Times News Online

Pleasant Valley's James Felipa pushes Parkland's Billy Hoh to the mat as he maintains control in their 126-pound match Felipa won 4-3. BOB FORD /TIMES NEWS

Bears fall to Parkland in district semifinals

BETHLEHEM - Mark Getz knew his team would need a miracle to knock off Parkland in Saturday afternoon's semifinal round of the District 11 3A dual tournament.

Unfortunately, that miracle never came.

The Bears jumped out to an 11-0 advantage after winning the first three bouts, but would lose eight out of the next eleven to fall to Parkland, 38-24.

Giving up forfeits at 120 and 160 had the Bears behind the eight ball from the outset of the match and Getz knew it was going to be difficult playing catch up against one of the elite programs in the area.

Columns

Does diabetes lead to Alzheimer's?

Coincidence? Possibly. Correlation? Probably.

And if the truth is found in the latter rather than the former, America may look like the Land of the Living Dead by 2050.

The two facts that I fear are related? The increase in a physical affliction that we willfully give ourselves through improper diet and a lack of exercise, type 2 diabetes, and the increase in a mental disease for which there is no known cure, Alzheimer's.

Features

Sherkness is still 'Queen of Court'

For Marykate Sherkness, her supporting cast couldn't have been any different. Yet, the end result proved to be exactly the same. For the second straight season, Sherkness continued her reign as "Queen of the Court," as the Marian junior has once again been recognized as the 2011 TIMES NEWS Volleyball Player of the Year. As a sophomore, Sherkness captured Player of the Year honors as a role player among an experienced roster consisting of six senior starters.

Racing

Haydt stays hot

Tyler Haydt has suddenly become the man to beat at Mahoning Valley Speedway as the 26-year old from Kunkletown, fresh off his 100-lap Modified win a week ago, raced to his second straight victory which in the process also padded his point lead. Haydt's third win of the year came in a highly competitive feature that through most of the distance saw the front runners faceoff in a tight bunch with the likes of Chip Santee, Don Wagner, John Bennett, Zane Zeiner and Lonnie Haydt all racing under a blanket.

High School

BOB FORD/TIMES NEWS Lehighton's Tyler Crum (24) goes up for a shot as Pleasant Valley's Thomas Gerolimatos moves in underneath.

Streak ends!

There is probably no one associated with the Lehighton boys basketball program that enjoyed Tuesday night more than Nate Kresge. The Indians' 40-33 Mountain Valley Conference victory over Pleasant Valley featured a bench-clearing celebration on the floor and even a mini court-rush by the Lehighton student section. There were hugs, handshakes and high fives exchanged as the Indians put an end to a five-year, 59-game MVC losing streak.

Outdoors

PGC annual sale of bluebird boxes underway

This year's annual sale of bluebird boxes is underway by the Pennsylvania Game Commission at its Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave. Boxes sell for $9.54, including sales tax, and customers can select from assembled boxes or kits that can be assembled as a wood-working project. "Bluebirds are early nesters, so now is the time to put up new nest boxes, as well as to clean and repair existing boxes," PGC Wildlife Diversity Division chief Dan Brauning said. "These boxes enable Pennsylvanians to help wildlife in a natural way.

Youth/Recreation

Panther Valley Elementary wrestlers bring home awards

The Panther Valley Elementary wrestling team came home from the Upper Dauphin Tournament with a number of individual awards. In addition to the individual accomplishments, the Panthers finished third in the team standings. Award winners were, kneeling, from left, Bryan Krapf (1st place and Outstanding Wrestler), Gage Breiner, Spencer Kern (4th place), Gabe Heaney (1st place), Alex Moyer (1st place), Cael Heaney, Bryce Krapf (2nd place), Eric Moyer (2nd place).