A New Year, A New Beginning

   For those of you who read this blog regularly, you know that I stick to local sports and specifically this time of year, the high school wrestling season for my coverage area teams.
   That said, today's posting, the first on here since December 26, goes beyond that to a much more important thing. As many of you already know, my wife Jess and I welcomed our first child, Jeremiah, to the world last Monday night.
   Needless to say, it's been a very special week in the Spring household, and I have to admit it's extremely tough being back at work today for the first time since the birth. I wouldn't trade a single minute of the time I was away for the world, and I'm sure a lot of new parents have felt the same way.
   On behalf of Jess and Jeremiah, I can't express our sincere thanks enough to those inside and outside of the local sports community that have given their well wishes. It really means a lot.
   Thank you!
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   And now back to wrestling.
   It's a fairly heavy schedule for the first full week of January, though as of writing this, I know of three local matches that have been postponed for tomorrow night due to the impending frigid temperatures entering our region. I figure it will be a complete wipeout of Tuesday's schedule, so here's a look at what's going on later in the week:

Wednesday
HOPE for Hyndman vs. Fort Hill and Smithsburg at Fort Hill

Thursday
Bedford at Forest Hills
Northern Bedford at Chestnut Ridge
Claysburg at Everett

Friday
HOPE for Hyndman at Winner's Choice Tournament

Saturday
Everett, Tussey Mountain in Bloody Run Duals at Everett
Northern Bedford at Bedford
Chestnut Ridge at Somerset

Recent Rewind
    While I was away, there was quite a bit of wrestling headlines that went on. The biggest was Chestnut Ridge's 39-25 win over Berlin on Friday night. It was certainly a bit surprising when I saw that the Lions won by that margin, and how they pulled it off. I had Berlin penciled in as a 6-10 point favorite depending on matchups. I wasn't there so I don't find it completely fair to offer an in-depth recap, but if you didn't see it or want to review, Eric Knopsnyder has a good one at Knop's knotes.
   Also, congratulations go out to both Bedford's Garrett Thomas and Chestnut Ridge's Austin Buttry for their 100th career wins, respectively. The pair each achieved the feat in home dual meets on Saturday night. Up next to join that win club is HOPE for Hyndman's Jake Bennett, who should get it on Wednesday.