Benton Tigers

Michael, or “Mike” as so many know him, dedicated more than two decades to protecting others. Throughout his career with the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department, he served in many roles, answering countless calls without hesitation. On July 21, 2025, that career came to an abrupt close when he learned the diagnosis that no firefighter ever expects—an occupational cancer linked to years of exposure to contaminants breathed in while doing the job.

For Northwest Area High School senior Michael Fritz, running isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life, a journey of faith, family, and perseverance. A standout in both Cross Country and Track, Michael has spent his high school career building a legacy of excellence, humility, and leadership.

Hermanofski’s Late Surge Caps Off Comeback Win After Pre-Game Milestone Honor

When asked about her favorite part of the Drive, Chip, and Putt challenge, Ainsley simply said, “The whole thing!” It’s a sentiment that reflects both her joy for the game and her relentless competitive drive.

Benton, meanwhile, was kept quiet until the bottom of the fifth inning, when their bats came alive. They strung together a sequence of timely hits from Osborne (2 hits), Kolb, Zajac, Ribbie, and Koch, putting up all three of their runs in the frame to take the lead.

Muncy’s bats came alive early and never let up, capitalizing on five Benton errors to keep the scoreboard busy. The Indians’ well-rounded effort featured contributions up and down the lineup, as they racked up 15 runs while limiting themselves to just two defensive errors.

The vision for MECCA Sports Inc. is deeply rooted in the Retherford family's own experience in the world of athletics. Al and Sarah, proud parents of three children who each competed or will complete, at the Division I level in various sports, understand the challenges that families face when guiding their kids toward success. As Sarah shared, “Our mission is for each athlete to achieve their greatest potential—not just as an athlete, but as a person.” Al added, “We’ve been through the journey ourselves, and we know the path. Our goal is to help other parents and athletes find their way through it, at the right time.”