Penn Manor townlively.com
DECEMBER 15, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVIII • NO 34
Wrestle Like A Girl BY COURTNEY MENGEL
restling has deep historical roots and is considered by many to be the oldest competitive sport in the world. Women’s wrestling was introduced to the World University Championships in 2001 and to the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The sport has been steadily growing since the 2004 Olympics as high schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S. have developed clubs and sanctioned programs. Penn Manor High School (PMHS) is one of them. On Nov. 17, Penn Manor School District (PMSD) announced that the board of school directors approved the addition of a girls’ wrestling team for Penn Manor students in grades seven through 12. This addition will make PMSD the second school district in Lancaster County and the 23rd in Pennsylvania to sanction a girls’ wrestling team. In the early stages of the girls’ season this winter, most of the competitions will be through
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tournaments, said Steve Kramer, PMSD athletic director. A group of high school girls contacted the athletic department and sent letters to superintendent Mike Leichliter expressing their interest for a girls’ wrestling team. Leichliter then contacted Kramer and told him to prepare a presentation for the school board to show how the program would work and explain why the district should sanction the program. The girls’ first practice took place on Nov. 30, and Penn Manor’s head wrestling coach, Brandon Vernalli, oversees the team. “I think the girls’ wrestling program is just another opportunity for our female students to become involved in a co-curricular activity, and it also gives them the chance, if they choose, to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level,” stated Kramer. Currently, there are more than 85 collegiate women’s wrestling teams in the U.S., six of which are in Pennsylvania. Trinity Mowery
Run, Celebrate The Savior’s Birth Dennis, With A Live Nativity Run! BY COURTNEY MENGEL
At the age of 82, Dennis Lackey completed his first half marathon, the Philadelphia Half Marathon, in November. “(Running is) good exercise,” said Dennis. “All I need is shorts and a pair of shoes. I appreciate that I’ve been able to do it all these years. It gives me a good feeling to know I can still do it.” See Dennis Lackey pg 3
Willow Street Mennonite Church will host its ninth live Nativity this month.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Christmas Eve Service Posted . . . . . . . . .4
BY COURTNEY MENGEL
Business Directory . . . . . .5
Every few years since 2001, members of Willow Street Mennonite Church (WSMC) have invited the public to attend their live Nativity. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WSMC was unable to host the event last year. The church’s live Nativity will return this month for people of all ages to enjoy. WSMC’s ninth live Nativity will take place at the church, 399 E. Penn Grant Road, Willow Street,
Christmas Bird Count Planned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
See Live Nativity pg 2
House Of Worship . . . . . . .8 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .9
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See Girls’ Wrestling pg 7
