Patrick Bulger
School: Derry
Class: Freshman
Sport: Wrestling
Claim to fame: Bulger (44-9) recently became a WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A Southwest Regional champion. He also was a section champion and helped Derry win its first WPIAL team title. The Trojans also placed fourth in the PIAA team tournament, the highest-finishing public school in the state. Bulger also was a Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association champion.
What was it like winning a WPIAL and Southwest Regional title?
I feel winning the regional title was a bigger deal because of the competition level. Winning both titles was special.
How would you say your season has gone?
It has been an amazing season. The team has made so much improvement, and everyone contributed to the success.
What is it like to have a teammate like Mason Keesecker to work out with?
It is great. He is really tough and we make each other better.
What does it mean to be part of the Derry program?
This is just a start to something bigger. We are going to continue to build. We are going to be even better next year.
How old were you when you first started to wrestle?
I was 5. One of my friends started and encouraged me to try. I liked it a lot.
What is the best improvement you have made this season?
I am a better leg rider. I added that when I am in the top position.
What would it mean to join the Derry Wall of Fame of state champions?
It would mean a lot. It is one of my goals.
Has former Derry state champion Micky Phillippi helped you?
He is a big part of the club and he helps everyone.
Who is your favorite wrestler?
There are many. Probably Nebraska’s Jordan Burrows.
Where do you and your teammates go for a snack after practice or a match?
We go to Sheetz. I would get a Gatorade, an app sampler and skittles.
What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?
Macaroni and cheese.
Is there a food you do not like?
I am not a big salad person, and I do not like mayonnaise.
Do you play any other sports?
I used to play baseball and football.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
The Florida Keys.
Is there a place that wrestling has taken you that you would like to revisit?
There are bunch of places: Florida, Myrtle Beach, Greensboro, N.C. and Las Vegas. The best place is Las Vegas.
Is there a place you would like to visit on your bucket list?
Italy.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is “Step Brothers.”
What type of music do you listen to?
I like all types. I like rap and the artist Drake.
Who is your favorite Pittsburgh professional team?
The Steelers.
Who has the best pizza?
Aiello’s in Squirrel Hill.
Favorite class in school?
I like math.
Do you like MMA?
I love MMA.
If you were to have lunch or dinner with someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?
My grandfather, James Bulger. He died a few years ago, and I would like to talk about my accomplishments and learn more about his life.
Natalie Christoff
School: Jeannette
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Bowling
Claim to fame: Christoff won the Western PA Regional Singles Championship. She defeated Allison Beighley of Apollo-Ridge, 182-176, in the finals. Christoff finished fifth in the WPIBL Tournament. She is ranked No. 5 out of 362 bowlers in the WPIBL with a 204.3 average. She is the league’s No. 1-ranked sophomore.
What was it like winning regionals, and did you surprise yourself?
Winning regionals was an incredible feeling. More than anything, I felt a huge sense of relief once it was over and the pressure finally gone. I did surprise myself by coming out on top, but at the same time, I knew I had put in the training to give myself a chance to win.
You finished fifth in the WPIBL. Did that show you could compete with the best at regionals?
Yes. Finishing fifth in the WPIBL showed me that I can compete with the best. That placement came after 30 games with a final average of 204.27, so it wasn’t just a single good game, it required consistency over a long stretch.
How long have you been bowling?
Too long … started bowling in 2017.
Who or what got you started in the sport?
My dad (Keith) and my brothers, Nate and Nick.
How do you manage the effects of Lyme disease with lingering pain in your hands? What is the greatest challenge with that?
The greatest challenge is dealing with stiffness and swelling in my fingers, which can restrict my ability to comfortably hold the ball and maintain a consistent grip. The swelling can also change how the ball fits in my hand, adding another layer of difficulty. After bowling, I often feel pain and soreness in my hands. I use numbing cream, which helps take away the pain.
What is your best game and series?
279 and a 714 series.
Where is your favorite place to bowl?
Main Bowling in Greensburg.
Do you have a lucky bowling ball? Do you have a name for it?
A Track Paragon Pearl. Four-leaf clover.
What goes through your mind just before you roll a ball?
Focus on the target, lock in, picture the throw and concentrate on my form.
Are you a “pin up” or “pin down” bowler?
Pin up, I like to shape the ball more.
What are your favorite leaves?
Preferably strikes, but my favorite leave is the 7 or 8 pin.
Are you originally from Jeannette?
Yes, lived here my whole life.
What do you like most about going to school there?
Friends and community.
Do you play any other sports?
I used to play soccer, but I concentrate on bowling and play French horn in the band.
Did you go to the WPIAL basketball championship to watch Jeannette?
I did not get to attend. I had to go to a birthday dinner for my mom.
What are some of your hobbies?
Play video games and listen to music.
Who is the best bowler you have played against?
Anna Antony, Amelia Droste and Ashley Bensur.
Is bowling becoming more popular, in general, in this part of the state?
I think it is for the boys, but seems like a lot less girls are bowling.
What is your favorite TV show?
“The Walking Dead.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Pitch Perfect.”
What kind of music do you like?
Alternative, grunge, rock and pop.
What are you looking most forward to at the state championships?
Placing better than last year. I feel like I am a better bowler technically this year and ready to compete.