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SERVING DELAWARE COUNTY

Triple Threat Talent

Senior Excels In Wrestling, Softball And Running

Urban Revival Students Reimagine Downtown Spaces

FLEX APPEAL

NATIONAL BODYBUILDING EVENT COMES TO MUNCIE

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TRIPLE THREAT TALENT

SENIOR EXCELS IN WRESTLING, SOFTBALL AND RUNNING

Writer / Julie Yates

Candice Matson, a senior at Cowan High School, is June’s Female Student Athlete of the Month, sponsored by IU Health. Matson is a versatile athlete with an adventurous attitude. Her love of sports and enjoyment in participating are evident. During her high school career, she has played basketball, softball, and been on the cross-country and girls wrestling teams.

During Matson’s junior year, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) approved girls wrestling as a competitive sport at the high school level. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, it’s the fastestgrowing sport in the nation.

Lady wrestlers from Indiana have role models to look up to. Two Hoosiers, multi-time world and Olympic medalists Sarah Hildebrandt and Kayla Miracle, made the Olympic team in 2021 and continue to be a major force in the sport.

the center field position. Situated between the right fielder, who is by first base, and the left fielder, who is by third base, Matson sees a lot of action.

Center field is the most demanding defensive position. It requires lots of speed and the ability to anticipate where the ball is going. A strong arm is needed, and being able to move very quickly is important. Center fielders are often one of the best athletes on a team.

“I played basketball from sixth grade through my sophomore year. When wrestling became a sanctioned sport last year, my good friend Emma Jones and her dad talked me into joining the team. I found a lot of joy in it. It’s the first girls wrestling team Cowan ever had,” Matson says.

During her senior year, Matson had a successful wrestling season. She qualified for the IHSAA Regionals and finished in fourth place.

However, softball is her favorite sport. She plays in the outfield in

“I first started to play softball when I was nine or 10. It’s my favorite because of the overall environment and the fact that it is a team sport. When you are playing, you must be on your A-game. During the time I’ve been on the high school team, we made it to sectionals twice and once to regionals. When I was a freshman, a senior, Miranda Bowling, encouraged me not to be scared and to show what I could do. That year we made it to finals,” Matson says.

Matson shared that a highlight during her softball career was during her sophomore year. The team had lost a lot of skilled seniors who had graduated the year before. Going into sectionals,

they were the underdogs, so it was thrilling when they ended up being the winning team.

“I’ve run cross country since sixth grade. I also did track in middle school, but I couldn’t do that and softball at the same time. Running the long distance of the 5K event is a challenging training process for sure; it’s very mental. During my time on the team, we went to regionals three times,” Matson says.

Matson finds time to participate in other extracurricular activities as well. She is a member of National Honor Society, on student council, and is on the Student Athlete Leadership Team. She also works as a certified nursing assistant at Signature HealthCARE of Muncie.

Half of Matson’s school day is spent at the Muncie Area Career

Center, where she takes courses for the Health Sciences pathway, a dual-credit program. Last year, she acquired her CNA certification. Currently, she is studying for the exam to achieve status as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. After graduation, she plans to continue at Ivy Tech and acquire her registered nursing degree.

“It is challenging to balance everything. I work on schoolwork anytime I have free time during the school day. There’s also time to do schoolwork before and after practice and before I go to bed,” Matson says.

“My advice for anyone who wants to play sports in high school is to not be scared; go for it! Try to improve what you know you can do. At the end of the day, know that it’s not majorly serious. Just go out there and have fun,” Matson says.

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GRAPPLING GREATNESS

COWAN WRESTLER EARNS ATHLETE OF THE MONTH HONORS

Writer / Julie Yates

Jackson Bradley, a senior at Cowan High School, is June’s Male Student Athlete of the Month, sponsored by IU Health. Wrestling, to Bradley, comes as naturally as breathing. The sport has always been a part of his life, and it’s evident he has a talent for it.

“I’ve always loved it. I’ve always done it; I don’t even remember when I started. I would say my dad has been my biggest mentor,” Bradley says.

A former wrestler himself, Bradley’s father, Casey Bradley, has an impressive participation and coaching résumé. A graduate of Muncie Southside High School, the elder Bradley went on to wrestle for the team at Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and coaching. From there, he went on to become the assistant wrestling coach at Wabash College in Crawfordsville and Baldwin

Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. Currently, he is the head wrestling coach at Cowan.

The younger Bradley holds some impressive records. During his high school wrestling career, he racked up 148 wins and only 10 losses, giving him the highest winning percentage in the school’s history. He is a four-time Indiana High School Athletic Association state place-winner. He holds the distinction of being the first wrestler from

Cowan to be a semifinalist at state.

“What’s good about wrestling is that it teaches you a lot of life skills. What you put in it is what you get out of it. It’s a one-on-one individual sport. If you win or lose, you can’t blame anyone but yourself,” Bradley says.

“I’ve had a few little injuries here and there over the years. Sometimes I’m not always feeling 100%, but the biggest challenges are mental. It’s the grind. You must give 100%, and that’s not always easy. But it’s 100% worth it,” Bradley says.

Maintaining his weight class has never been an issue for Bradley, although for some athletes it is a struggle. Each year his weight class went up but has stayed the same during his junior and senior years. He began his career leaning toward lightweight status but finished in the midweight range. As a freshman, his level was 126, then 132 as a sophomore, and currently it is at 157.

Matches at the different weight classes might look a bit different to the observer. Speed and agility are important in lower weight levels. Wrestlers weighing in the middle are also quick and flexible but add strength and positioning to the mix.

Regardless of weight class, there are many moves a wrestler needs to know how to do. Each move is worth points. They must act defensively at times by making their arm limp or countering with a leg attack. To escape or reverse, they learn to roll, switch or stand up. It’s important to be able to take down an opponent by bringing them to the mat via leg takedowns, ducking under or doing a move called a fireman’s carry.

The most important moves a wrestler needs to know are those that lead to pinning an opponent. Some are half and full nelsons, cradles or guillotines. A pin, when the opponent’s shoulders are flat on the mat for two seconds, is the goal in wrestling; it ends the match regardless of the score. For a wrestler, there is no better sound than the referee slapping the mat to indicate the pin has happened.

His friends would describe him as super serious, especially about wrestling. However, he does have a humorous side when it comes to his 3-month-old puppy, Eddie, who Bradley describes as a “mini wiener dog.” In addition to wrestling, Bradley is a member of Key Club and participates in his church’s youth group at Life Point Church in Muncie.

Bradley has been on the A/B honor roll during his four years at Cowan. After graduation, he will attend Purdue University, where he has committed to the wrestling team. He plans to pursue a degree in biology with the end goal of working in the medical field.

“My advice is stick with it. Have fun. Cut it loose. Two things really stood out during my senior year. The first was placing with my good friend Aston Gooney when we both went to state. The second is making the finals with my dad as my coach,” Bradley says.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: AMERICAN PEST PROFESSIONALS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

American Pest Professionals has been a trusted name in East Central Indiana since 1936, but its modern chapter began in 2002 when owner Art Todd took the reins. Today, the company continues to thrive under the leadership of corporate sales manager Tim Williams, general manager Bob Todd, and controller Toni Lawson. Together, they’ve built a business rooted in pride, responsiveness, and a genuine desire to help people.

“We can do what any other pest control company does,” Williams says, “but the main thing we offer is service. We take care of people.” That philosophy has shaped the company’s reputation for reliability and problemsolving—qualities that matter when pests show up uninvited.

That commitment is tested yearround, because as Williams puts it, “There’s never a time when there are not pests.” Spring brings termites—the season’s biggest threat

to homeowners hoping to protect their home’s structure. Summer ushers in stinging insects like wasps and yellowjackets. As temperatures drop, mice and other critters begin seeking warmth indoors. Each season brings its own challenges, and American Pest Professionals is ready for all of them.

What many customers don’t realize is how much science and strategy go into effective pest management. Williams explains that understanding insect behavior is key.

“We study life cycles and how pests move and think. That tells us how to treat them,” he says. Odorous house ants, one of Indiana’s most common household nuisances, are a perfect example.

“If you treat them the wrong way, you can actually make the problem worse,” Williams says. “Knowing the biology makes all the difference.”

The company’s quarterly maintenance program is one of its most popular offerings, designed to disrupt pest ecosystems before infestations take hold. And when unexpected issues arise—like the recent rat infestation that spread from one home to neighboring properties—the team leans into its problemsolving mindset.

“Our manager has been in the business 29 years and had never seen anything like it,” Williams says. “But we figured it out, took care of it, and made the homeowners happy.” American Pest Professionals’ culture is built on pride, responsiveness, and treating customers the way employees would want to be treated themselves. That same spirit extends into the community. As a locally owned business, they sponsor youth sports teams and support local schools—efforts Williams notes you won’t always see from the bigger companies.

Their long-standing relationship with the Chamber is another point of pride.

“The Chamber has always been a big asset to small businesses like ours,” says Williams, a Chamber ambassador who regularly supports ribbon cuttings and new business openings. “I’m kind of a cheerleader for them,” he adds with a smile.

At the heart of their work is a simple mission: helping people feel safe and comfortable in their homes.

“Sometimes it’s the little lady with a wasp nest on her porch,” Williams says. “You show up, take care of it, and you feel like the knight on the white horse. That’s what makes this work meaningful.”

American Pest Professionals is located at 2130 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Muncie, IN 47303. For more information, call 765-288-7779 or visit americanpestpros.com.

URBAN REVIVAL

STUDENTS REIMAGINE DOWNTOWN SPACES

Inspired by the success of Dave’s Alley, third-year Ball State architecture students are designing ways to revitalize downtown Muncie. The student-led initiative focuses on alleyway activations, banner reuse, platforms, public art and pedestrian access corridors.

The Ball State University Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, located on Walnut Street in downtown Muncie, is Ball State’s extension and hub for urban design and planning. The students utilize downtown as a living laboratory for immersive learning, design exploration and collaborative projects.

The informal names of each alley activation pay homage to Muncie legends. The

Writer / Heather Collins

students focused on boosting tourism, connecting the community through art and attracting Ball State students to downtown Muncie.

“We’re actively stitching the urban fabric of downtown Muncie with Ball State University,” Ball State architecture student Dylan Barkey says.

Bob’s Alley, named after painting legend Bob Ross, is located near Roho’s Martini Bar and features a view of the Canan Commons stage. Bob’s Alley includes an elevated alleyway platform and revolving local art exhibit.

Emily’s Alley pays homage to Emily Kimbrough, a New York Times bestselling

author, and is located between Carnegie Library and the AT&T building. The project will include new benches in Dave’s Alley and a revamped mural on Walnut Street. Garf’s Alley, named after the beloved lasagna-loving cat Garfield and the world’s most widely syndicated cartoon, is located between the Delaware County Historical Society and Washington Square. The project will include a real rose mural and steel installation.

The students are also creating a mobile stage and mobile vendor market. The mobile stage repurposes the platform formerly used for Muncie Gras and other downtown events.

“This year with Urban Stitch Studio reminded me why design matters,” Ball State

architecture student Peyton Griffith says. “Through our elevated art gallery project in downtown Muncie, I saw firsthand how a single idea can transform a forgotten alleyway into a space that inspires, connects and energizes a community. Design has the power to shape the world around us, and Muncie showed me that people are ready for it.”

Kevin Klinger, Ball State associate professor of architecture, said the students have shown tremendous leadership by being active as students and citizens in downtown Muncie.

“We recognized early that Muncie is not a laboratory, but rather a vibrant and engaged community. Our studio projects aim to work and learn together to craft and create projects that better advance the community’s goals for quality places and spaces in the heart of downtown,” Klinger says.

Ball State architecture student Keaton Lewellen said the studio class has been his most influential college experience. “I think it’s so important to get students out into the real world and working with real people who make a direct impact on their cities,” Lewellen says. “The opportunity to do that alongside real individuals in their fields gave me a confidence I have not found before.”

The students collaborated with local business owners and city officials, including Dan Ridenour, Bill Lett, owner of Elm Street Brewing Company, Derrick McNelly, owner of Record Parlor of Muncie, and Cheryl Crowder, events director of the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership.

Crowder said she has been excited to see the projects materialize downtown.

“It has been so energizing to see the students dig deep into what are the missing pieces or opportunities for downtown,” Crowder says. “It has been awesome watching them search for answers. Each of the projects is thoughtful and creative and offers a new perspective on third space downtown.”

Crowder said the students are living up to their Urban Stitch Studio name by stitching together repurposed downtown banners. The students will update the murals on Walnut Street near Canan Commons with vintage signage.

“The DWNTWN banners have been sitting in our storage unit for a minute collecting dust — dozens of them,” Crowder says. “I

could never bring myself to get rid of them because I always felt that they deserved another life after their season.”

The Ball State students involved in the Urban Stitch Studio class include Donna Momoh, Wilma Vergavist, Ian Fairbairn, Evelyn Fielbrandt, Jesus Rodriguez Ortiz, Ashley Rogers, Devon Wilson, Keaton Lewellen, Peyton Griffith, Gio Mayorga, Cody Adkins, Dylan Barkey, Isabelle Bradley and Porter Greenwood.

For more information, including a release date for the students’ upcoming documentary, follow @urbanstitchBSU on Instagram.

For more information on the Ball State University Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, visit bsu.edu.

FLEX APPEAL

NATIONAL BODYBUILDING EVENT COMES TO MUNCIE

Writer / Heather Collins

Muncie is the official home of three upcoming International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness Professional League and National Physique Committee competitions.

The IFBB Pro League/NPC Indy Pro Supershow and Expo is June 27 at Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie.

NPC athletes compete to qualify for national competitions, earn their pro card and advance to professional-level competitions, including earning points toward Mr. Olympia. Mr. Olympia is the most prestigious and largest bodybuilding stage in the world.

Founded in 2022, IFBB Pro League NPC hosts the NPC and IFBB Pro League Indy Pro Supershow, NPC Premier Muscle and Indiana State Championships, and the

“Muncie stood out because of its unique venue and accessibility. The downtown location offers charm, boasting a beautiful ballroom with high ceilings for media — this is key,” Sterling says.

LaShanta Vaughn, president and CEO of Horizon Convention Center, said the convention center is stepping confidently onto a larger stage with multiyear commitments to host NPC Productions IFBB Pro competitions and a growing slate of accompanying events through 2028.

“This partnership represents far more than a series of competitions,” Vaughn says. “It signals a powerful, sustained investment in Muncie’s economic vitality, national

visibility and community pride. In securing this partnership, the Horizon Convention Center has positioned itself — and the city it serves — for sustained success, proving that when the right opportunity meets the right space, the results can be truly transformative.”

Sterling said Muncie’s Midwest central location draws competitors from around the world.

“The Indy Pro specifically stands out as an Olympia-qualifying event that attracts international professional athletes and continues to grow in both scale and reputation,” Sterling says.

Heralded as the Midwest’s most prestigious night in bodybuilding, competitors rave about the experience.

newly added Indianapolis Festive Classic. All three events are hosted at Horizon Convention Center.

“The best bodybuilding experience I’ve had — period,” Brian Watters, IFBB Pro, says.

IFBB Pro Noelle Agrew said competitors are treated like royalty. IFBB Pro Gina Sardina said the event is one of the top IFBB shows.

“We are proud to bring a professional sporting event of this caliber to Muncie,” Sterling says. “This is more than a bodybuilding show. It is a full experience that brings together athletes, families and the community.”

Sterling explained that modern bodybuilding traces back to the IFBB, founded in 1946, which established the sport globally and introduced Mr. Olympia in 1965 as the premier professional stage.

National Physique Committee, founded by Jim Manion in 1982, created the dominant amateur bodybuilding pipeline in the United States.

Today, the primary path to bodybuilding is competing from NPC to IFBB Pro League to Olympia.

Multiple vendors will be featured in

the exhibitor hall selling apparel, sports supplements, posing suits, bikinis, baked goods, local goods and more.

Sterling said this year’s Indy 500-themed motorsports energy will enhance fan engagement. Judges and audiences will both vote to create a more engaging and entertaining experience.

Interactive awards include “Biggest Piston” for male best poser and “Fast Lane Beauty” for best female poser.

“Our main goal is to continue elevating top-tier bodybuilding events for the organization in the Midwest while creating a professional, exciting and communitydriven experience,” Sterling says.

A competitor herself, Sterling has been actively competing since 2017 and continues to compete nationally.

“Competing and promoting gives me a full perspective on both the athlete experience and event execution,” Sterling says.

Historically, Indy Pro has hosted both national and international Olympia-level competitors and top national athletes.

Sterling says her husband, Nick Sterling, is the marketing brains behind the operation.

“He comes with many years as an executive marketing director and has an incredible

eye for the look and feel of what you will see and our social media presence,” Sterling says.

Sterling says the events incorporate highlevel production, athlete-first logistics with attached hotels and strong audience engagement.

“Our events are built around delivering a full experience, not just a competition,” Sterling says. “Whether you are familiar with the sport or attending for the first time, we invite you to come out and be a part of something special.”

Sterling said the sport has introduced her to an incredible network of inspiring, likeminded and driven individuals.

“My inspiration came from the women in the sport,” Sterling says. “I wanted to lead by example for my two boys and show that women can be strong, disciplined and committed while still maintaining balance at home.”

Ticket prices range from $60 to $190, including general admission and VIP experiences. Children ages 2 and under are free. Muncie residents will receive a discounted admission rate with proof of residency.

For more information, visit indyproshow. com or follow @ifbb_npc_ indianabodybuilding on Instagram.

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Our mission at ARF is to promote our promise to love and to protect dogs and cats by providing shelter, nourishment, medical care and placement for them in order to make our community a better place to live for animals and humans alike.

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Adoption for dogs: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1-4pm Saturday: Noon-3pm

For more information about adoptable cats and dogs please visit us online. Contact us: 1209 W. Riggin Road Muncie, Indiana 47303 munciearf.com info@munciearf.com (765) 282-2733

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