Proud Parents by Dan Brown A year ago, my son (Rahveon) and I went to Champaign to watch the IHSA State Wretling Fi- nals. He was in eighth grade at the time. We were amazed at the talent these athletes displayed. Having being an IKWF (Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation) State Champion a year before, this was not completely new to him but the show at State Farm Arena (formerly Assembly Hall) was even more spectacular. I remember him saying to me, “I can’t wait ‘til I get to be here next year.”
Rahveon
As a freshman, he worked very hard in dual meets and tournaments all year, compiling a regular season record of 35-4. Many teams were highly ranked, such as #1 Dakota, #2 Byron and others from Iowa. When it came time for postseason, he had wrestled several of the guys already throughout the year. Finishing as regional champ and sectional runner up, it was time for State. Being very nervous, or anxious, didn’t slow him down, winning his first match. His second match pit- ted him against 44-1 senior Corey Jurzak (eventual state champion), who beat him 6-3 in a very competitive contest. That put him in wrestlebacks (consulation bracket), whereas he won three matches enroute to the 3rd place match, facing #1 ranked Jarid Braunagel. The match was scoreless but came to an end at the conclusion of the second period. They had an incidental head-on collision and Rahveon was exhibiting concussion-like symptoms and could not go on. Fourth place at state is awesome, especially for a freshman. We are so proud of him on and off the mat, finishing with a lofty mark of 44-7. As we were watching Rahv, his younger brother (11 and having been wrestling for seven years) said to me with a sparkle in his eyes, “I’m going to be here when I’m in high school!” We may be visiting Champaign for several years to come. A previous family highlight came when son Andrew (formerly in the Ingredient Division) called us in January on his way home from monthly National Guard drill. He said he had a surprise for us. Our first thought (and fear) was that he was being deployed. When he arrived home, he was carrying a framed document and a small case. Upon opening the case, he showed us a medal and uniform ribbons. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal by his commanding officer! This was for last summer’s 2-week training, stating, “For exceptionally meritorious service in support of annual training. Your extraordinary tenacity, intense devotion to duty and strong sense of personal excellence provided superior and professional diligence in the success of many missions. SPC Brown’s superb performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself, Detachment 1 Company B 33rd Special Troops Battalion, the Illinois National Guard and the United States Army.” You could have knocked us over with a feather. What a great surprise indeed! He also told us that he is soon going to be promoted to E-5 (sergeant to us civilians). Every time I hear the National Anthem, I’m even more proud of him and his service to our great country. Congratulations! In the past few months, we’ve had a number of employees interview for different job openings at Crest. Congratulations to the following people for obtaining new jobs at Crest!
Trish Carter QA Line Tech A-Shift
Joe Kump Maintenance Mechanic C-Shift
Amy Wilcox Level 6 West Facility A-Shift
Regina Bonnell Maintenance Mechanic C-Shift
Ty Lebrick Level 6 Main Plant B-Shift
14 Crest Ink April, May & June 2015
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