The new 3 R's: Reading, writing and wrasslin'

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Over the last year or so here in southern Illinois more educators are stepping through the ropes and learning how to wrestle. It's in part due to a lack of funding on the state level. Teachers and administrators are wrestling at benefit shows for their schools, putting their bodies on the line in an effort to overcome shortcomings from state coffers.

Jerry Travelstead vs. Tony Flood
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

I've talked with Jerry Travelstead before on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. He's the superintendent at Pinckneyville Community Consolidated School District 204 and has taken his love of wrestling to the next level. He and teacher Josh Plumlee are trained wrestlers who have gigs on weekend wrestling shows around the region. Jerry is hosting a fundraising show November 5 that will feature WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Luke. Other local favorites like Heath Hatton, Ax Allwardt and Tony Flood (who battles Jerry for Stride Pro Wrestling's new Legacy Championship.

Tshirts for Saturday's event

Another superintendent in southern Illinois, "The Singing Super" Mike Gauch, makes his in-ring debut October 15. He teams up with the Honky Tonk Man to battle HTM's former manager Jimmy Hart and Disco Inferno. Brian Christopher will be a part of the show clashing with Dalton Diamond (also of Stride Pro Wrestling) Jerry Travelstead teams with Heath Hatton to battle Daniel Eads and Chris Hargas. "Colorado Kid" Mike Rappada also wrestles against Desperado. This show is being held at Harrisburg High School. Bell time is 7:30 p.m.

Come out and support not just the independent wrestlers and legends in the ring, but the students, faculty and staff impacted by budget problems in Illinois. I salute these educators who are taking a stand to help their schools and the communities they serve.

The Benefits of Peer Pressure

Run with the Eagles half marathon

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

A few years ago I decided that my midlife crisis should be about running.  At that point I was doing 5Ks and a little bit of extra running in between those races. I added the Warrior Dash to my bucket list and that was followed by a half marathon.  I've now done two of each and am eyeing an upcoming marathon in October.  It's the Shawnee Marathon in Harrisburg, Illinois and my goal is to complete the race and live to tell about it.

Me, Jim and Justin after a run

As my running journey started I met others along the way in my same age group, including a friend I'd made years earlier when I moved to southern Illinois.  When I first met Jim Olsen he was about twice the size he is today.  Jim started eating right and running and lost a lot of weight.  I'm sorry I don't know the total, but the important thing is he did it and he's continuing to do it.  I'm proud of what he's accomplished.

2015 River to River Relay 

Jim recently announced his plans to run 1,000 miles this year.  My goal is set at 700 for 2015.  I did 600 in '14 and 500 in '13.  But because of his example, I've decided to push myself to hit that 1000 mile mark this year too. I hope by putting this new goal in writing it'll help me stay accountable. I finished 600 miles for 2014 on New Year's eve morning.  I know I can do it, but I'll welcome any support along the way.  Thanks for reading and supporting all my crazy endeavors.