Fox Chase: How A Hockey Coach Intertwines Sport And Family
Lawncrest resident Rick Heydt is entering his 11th year coaching in the Fox Chase Roller Hockey league. He currently coaches the Under-16 team, but he previously directed the Under-10 and Under-8 teams as well. Although Heydt has spent most of his time behind the bench, his love for hockey goes much deeper than coaching. Heydt grew […]
Bustleton: Neighborhood Boxing Gym Opens Up The Ring To Families
When people think of Philadelphia boxing gyms, a family environment is probably the last thing that comes to mind. At Philly’s Next Champ gym at 1810 Grant Ave. in Bustleton, families train together. “We have whole families here taking classes,” said 49-year-old boxing trainer Mike Cassell. “I never saw that in a gym growing up.” Cassell, […]
South Philadelphia: Osagame’s Athletes Fall For Judo And Self-Defense Classes
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime in the United States. Incidents can be found in most, if not all, communities across the country. People have looked to different methods to combat domestic violence and physical assaults. Most methods have included weapons such as […]
South Philadelphia: Bocce League Preserves Italian Tradition
Growing up in South Philadelphia, Larry Del Spechio spent a lot of time around bocce courts. He hardly played, though. “When we were young, we couldn’t play because the old guys didn’t want you to,” said Del Spechio, who now lives in South Jersey. “They used to say, ‘Watch it and listen to what we […]
Olney: Coaches Teach Young Players More Than Just Football
The youths of Philadelphia are growing up in dangerous times. The city’s 2013 Youth Violence Prevention Plan states that, “Over the past six years, 5,051 young Philadelphians ages 14 to 24 have been shot or killed.” The coaching staff of the Olney Eagles tries to keep their players away from violence by giving them a safe, supportive environment […]
South Philadelphia: Karate Instructor Builds Confidence Through Discipline
Jason Helmer’s passion for martial arts came from an unusual place. “I was in high school working and one of the mailmen in the neighborhood mentioned karate,” Helmer said. “I was a big Steven Seagal fan, believe it or not.” Helmer is now the owner and senior instructor at Amerikick Martial Arts in South Philadelphia, […]
South Philadelphia: Indoor Baseball Facility Allows Year-Round Growth
Joe Messina loves the art of pitching. Involved in baseball in South Philadelphia for the past quarter-century, Messina has been an assistant coach for the Neumann-Goretti High School baseball team for the past 11 years. He has held the title of pitching coach for the last eight. “I’m a pitching guy through and through,” said […]
South Philadelphia: Rec Leader Guides Former Recreation Center
Anthony Spadaccini spent countless hours as a kid at Barry Playground. Whether it was playing basketball, baseball or football, Barry was a second home for Spadaccini. That still holds true today, as Spadaccini, 46, is in his sixth year working as the recreation leader at the playground in his old neighborhood. With a background as […]
Olde Kensington: More Than One Game At Everybody Hits Batting Cages
For David Gavigan, baseball never ends. Traditionally a spring sport for most high schools and colleges, many neighborhood youth leagues have extended the season into the fall. But bats are generally silent for the rest of the year. Except at Everybody Hits. Gavigan (below right) opened his batting cages at 529 W. Girard Ave. in May 2013. The fun-themed indoor batting […]
South Philadelphia: Tennis Coach Bryan Hughes Encourages Community To Live An Active Lifestyle
From growing up on South Eighth Street to teaching tennis at Markward Playground, South Philadelphia Tennis Association (SPTA) President Bryan Hughes has been giving back to the community he calls home. Urging people of all ages to get off their couches and get involved in the community, Hughes has helped South Philadelphians achieve this mission with tennis. What has […]