Rippey's Challenge

Besides looking forward to the Bullet Invitational, you know it is wrestling season when you look forward to Brian Rippey's predictions in the Reading Eagle.  Just like rules, predictions by Rippey are made to be broken.  This year Rippey comments on how the power in Berks wrestling is shifting to the big schools.  Since 2011 it seems that either Governor Mifflin or Wilson has won the Berks title.  These large schools definitely have opportunities that a smaller school wouldn't have, mainly a lot of kids to fill the 14 weight class slots and a football program to help feed the upper weights. However, this might be considered an excuse by some since the five years prior to 2011, the Berks title was shared by either the Bullets of BHHS or the Panthers of Schuylkill Valley. And in reality, you only need 14 wrestlers, not entire offensive and defensive lines.

Did Rippey just openly challenge the smaller schools in Berks county?

Early this week, Coach Sam Lovello indicated we might have two forfeits in the line-up.  Even Sam admitted that this will hurt the Bullet's chances, especially against a "Wilson" who has 4 returning Berks champions and took 4th place at the District 3 tournament last year.  How does a program fight off their back in this situation?  Unfortunately, there are no quick answers to two open weight classes.  

This kind of problem requires a "system" approach.  It requires all levels (elementary, middle school and high school) to be working together to address the needs of the wrestlers.  It needs the support and understanding from school administrators, the community and the alumni wrestlers. The good news is that our Bullet Wrestling program understands this and are already working on solutions to keep at least 14 wrestlers on the mat every season.   

Anyone who knows a good wrestler, knows that he is an extremely competitive person.  They are scrappers and rarely back down from a challenge.  They find ways to win.  Good wrestling programs, just like that wrestler, are competitive too. I guarantee Bullet Wrestling will not be backing down from Rippey's challenge to take back the wrestling power in Berks.     

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