
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in West Springfield, VA, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Sexual Function

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in West Springfield, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.



Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in West Springfield, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:


Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in West Springfield, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in West Springfield, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in West Springfield, VA
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in West Springfield, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

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Latest News in West Springfield, VA
From FCPS Theater to HBO Max Series Regular
fcps.eduhttps://www.fcps.edu/blog/fcps-theater-hbo-max-series-regular
As part of Black History Month, FCPS staff recently interviewed Grace Duah, West Springfield High School Class of 2016 graduate and series regular on HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot.Even though Grace is breaking into the showbiz industry as an actor, she already had quite the legacy within FCPS. Grace describes herself as a “changemaker.” Not only was Grace the student body president in her senior year, but she also co-founded the Black Student Union at West Springfield HS that is still active today.She ...
As part of Black History Month, FCPS staff recently interviewed Grace Duah, West Springfield High School Class of 2016 graduate and series regular on HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot.
Even though Grace is breaking into the showbiz industry as an actor, she already had quite the legacy within FCPS. Grace describes herself as a “changemaker.” Not only was Grace the student body president in her senior year, but she also co-founded the Black Student Union at West Springfield HS that is still active today.
She encourages others to follow the popular saying: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” Grace says she realized in high school and continues to believe that the more involved she can be, the more she can bring about change.
When facing adversity, Grace says that she allows herself to acknowledge and feel the low feelings before bouncing back. “The worst thing to do is [to] not let yourself feel the emotion that you are feeling,” she says. “Feel the sadness and then use it as fuel to get back up on your feet.”
Grace as a pushy Hollywood manager in a Virginia High School League one-act play at West Springfield High School alongside her best friend, Brittany Padgett.
Grace credits her high school theater program as playing a large role in her professional success. “If I did not attend West Springfield and have the experience I had, I don’t know if I would be in show business today,” she says. “FCPS appreciates the arts.”
Among her heroes, Grace names her Irving Middle School Theatre Teacher Timothy King and her West Springfield High School Theatre Teacher Bernie DeLeo. Referring to her path to success, Grace adds, “Mr. King laid down the cement, and Mr. DeLeo paved [the way].”
Grace with her theatre teacher, Bernie DeLeo, at West Springfield High School. Mr. DeLeo currently teaches at Marshall High School.
In Grace’s personal life, her heroes are her parents, Maya Angelou, and "all Black women that grace the big screen: Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Gabrielle Union, Raven Simone, Maxine Shaw, and Tia and Tamera Mowry," to name a few.
Grace says, “My biggest advice [to students] is that you are enough as you are right now; not when you get older or go to college. Don’t judge your excitements and joys based on [the measure of] someone else. Sometimes you’re a chai latte trying to be a matcha. Don’t ever stop being yourself."
Virginia Retail Sector Takes a Hit as Economic Troubles Force Chain Stores to Close Multiple Shops
NewsBreak Originalhttps://original.newsbreak.com/@ash-jurberg-560946/2943107634416-virginia-retail-sector-takes-a-hit-as-economic-troubles-force-chain-stores-to-close-multiple-shops
Multiple store closures are rocking the retail industry in Virginia as retailers continue to be hit hard in the United States.Over the last month, several national retailers, including Walmart and Macy's, have announced multiple store closures, with major chains combining to shut more than 800 retail stores in 2023, and Virginia is one of the hardest states hit.Please read below to find out ...
Multiple store closures are rocking the retail industry in Virginia as retailers continue to be hit hard in the United States.
Over the last month, several national retailers, including Walmart and Macy's, have announced multiple store closures, with major chains combining to shut more than 800 retail stores in 2023, and Virginia is one of the hardest states hit.
Please read below to find out which stores in Virginia will be closing in 2023.
Bed Bath & Beyond stores in Virginia closing in 2023
416 Bed Bath & Beyond-owned stores in the U.S. will close in 2023 due to financial issues. Thirteen of these are in Virginia.
They will also be closing a BuyBabyBuy store at 1320 Carl D Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Tuesday Morning stores in Virginia closing in 2023
The discount home goods company is closing more than half of its stores in the United States, including 10 in Virginia.
There have also been store closures announced by Walmart, Macy's, JC Penney, Party City, and Big Lots though none of the affected stores are in Virginia.
Clothing company Gap has also advised it would close approximately 350 Gap and Banana Republic stores by the end of 2023. So far, 276 stores have been closed, leaving up to 74 store closures still to be announced.
Bath & Body Work has also stated that 50 of their stores will close this year, though they have yet to advise which locations they are.
Should any of these be listed in Virginia, I'll update this article and keep readers informed of any new developments in the retail industry or other chains closing stores in the state.
Your thoughts
Do any of these store closures affect you? Do you believe the government should offer these businesses more financial support? Are you concerned about those people who will lose their jobs? What more can be done to keep retail stores open in Virginia?
Please leave your thoughts in the comments below and share this article on social media so more people can join the discussion.
Men’s Swimming finishes sixth at 2023 PSAC Championships
BILL MORGAL Sports information directorhttps://www.shipnc.com/sports/local_sports/article_dd6e34e0-b7ac-11ed-8411-4bb0ca9bf019.html
The Shippensburg University men’s swimming team finished in sixth place at the 2023 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Swimming Championships, wrapping up the final day of competition at the Graham Aquatic Center with five evening finalists and seven overall individual point scorers.The Raiders were most represented in the consolation ‘B’ final of the 200-yard breaststroke, which was won by graduate Andrew Hale (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) in a time of 2:04.82 that is just a second off his PR that r...
The Shippensburg University men’s swimming team finished in sixth place at the 2023 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Swimming Championships, wrapping up the final day of competition at the Graham Aquatic Center with five evening finalists and seven overall individual point scorers.
The Raiders were most represented in the consolation ‘B’ final of the 200-yard breaststroke, which was won by graduate Andrew Hale (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) in a time of 2:04.82 that is just a second off his PR that ranks second in school history. Hale improved by more than two seconds from his morning prelim time.
Graduate Vin Salvatore (Howell, N.J./Howell) delivered a huge PR for the second straight day, claiming 10th place in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:08.73 that is just .08 seconds shy of cracking the SU Top 10 in the event. Salvatore’s previous PR was 2:10, marking a significant new best.
Freshman Nate Wauls (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) placed 15th in the event, swimming 2:12.12 at night after a morning prelim of 2:11.70. Sophomore Nathan VanNatter (Pottstown, Pa./Owen J. Roberts) improved his personal best in the event to 2:13.93.
Sophomore David Johnson (Chesterfield, Va./L.C. Bird) paced the Raiders in the 1,650-yard freestyle, placing sixth with a PR of 16:21.40. Redshirt-junior JC Greenwood (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg Area (Penn State)) added another scoring effort to his ledger in the event with a 13th-place time of 17:00.83.
In the 200-yard backstroke, junior Michael Salvatori (Springfield, Va./St. John Paul the Great) qualified for the championship ‘A’ final by virtue of a PR in the morning of 1:52.58 – which moves him ahead of Zak Clifford into third place on SU’s all-time list for the event. Salvatori finished seventh overall after an evening swim of 1:53.57.
Senior David Bussard (West Chester, Pa./Bayard Rustin) scored in the 200-yard backstroke with a 16th-place time of 1:57.07. His morning prelim of 1:55.35 that got him into the consolation final was a new season best.
In a time trial, senior Alec Burger (Elizabethtown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) delivered a new personal best of 51.42 seconds – his first sub-52 time in the event – which moves him into eighth place all-time at Shippensburg in the event.
Sophomore Zaidian Van Orden (Pottsville, Pa./Pottsville Area) paced the Raiders in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 47.33 seconds, while senior Elijah Zinn (Shippensburg, Pa./Shippensburg Area) swam 48.22 seconds. The meet concluded with VanNatter, Van Orden, Zinn and Johnson completing the 400 yard freestyle relay in 3:09.49.
1650 Free
6. David Johnson 16:21.40
13. JC Greenwood 17:00.83
100 Free
Zaidian Van Orden 47.33
Elijah Zinn 48.22
Alec Burger 48.57
Matthew Beard 49.00
Tylor Yakaitis 49.44
Kevin Noldy 50.00
200 Back
7. Michael Salvatori 1:53.57 (1:52.58p)
16. David Bussard 1:57.07 (1:55.35p)
Kevin Noldy 2:01.19
200 Breast
9. Andrew Hale 2:04.82 (2:07.47p)
10. Vin Salvatore 2:08.73 (2:10.65p)
15. Nate Wauls 2:12.12 (2:11.70p)
Nathan VanNatter 2:13.93
400 Free Relay
7. Nathan VanNatter, Zaidian Van Orden, Elijah Zinn, David Johnson 3:09.49
Time Trial: 100 Fly
Alec Burger 51.42
Robinson wins third straight Va. wrestling title, edging Westfield, Chantilly
Mike Holtzclawhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/02/18/robinson-wins-third-straight-va-wrestling-title-edging-westfield-chantilly/
VIRGINIA BEACH — Robinson had three wrestlers in title matches and won all three at Saturday’s Virginia Class 6 state championship meet. It needed just about every point.For the third year in a row, the Rams captured the Class 6 team championship — thanks to Caden Smith at 106 pounds, Tristan Corbin at 138 and Robert Kucharczk, who won his match at 175 by pin to secure it.The Rams scored 98 points to edge a balanced Westfield (96.5) and Chantilly (91.5).Corbin also pinned Jayden Loveranes of South Lakes...
VIRGINIA BEACH — Robinson had three wrestlers in title matches and won all three at Saturday’s Virginia Class 6 state championship meet. It needed just about every point.
For the third year in a row, the Rams captured the Class 6 team championship — thanks to Caden Smith at 106 pounds, Tristan Corbin at 138 and Robert Kucharczk, who won his match at 175 by pin to secure it.
The Rams scored 98 points to edge a balanced Westfield (96.5) and Chantilly (91.5).
Corbin also pinned Jayden Loveranes of South Lakes in the final seconds of the first period to win his title. He was in control from the start and ended the match with six seconds left in the period.
“I just wanted to go after him with my attacks,” Corbin said. “Getting the pin wasn’t that important at that point. I was ready to keep going. But when you get that close, you want to get it over with.”
While Robinson’s victory has become something of a tradition, there was also new flavor at the meet.
Just minutes after Owen Lebkisher came off the mat, he did a little quick math. Told he was the first state champ from Marshall since 1970, he smiled.
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“That’s more than 50 years,” he said. “That’s a big deal.”
In the 157-pound title match, Lebkisher led Battlefield’s Cooper Lockhart most of the way but briefly found himself on his back late in the third period. Realizing he was near the edge of the mat, he pulled Lockhart out of bounds to avoid the pin. With less than 10 seconds left in the match, he pinned Lockhart.
As a junior last year, he had taken third place at 145 pounds. This year, he said, he just tried to stay focused on each match and “not let anything get in my head.” Lebkisher said he plans to play rugby in college, so this is to likely be his final wrestling match.
“It’s a good one to end on,” he said.
Yorktown senior Liam Gil-Swiger also won the first state title in school history, beating Langley’s Ryan Roncskevitz, 5-3, at 165 pounds.
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Gil-Swiger recalled attending his first state meet in eighth grade and being amazed at the talent and emotion.
“I remember thinking I wanted to be like that one day,” he said. “Now I’m here, and it just feels surreal. You try to envision it, but nothing prepares you for this feeling.”
Chantilly also got two state championships, both from sophomores — Ezekiel Keel at 113 pounds and Benjamin Weader at 144.
As a freshman last year, Weader took third at 126 pounds. This year, he won the state title at 144, dominating Matox Allen of Grassfield for a 20-5 decision.
“It feels really good,” Weader said. “It feels like a little bit of revenge because it was a Grassfield guy who beat me last year. It’s not the same guy, but I liked that I got to go up against a guy from Grassfield again.”
Keel won at 113 pounds in one of the evening’s most dramatic matches. He defeated West Springfield senior Ronald Vernem, 2-0. Keel and Vernem, former teammates with the Tech Squad club team, hooked up in a tough defensive battle that was scoreless until the final seconds.
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With Vernem in the top position in the third period, Keel said he was trying to bide his time and stay off his back. As time expired, Keel scored a quick reversal for the victory.
“I was waiting for the right moment,” Keel said. “When we got to the final seconds, I went aggressive to get the reversal. I was so excited, I couldn’t contain myself.”
Other Class 6 state champs included Isaac Hegg of Oakton at 150 pounds, Lorenzo Pellot-Vazquez of Fairfax at 190 and Tyler Stewart of Forest Park at 215. In the Class 4 meet, Luke Roberts of Loudoun County won at 144 pounds.
Springfield restaurant back open after Valentine's Day fire
wusa9.comhttps://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/springfield-restaurant-fire-mikes-american-grill-back-open/65-8d766c27-a822-4f1e-bcbf-e1ba2fd2cf31
SPRINGFIELD, Va. — A beloved restaurant in Springfield, Virginia, is back open following a three-alarm fire that sent patrons rushing to safety during Valentine's Day dinner.The Feb. 14 fire at Mike's American Grill caused an estimated $200,000 in damage according to firefighters with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue."We were fortunate that the fire was contained to the kitchen ductwork, allowing us to open our doors to guests again swiftly," the team at Mike's American wrote in a statement to WUSA9. "We woul...
SPRINGFIELD, Va. — A beloved restaurant in Springfield, Virginia, is back open following a three-alarm fire that sent patrons rushing to safety during Valentine's Day dinner.
The Feb. 14 fire at Mike's American Grill caused an estimated $200,000 in damage according to firefighters with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.
"We were fortunate that the fire was contained to the kitchen ductwork, allowing us to open our doors to guests again swiftly," the team at Mike's American wrote in a statement to WUSA9. "We would like to thank our dedicated team for their hard work, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue teams for their swift action, Fairfax County and our loyal guests for always supporting us."
On Wednesday, the restaurant posted that it is back open on its Facebook page. "Please join is for lunch or dinner," the post reads.
Several people in the comments on the post were surprised by how quickly the restaurant was able to open its doors after the large fire, and excited to come back.
"Glad the fire didn't cause too much damage that would have required a longer close," one commenter said.
"Woo hoo!!! Fantastic news!! Looking forward to coming back asap," another user said.
Approximately 150 customers and 85 employees were inside the building when the fire sparked in the first floor kitchen. No one was injured.
"We had a clear view of the kitchen and we kept seeing the kitchen go up in flames and then one alarm went off and then the other alarm went off," customer Aida Spalding said. "Next thing you know, we were trying to order dessert and the waiter said we had to evacuate. No dessert for us."
Like Spalding, many other diners were forced to leave their vehicles behind and return the next day since fire equipment was blocking the parking lot. Smoke could be seen spewing out from the rooftop.
Spalding said Mike's is a staple for the community.
"I went to high school close by and for everyone in this area, it's really a go-to restaurant," Spalding said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to firefighters.
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