On Friday September 15th, 2023, the Bulldogs of Big Spring faced off against the undefeated Camp Hill Lions. The game was played at Camp Hill, and was a battle from the start. 

The Bulldogs took off from the get go, with Big Spring Senior Connor Green pushing through the Camp Hill endzone, to put the Bulldogs on the board 7-0 to to end the first quarter.

Throughout the Second and Third Quarters, the Lions and Bulldogs played back and forth, with big runs stemming from Camp Hill Running Back, Kobe Moore. 

The game was coming to a close, the score being 28-21 with 2 minutes left to play in the game. The Bulldogs had the ball, starting on the 10 yard line. Big Spring made one final push, resulting in a Touchdown scored by Senior, Connor Green. The Bulldogs took a risk, and went for the 2 point conversion, securing it, and putting the Bulldogs ahead 29-28 in the last minute of the game. 

Ever Always Strong

By: Kathryn Black

On Friday, September 8th, 2023, The Big Spring Bulldogs hosted a home game against the visiting Newport Buffalos. The Bulldogs hosted their annual Armed Forces Appreciation Night, where they honored all veterans, law enforcement officers, active members of service, and spouses and families involved in the Military. The Student Section even sported USA colors. 

Before the game, the Bulldogs honored 4 seniors for their accomplishments and service. Senior Caden Clarke was recognized for enlisting in the Air Force, with plans to start training after his Graduation in the spring. Jayden Stewart was recognized for enlisting in the United States Army, and just recently completed his Basic Training. Peyton Weekley was recognized for enlisting in the United States Army, as well as completing his Basic Training. Lastly, senior Derek Gilbert was recognized for his enlisted service in the Army National Guard. These seniors accompanied the Big Spring Captains to midfield for the coin toss. 

The Bulldogs started off with high energy, and determination. They came out strong out of the kickoff, and soon took the lead. The Bulldogs were a powerhouse on the offensive end, with a total of 7 touchdowns, 4 of which coming from Junior Running Back, Grant Hall. The Bulldogs swept the Buffalos in a shutout of 47-0 to finish the Friday Night Game. 

By : Kathryn Black

On Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, The Big Spring Bulldogs took on the visiting James Buchanan Rockets at home. 

The First Half showed great potential for both teams, and was complete with runs from both the Bulldogs and the Rockets. The Bulldogs played exceptional defense, and made great attempts on the offensive end of the field as well. Sophomore Landon Mayer, the goalkeeper, had many clutch saves for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs came back strong in the second half, pushing harder towards the Rockets goal, and eventually came through and scored, winning the game in a sweep for the Big Spring Bulldogs, 2-0. 

Ever Always Strong

By: Kathryn Black

On Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, the Big Spring Field Hockey team took on the Spartans of Milton Hershey at home. 

The game started off slow, with a scoreless first and second quarter for both teams. The Bulldogs dominated the defensive end of the game, and the Spartans pushed back on the attack. 

In the second half, the Bulldogs came out strong, advancing up the field in numbers-up situations, with Freshman Kenzie Musselman driving in the first goal for the Bulldogs. Soon after Sophomore Maria Tandle drew a penalty corner for Big Spring, which resulted in her scoring the second goal of the game. After a few more attempts from Milton Hershey, Kenzie Musselman had a steal, and brought it down the attacking end of the field, driving in the final goal for the Bulldogs, resulting in a 3-0 win for Big Spring. 

Ever, Always Strong

By Rylee Garman

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the baseball team faced Boiling Springs at home. Before the game, they recognzied their six seniors. 

Christian Boulliane plans to attend a college to pursue a degree in business. Ethan Eisenberg will be attending Juniata College to further his education and play football. Carter Hall will be attending Mississippi State University this fall. After graduation, Josh Motter plans to take a gap year to attend ALERT academy in Big Sandy, Texas. Following his gap year, Josh will pursue a college degree in business or engineering. Adam O’Leary plans to attend Penn State Mont Alto after graduation. Caleb plans to attend Texas Christian University to major in exercise science.  

These six seniors enjoyed their moments on and off the field with their team over the past four years. Each of them advised their fellow teammates to trust the process and to enjoy every moment. 

During the first inning of the game, the Bubblers brought energy and scored two runs right away. By the second inning, Boiling Springs had a 3-0 lead over the Bulldogs. 

O’Leary’s double in the fifth inning allowed Clarke and Motter to make it home. The Bulldogs attempted a comeback, but the Bubblers brought intensity to the sixth inning and scored five runs. Big Spring scored once more in the bottom of the sixth, but it was not enough to get the win. 

The Bulldogs lost 8-3 against Boiling Springs. 

Ever, Always Strong.  

By Rylee Garman

On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, the Big Spring softball team welcomed Greencastle to their home field. Before the game, they recognized their six seniors, three of which will continue their athletic career at the collegiate level. 

Madalyn Black’s plan after graduation is to attend Shippensburg University and major in early elementary education. Fallon Feaser plans to attend Messiah University and pursue a degree in accounting while continuing to play softball. Jaden Hair’s plan after graduation is to attend Roanoke College where she will major in Health and Exercise and continue playing softball. Raychael Holtry plans to attend Shippensburg University to major in exercise science and allied health with a pre-professional concentration. Rylee Piper plans to attend Wilson college where she will major in Art and Design and continue playing softball. Their final senior, Emily Willinsky, plans to go to Shippensburg University to major in elementary education after graduation. 

When asked about their favorite memories, most of the seniors quickly mentioned their postseason run in 2022 that led them to states. This season, they have managed to hold a high spot in their division, and will move on to postseason play once again. 

After recognizing their seniors, the Bulldogs fought hard against the Blue Devils. Greencastle scored one run in the first inning, but the Bulldogs quickly responded with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. During the second inning, the Blue Devils brought energy and scored three runs. The Bulldogs tried but couldn’t find their momentum until the bottom of the fourth inning where they scored three runs. 

With a 5-4 lead going into the seventh inning, the Bulldogs allowed the Blue Devils to score 4 runs. Big Spring was unable to return the momentum and lost the game 8-5. 

Ever, Always Strong.

By Rylee Garman

On Thursday, February 2, the Swimming and Diving team celebrated their senior athletes before a meet against Susquehanna Township. 

There were five seniors recognized for the bulldogs - including Julia Chestnut, Nick Egger, Seth Fertig, Ava Lay, and Caleb Stewart.

Chestnut has swam for the past 12 years and will never forget the close bonds she has created with this team. During this meet, she placed first with her team in the Women’s 200 Yard Medley Relay as well as in the Women’s 200 Yard Freestyle Relay. She also placed first in the Women’s 500 Yard Freestyle event with a time of 6:09.15 alongside her sister, Aubrey Chestnut, who placed second with a time of 6:34.57. The advice she offers to underclassmen is to keep putting forth effort. “Always try your best during races,” said Chestnut, “trust the process, and just remember coach knows best when it comes to the lineup.”

Egger placed first in the Men’s 200 Yard Freestyle with a time of 2:04.28, as well as in the Men’s 500 Yard Freestyle. One of his favorite memories is being put in the 500 Yard Freestyle for the first time and realizing he liked the event. After swimming for 12 years, his advice for the team is to “work through the pain because you’ll only get faster by swimming faster.”

Fertig, the only diving senior, placed first for the Men’s 1 Meter Diving with a final score of 243.75. He also placed second in the Men’s 50 Yard Freestyle event. When asked about his advice to underclassmen, Fertig said, “Become a diver so that you can sit in the hot tub and watch the swimmers work hard.”

Lay has been swimming for four years and has loved dying teammates’ hair for districts, going out to eat with the team, and playing mermaids during practice. During the meet, Lay took first place in the Women’s 200 Yard Freestyle with a time of 2:15.00. She also took first place in the Women’s 200 Yard Medley Relay and the Women’s 200 Yard Freestyle relay with her teammates - including fellow senior Julia Chestnut. Lay advises underclassmen to always have fun.  “Keep with the sport no matter how hard it gets,” said Lay, “and as always, trust the process.”

The final senior on the team, Stewart, has also swam for four years. He took first place in the Men’s 50 Yard Freestyle with a time of 24.48 and in the Men’s 100 Yard Butterfly with a time of 1:01.38. To his underclassmen teammates, Stewart said, “You don’t need to breathe, but actually.” His final words of advice to the team were that “fast turns equal fast times, and listen to Coach J.”

Ever, Always Strong.

By Rylee Garman

On Tuesday, January 31, the Swimming and Diving teams entered the pool to battle Shippensburg, while the Boys Basketball team worked on the court to beat Northern. 

Starting off strong, the Bulldog diver Seth Fertig took first for men’s diving. The boys took this momentum throughout the meet to win almost all of the swimming events as well. On the boys side, Big Spring beat the Greyhounds 103-72.

However, Big Spring’s girls swimmers did not hold a lead for most of the meet. The decider came down to the final event: the Women’s 400 Yard Freestyle Relay. Big Spring’s A team - including Courtney Cherricks, Ava Christopher, Lexi Clouse, and Rebekah Fertig - took first place, allowing the girls team to secure the win. They beat the Greyhounds by only 1 point, winning 90-89.

Meanwhile, Big Spring’s boys and girls basketball teams battled Northern. After losing to the Polar Bears the first time, the Bulldogs looked to make a comeback against them on the home court. They kept up with Northern, ending the first quarter 15-16 and going into halftime 18-21. 

Even though the Bulldogs came into the second half down, they had no problem bringing the score back up and exiting the third quarter leading 32-26. As the Polar Bears kept fighting to make a comeback, the Bulldogs brought their energy into the fourth quarter. In the last minute of the game, the Bulldogs led by only 1 point. Finally, with 10.7 seconds left in the game, junior Levi Stewart was fouled. Stewart made both of his foul shots, allowing the Bulldogs to have a 3-point lead against the Polar Bears.

Big Spring secured the win on their home court, 41-38. Junior Jake Knouse was the top scorer for the Bulldogs with 16 total points.

Ever, Always Strong.  

By Rylee Garman

Tonight, Big Spring will be hosting events to honor female athletes. At the first wrestling match solely for the girls held in the high school gym, there will be a time to honor the seniors and female athletes of all ages. 

The two senior wrestlers recognized tonight are Faith Warner and Ava Weibley. Both of them were asked to reflect on their time in the sport and how it has impacted them. 

Warner has appreciated the support she’s received from the program. “We have a great group of coaches who dedicate a lot of time to us,” said Warner. “This team is more like a family than I could ever ask for. I really appreciate knowing I have a good support system.” Her favorite memory from her time on the team was when she got her first pin in a boys varsity match against James Buchanan. “[Seeing] how excited the community got is a moment I will never forget,” said Warner. 

Weibley loves the sport and feels like wrestling has taught her a lot. “It’s taught me mental toughness, which is how you win matches,” said Weibley. “The team feels like my family. I feel like having such a great support system is what makes me want to come and want to do better.” The most memorable moment from her senior year was their match against Boiling Springs. “They are our rivals and we’ve never wrestled them before. The energy was through the roof.” 

Warner’s reminds younger members of the team, “You stand a chance with every single person you walk out on the mat with. Don’t lose confidence. You’re gonna win, you’re gonna lose. It’s just about what you can do in the next match or the next period that will make a difference.”

Weibley’s advice for younger members of the program is to not give up. “If it’s want you want, get it. Mental toughness is what's gonna get you there.”

Before tonight’s match, there will be a Parade of Champions to recognize all female athletes. Lady bulldogs athletes are encouraged to join We LIFT club as they host this event. Female athletes will meet in the cafeteria between 6:30-6:45pm dressed in their maroon and gold. 

After the Parade of Champions, come to honor the girls wrestling seniors and watch the entire team battle Gettysburg.

Ever, Always Strong.

By Rylee Garman

Tonight, on January 26, 2023, the boys wrestling team will be having their senior night. To reminisce on their time in the program, they were asked a few questions to reflect upon how the Big Spring Wrestling Program has impacted them.

How has the Big Spring Wrestling program impacted you? 

Clayton Hetrick: “[The program has] pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as an individual.”

Rodney Reed: “[Wrestling] teaches you to not quit when things get low. It doesn’t define you as a person. You learn a lot from wrestling.”

Jay Roberds: “Wrestling is one of those sports where you can learn a lot of life lessons and build up mental toughness for everything you go through in life. Not just on the mat, but in other sports, in the classroom, and in life in general.”

The senior wrestlers were also asked what advice they would give to younger members of the program. 

Hetrick’s best advice for younger members of the program is to recognize it will be tough - especially during your first two years of high school. Hetrick said, “The first two years will pay off for the second two by ten times as much. Once you start trusting the process and getting your time in, it will all come together a lot faster than you anticipated.”

Reed felt like he learned a lot from wrestling and all that comes with it. His best advice is to recognize that one must “adapt to adversity.” This is applicable to all areas of life.

Roberds’ best advice is that “no matter who you are, just trust the process. There’s nothing more you can do than that.” He also mentioned the short time one has in high school sports. “Keep pushing and keep trying because you only get so many years to do this,” said Roberds. “But once it’s gone you can never go back, so just love it all.”

The seniors will be recognized before their match against Greencastle tonight at 7:15 pm. 

Ever, Always Strong.