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Wrestler Elam takes silver at district championships BY JUSTIN FEIL
Ewing resident Olivia Ruch (center) holds a sign during the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine event on Feb. 9, 2024.
Ruch has a ‘Night to Shine’ BY BILL SANSERVINO
Olivia Ruch of Ewing volunteered at Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine on Feb 9. For the first time since 2020, the event returned to Berks County and was hosted by Community Evangelical Church, partnered with Alvernia University. Night to Shine is designed to be an unforgettable prom night that is hosted globally for
people with special needs aged 14 and older. Ruch was one of over 400 Alvernia volunteers who celebrated the individuals by providing them with a night of joy and recognition. “Alvernia is committed to personal and social transformation through integrated, community-based, inclusive, and ethical learning,” said Andrea Swift, director of accessibility ser-
vices. “The University holds to the ideal of “knowledge joined with love.” Night to Shine is focused on love for the honored guests and their families. Our students had the pleasure of sharing an incredible night celebrating unique individuals and ensuring that they know how valuable they are. Alvernia students also had the opportunity to put the knowledge they have See AROUND TOWN, Page 3
Collin Elam is counting on a short break after the wrestling season, not that the Ewing High School senior ever takes much time off while juggling three sports year-round. “I like the challenge,” Elam said. “I like having to work hard for things.” Elam took his first step toward a return trip to the New Jersey state championships with a runner-up finish at 190 pounds in districts. Seeded first, Elam won his first two matches before a narrow 5-4 loss to Omar Ebrahim of Lawrence forced him to settle for silver at the District 21 championships at Robbinsville High on Feb. 18. “It felt good to compete and get big wins under my belt,” Elam said. “I wish I could have finished the job, but I’m happy to move up and move on to regions.” Elam is the lone Blue Devils wrestler to advance out of districts. Connor Greig won his first-round match by pin at districts before falling in the second round at 165 pounds. The
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Region 6 tournament for the top three finishers in each weight class from districts was set to begin on Feb. 24. The state tournament is Mar. 1-3 in Atlantic City, N.J. “Of course, the goal is to go back there, but to do even better than I did last time,” Elam said. “Win a few matches and hopefully place, or make something happen and win.” Last year as a 21 seed at 215 pounds at the state meet and a relative unknown, Elam won a match in the state championships, an 11-5 decision over 12th-seeded Steven Coghan of Saint Thomas Aquinas in the first round before falling in the second round and the wrestlebacks to end his year 34-5. Elam had placed second at the region tournament. His first career trip to the state tournament was an experience that he won’t forget. “It’s crazy,” Elam said. “The atmosphere, everything is just crazy. The lights are huge, the stadium is huge. It’s definitely a great experience. And hopefully going back there again, I would have the experience there and See WRESTLING, Page 15
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