It was colder than usual this morning when I got out of bed. I sat up, letting my eyes adjust to the light and threw my legs over the side of the bed. As I began to stand up, my knees felt stiff, as though the bones were grinding together. My right knee gave out […]
KRISTINA SEWELL
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Benchwarmer: Workout weirdoes
As I drag myself out of bed again at 4:15 a.m. for my morning workout, I remind myself that 2016 is the year I’m going to reach my fitness goals—pending the fact that I win the constant battle between my love of beer and Mexican food. With the New Year still fresh in people’s minds, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Emmy De La Pena
Water polo player Emmy De La Pena said that the smell of chlorine is her favorite perfume. A senior goalie for Pioneer Valley High School, De La Pena is embarking on her fourth season of Panther water polo. “I started playing my freshman year because my sister told me to try it out—even though I […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Tell the truth: The Benchwarmer wants fewer athlete concussions and a safer NFL
The human brain is a beautiful thing, and continues to fascinate scientists and researchers around the globe. The brain is so magnificent that it produces enough electricity to power a small light bulb, and can produce 70,000 thoughts a day (on average). By 2023, computers may operate as fast as the human brain. Unfortunately, it […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Fit fads: The Benchwarmer is fed up with marketing gimmicks and weight loss contraptions
As I sit here on my beloved piece of pine bench, I think back to four years ago when my health mission officially began. Back in those days, the pine bench would have sagged beneath the unhealthy 185 pounds that I carried around. People have often asked me, “How did you do it?” More times […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Benchwarmer: It’s time for the NFL’s commissioner to revise discipline strategies for players
It’s the fall season, pumpkin spice is everywhere, and football Sundays are back. With my Green Bay Packers at 3-0 (and the 49ers at 0-3), I’m quite comfortable and pleased with my spot on the bench; all is right in my world. Football season for the Benchwarmer means a few things: It means sporting my […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Rousey rising: A benchwarmer argues against those who call the UFC champ’s career short lived
I’m just going to come right out with it. Ronda Rousey is one badass mama-jamma. Both as an athlete and a female, I have developed a deep admiration for this gifted, one-of-a-kind fighter. This has been a wonderful summer for female athletes. More than halfway through the summer sport season, the most exciting news has […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Torey Barrett
Long-time Pioneer Valley wrestling coach and social science teacher Kevin Ilac said senior female wrestler Torey Barrett is a great example of how commitment and sacrifice can transform your life. “Torey is the most decorated athlete from our girls’ program and one of the greatest in Pioneer Valley history,” Ilac said. Ilac first met Barrett […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Mission Hope Cancer Center puts on yoga classes for restorative and fundraising efforts
The “C” word. The “Big C.” Cancer. This is not a diagnosis any of us want to hear during a trip to the doctor’s office. Cancer kills an astronomical amount of people annually, that much is obvious. It is a killer that doesn’t discriminate by age, race, or gender. It is a killer that has […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Alex Andrade
The first thing that coach Marc Tosches noticed about Orcutt Academy freshman track thrower, Alex Andrade, was the tremendous physical strength he already has at 14 years old. It’s a sign that he will only get stronger and better in the future. But even more than that, Tosches said what really stands out about this […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Ring royalty: A local wrestler has big dreams of making the WWE circuit
To most, he is known as Elias “Buddy” Garcia, a coach, instructional assistant, and aspiring teacher who is an impressive combination of humble, hard-working, and determined. But in the wrestling ring, he’s known as Buddy Royal—an evil villain that kicks ass with old-school flare and cocky antics. The training gym, where Garcia practices at least […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The benchwarmer: Keep baseball the way it is
There are a few traditions that my family diligently observes: cinnamon rolls at Christmas, family breakfast on Sundays, and baseball season. Just like Christmas, baseball season comes around once a year. Crops are planted, backyard barbecues are ignited, and all eyes are trained on opening day. I love baseball season. This year, like every year, […]