve Adam.  A former Bullet wrestler himself, Coach A has been assisting Coach Lovello for 16 years!  Coach Adam is known for his latest gadgets, Call of Duty skills and putting together killer wrestling practices.  Read more below to learn what makes this coach tick.

Q.  How many years have you been wrestling?

A.  Since I could tie my own shoes.

Q.  How did you get started in wrestling?

A.  My father.  He got tired of me beating on him.

Q.  How long have you been coaching the Bullets?

A.  16 years.

Q.  What do you like about coaching high school wrestling?

A.  Seeing wrestlers get progressively better.

Q.  Do you have a favorite wrestling memory or moment?

A.  Having 3 wrestlers in the State Finals in one year and one of them being the first Bullet State Champion.

Q.  What is your favorite sport to watch besides wrestling?

A.  College Football

Q.  What is your favorite sports team?

A.  Philadelphia Flyers

Q.  What is your favorite food or restaurant?

A.  P. F. Changs

 

Conrad Weiser Scouting Report

Conrad Weiser is currently sporting a 7-5 record, loosing to Annville Cleona, Pine Grove, Dover, Hershey and Exeter.  Brian Rippey's earlier report this year said that "The Scouts will be solid in the upper weights but will need help in the middle to keep pace with the top teams."  In his scouting report, he mentions the following upper weights as contenders:

Dylan Dalton @160 lbs has 10-1 record this year,
Michael Picard @170 lbs with a 5-2 record,
Colby Aumon @195 lbs with a 13-2 record
Brandon Naverion @220 lbs with a 14-2 record this year.

Bullets will be training hard this week to take on the Scouts on Friday night at 6:30pm at BHHS.

Go Bullets Go (GBG)

 

Inspiration for 2013