Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Hackettstown, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Hackettstown, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Hackettstown, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
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Newton coach Matt Parzero wanted to find out how his team would respond at the first sign of adversity.Through his team’s first five games -- all wins -- Newton had yet to be tested, with Parzero taking out his starters either at halftime or early in the third quarter of games. That changed Friday night against a fellow unbeaten Hackettstown.Newton was on the ropes in the fourth quarter, with Hackettstown trailing by just two points. Things could’ve snowballed for Newton from there, especially with the team having a...
Newton coach Matt Parzero wanted to find out how his team would respond at the first sign of adversity.
Through his team’s first five games -- all wins -- Newton had yet to be tested, with Parzero taking out his starters either at halftime or early in the third quarter of games. That changed Friday night against a fellow unbeaten Hackettstown.
Newton was on the ropes in the fourth quarter, with Hackettstown trailing by just two points. Things could’ve snowballed for Newton from there, especially with the team having a relatively easy road in the lead-up to Friday.
With the ball midway through the fourth quarter, Parzero went back to his team’s bread and butter down the stretch, and Newton didn’t flinch with the game still in balance late on the road.
Brayden Nolan scored a touchdown with 1:28 remaining to seal the win as Newton defeated Hackettstown 21-12 in both teams’ toughest tests to date.
Newton (6-0) seals the Super Football Conference American Blue Division title with the win.
Parzero gathered his team, which had outscored its first five opponents 219-47, and said it’s not supposed to be easy once you play deep into the regular season.
“What I just told them in the huddle was I was proud of them of how they responded to some adversity,” Parzero said. “We didn’t play our best football and made a couple of miscues, but nobody was holding their heads or pointing fingers. The guys stuck together and to be tested like that on the road in a very impressive environment. … This was our first time playing even into the fourth quarter. Our guys have been out at halftime or midway through the third.
“I’m definitely proud of the way they responded there on that last drive.”
The last drive covered 65 yards and chewed valuable time off the clock.
Hackettstown (5-1) used its timeouts to try and preserve precious time during the drive, but Newton continued to fight for tough yardage on the ground, using Thaylor Sibblies and Nolan to pick up first down after first down.
Nolan eventually punched it in for a 3-yard score. He finished the evening with 19 carries for 87 yards and two scores. Sibblies had 19 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown.
“There was a lot of talk before the game, a lot of fans, and we heard a lot,” Nolan said. “Did it scare us a little bit? Maybe, because we came out very soft compared to other games. But our team adapted. Shoutout to Hackettstown’s defense. They were really good, they are a legit team, but our offense kept to it.”
Hackettstown trailed 14-0 early in the second half when its offense came alive. Quarterback Jackson Burke, who didn’t finish the game after sustaining an ankle injury late in the third quarter, gashed Newton’s defense with runs up the middle.
He ran for a 1-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-6 after a two-point conversion failed. Backup quarterback Alex Feeney took the reins of the offense after Burke’s injury and exploited favorable matchups against Newton’s secondary.
Christian Bujno hauled in a 50-yard touchdown from Feeney to cut the deficit to 14-12 with nine minutes to play.
But Newton’s Wing-T offense and opportunistic defense found ways to make an extra play. Newton defensive back Demarius Posey had two interceptions, including one when Hackettstown tried a halfback pass deep in the red zone down 14-12 early in the fourth quarter.
“It was pretty big. It was a big confidence booster for us,” Posey said. “We got the pick, and it kind of helped us out in the long run.”
On the night, Newton forced four turnovers -- three interceptions, a fumble recovery to end the first half and blocked a field goal attempt in the second quarter when the game was scoreless.
The missed opportunities came back to hurt Hackettstown.
“There’s no magical words. It’s not fun (losing). The kids are hurting,” Hackettstown coach Mike Arakelian said. “We’re unbelievably proud of them. They had a great effort. (Newton) is a great football team that’s going to win a lot of games and go and make a run in the playoffs. I’m really proud of our players, and we feel bad as coaches for them.
“We don’t want to see them upset so that was our message that we’re going to stay together.”
With the division title wrapped up, Newton turns its attention to two intriguing games to round out the regular season. A home matchup against a Ramsey capable of lighting up the scoreboard looms next week before a road trip to face a young but hungry Sparta team.
Newton needed a test from a team like Hackettstown, who didn’t back down from the challenge. Parzero realizes the stretch run is going to be much the same.
“Our number one goal from the get-go is to win the conference and then to put us in position for a state sectional to have a home game and just keep advancing,” Parzero said. “I shared that with the guys. These are the types of games that they’re gonna get moving forward.”
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HACKETTSTOWN − On the back of a Newton helmet, one word adorns the bottom piece: Finish.Through five weeks, the Braves have been able to leap out to big leads early and cruise to victories. But on Friday night against Hackettstown, it took four complete quarters to finish off the Tigers, 21-12, in a battle between teams entering at 5-0. It was also a tight contest between two teams with their 10 combined wins all coming by at least 21 points.Thaylor Sibblies and Brayden Nolan combined for 186 yards and thre...
HACKETTSTOWN − On the back of a Newton helmet, one word adorns the bottom piece: Finish.
Through five weeks, the Braves have been able to leap out to big leads early and cruise to victories. But on Friday night against Hackettstown, it took four complete quarters to finish off the Tigers, 21-12, in a battle between teams entering at 5-0. It was also a tight contest between two teams with their 10 combined wins all coming by at least 21 points.
Thaylor Sibblies and Brayden Nolan combined for 186 yards and three rushing touchdowns, while three interceptions on defense boosted Newton to yet another 6-0 start to the season. Including a perfect record in the COVID-impacted 2020 season, the Braves have now won their first six games for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
"It was a test today and our team took it," Nolan said. "We made some adjustments at the half and found plays that were working and used it to grind out a win."
Nolan dove in from a yard out in the final minute of the second quarter to give Newton a 7-0 lead going into the half. Sibblies added a 2-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 lead to cap an eight-play, 60-yard drive to open the second half.
Hackettstown responded in the third quarter as quarterback Jackson Burke unloaded two deep passes and finished a drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Burke found Christian Bujno for a 50-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers missed two-point tries on both touchdowns.
Newton’s rush offense ground out the final minutes of the game, capping the game off with Nolan’s second rushing touchdown. Entering the game with more than 336 rushing yards per game as a team, the Braves still managed 222 total rushing yards as a group on Friday. It was the second-lowest mark as the group has combined for more than 1,900 yards on the ground this year.
"I think it's just chemistry we have with our offensive line," Sibblies said. "In school, we will talk about film and we will talk about different things before practice. They're not just there to block and you can't key on any one guy and think it will stop our offense completely."
With the victory, the Braves clinch the SFC American Blue division title.
More importantly, it tested the strength of Newton's pedigree as one of the best small schools in the state against Hackettstown's turnaround into a contender. The Braves, No. 15 in the latest USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey Top 25 rankings, earned a quality win on the road to remain towards the top of North Group 2. Hackettstown brought big plays and held Newton to a season-low 21 points, proving their worth against a top team.
"Their kids played really hard," Newton coach Matt Parzero said. "You could tell that they believe. That's the most dangerous thing in any sport. Those kids had confidence and they believed they could win, even when we were up 14-0."
Scoreless in the second quarter, Hackettstown was turned away near the goal line and tried a field goal. But the field goal was blocked and recovered by Newton in the end zone, which took it all the way back.
The call was never blown dead on the field, but discussion by the referees determined that the blocked kick was recovered in the end zone, resulting in a touchback, so Newton began its drive at its own 20-yard line.
"I was just upset they didn't blow it dead sooner and made them run 100 yards," Parzero joked. "We want to save those yards."
Newton scored on the ensuing drive to take the lead and never relinquish it. The play also impacted Hackettstown's strategy later on. The Tigers attempted two-point conversions on both of their touchdowns, and didn't convert either.
Defense proved to be vital in this clash of two powerful offenses.
Defensive back Demarius Posey hauled in two key interceptions, including one in the end zone preventing a chance to tie at the start of the fourth quarter.
Trailing 14-6, Hackettstown had the ball in Newton territory and tried getting tricky. A toss to the right for Andrew Carida was a halfback pass into the end zone, hauled in by Posey for a touchback.
"I'm glad we were able to play all four quarters against them. It was a great game and they are a great team that is going to go far." - Sibblies.
"They knew we were going to run and they knew who was getting the ball, but our guys were able to fight for the tough yards." - Parzero.
Newton (6-0) hosts Ramsey (5-1) on Friday.
Hackettstown (5-1) hosts Wallkill Valley (4-2) on Friday.
Greg Arakelian sits in the press box, and for a few seconds, looks down to the Hackettstown sideline to watch his son, Mike Arakelian.For Greg, there’s a sense of pride in watching what Mike has done this season. The younger Arakelian, Hackettstown’s head coach, has been at the forefront of a dramatic change at the Warren County school.Hackettstown entered this season on a 12-game losing streak, including posting an 0-9 record last season. But the team enters Week 6 with a 5-0 record and has a claim as one of the la...
Greg Arakelian sits in the press box, and for a few seconds, looks down to the Hackettstown sideline to watch his son, Mike Arakelian.
For Greg, there’s a sense of pride in watching what Mike has done this season. The younger Arakelian, Hackettstown’s head coach, has been at the forefront of a dramatic change at the Warren County school.
Hackettstown entered this season on a 12-game losing streak, including posting an 0-9 record last season. But the team enters Week 6 with a 5-0 record and has a claim as one of the last 32 unbeaten teams left in New Jersey.
A home matchup against fellow unbeaten Newton on Friday will be Hackettstown’s toughest test to date.
The Arakelians are part of a coaching staff that’s changed the philosophy around a program that has history, making 16 playoff appearances, two trips to a sectional final and winning one championship. They inherited a senior class that’s embraced them, open to the changes necessary to become a winning team before graduating.
“I think it’s just been the core group of seniors that we have, and we came in and we kind of tried to move forward and didn’t spend a whole lot of time at all talking about previous seasons,” Mike said. “Even as coaches, we kind of spent more time watching opponents film from last year and didn’t watch a whole lot of Hackettstown film from last year.”
Hackettstown is the younger Arakelian’s first head coaching gig. The 33 year old was hired in May, taking over for Daryle Weiss, who resigned citing personal reasons after two weeks on the job, according to the Daily Record.
Mike worked quickly to assemble a coaching staff. He was in contact with his father during the hiring process, and eventually asked him if he wanted to be a part of the staff.
Dad graciously accepted the position, adding knowledge to the staff, having been a former head coach at Somerville and having stints as an assistant, including at Immaculata High.
It’s the first time the two are coaching on the same staff.
“I didn’t ask him if he wanted me to coach because I wanted that to be his decision,” said Greg, who is coaching the offensive and defensive lines. “And then we had a conversation, and he called me and asked if I would coach. He didn’t have any coaches on the staff at the time. It was late (in the process) and he needed help.
“When your kid asks for help, I was more than happy to.”
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Mike added. “He’s been a head coach before, so he understands that side of it as well.”
After hiring his father, Mike set out to round out the coaching staff, trying to identify the right fit for the team. Hiring offensive coordinator AJ Palazzolo, who has roots in Oregon, Texas and played football in Europe, has transformed the offense.
Hackettstown has gone from a triple option team to a multiple spread offense team and is averaging just over 35 points per game, while the defense is allowing just 5.6 points per game.
Overall, the mood around the team is vastly different than a year ago.
“It feels great. Everyone is all hyped. Going from last year to this year, starting off 5-0, it feels amazing,” senior quarterback Jackson Burke said.
“Honestly, the biggest thing that surprised me was our record last year because I always knew we had the potential to do this,” senior Andrew Carida added.
The Super Football Conference’s American Blue Division title will be on the line against Newton.
Newton coach Matt Parzero called Hackettstown one of the Cinderella teams in the state through the first five weeks.
A win against a Newton team that is consistently strong would be a huge result for Hackettstown and the Arakelians and a marquee one for Mike in his first season.
Greg will be looking down from the booth and seeing how his son does on Friday calling the shots.
“I’m very proud of Mike,” Greg said. “I’m really proud of the way he has approached becoming a head coach.”
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Jamie Douglas likes to joke with her niece, Rylie Grant, “Who taught you to shoot?” But when the Hopatcong coach was trying to stop Hackettstown – with Grant at forward – on the court, the friendly ribbing took on a bit of an edge, “Can’t anybody stop Rylie?”Douglas served as both instructor and inspiration to Grant, a Tigers senior. Grant reached the 1,000-point milestone on the first basket of Saturday night’s home 44-36 victory against Ridgefield Park.After Grant...
Jamie Douglas likes to joke with her niece, Rylie Grant, “Who taught you to shoot?” But when the Hopatcong coach was trying to stop Hackettstown – with Grant at forward – on the court, the friendly ribbing took on a bit of an edge, “Can’t anybody stop Rylie?”
Douglas served as both instructor and inspiration to Grant, a Tigers senior. Grant reached the 1,000-point milestone on the first basket of Saturday night’s home 44-36 victory against Ridgefield Park.
After Grant sank a layup off an inbounds pass from senior point guard Sadie Willis, the game was stopped with 6:10 left in the first quarter. Grant was given a commemorative basketball, two banners, gold balloons spelling 1,000 and a bouquet.
She scored 14 points on Saturday night, giving her 1,012 in four years.
“It’s an honor,” said Grant, the fifth Hackettstown girl to reach the milestone and the first since 2011.
“At first, I didn’t realize how hard it is to do. … That’s what makes it so special. I never stopped trying to reach this goal. I had to keep pushing myself harder and harder to get this many points.”
Grant, who was 5-foot-9 as a freshman, has started every game and been the Tigers’ leading scorer “since she walked in the building,” according to head coach Ben Barnhart. She scored 266 points as a freshman, 173 in her COVID-shortened sophomore season, and 392 last winter.
Grant had some of her biggest games against Hopatcong, including a season-high 23 points as a freshman and 20 as a sophomore. Hackettstown shifted to the NJAC-Freedom this winter, and they’re not slated to play – unless they meet in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament.
“I taught her the basics, but when she got into high school, she made it her own,” said Douglas, herself a 1,000-point scorer at Hopatcong.
“The first game I saw her play, I knew she was going to score 1,000 points.”
Athlete of the Week:'20 Questions' with Hackettstown girls basketball player Rylie Grant
Grant’s first sport was tee ball, growing into softball and basketball by first grade – following both her aunt and her mom, Tammy Douglas Grant. Tammy Grant was her daughter’s first coach, and Rylie grew up alongside Douglas’ summer players.
Rylie has been improving her post moves and her range, “which teams don’t see coming because I’m usually in the post.” Both Douglas and Barnhart noted Rylie’s high free-throw percentage, using a technique she learned from her aunt many years ago.
Rylie particularly enjoys playing alongside her sister, sophomore forward Rory Grant – who is already slightly taller. A three-sport athlete at Hackettstown – Grant picked up volleyball as a freshman – she said she’s “moving on from sports” in college to focus on a career in marketing.
“She’s always been super good, and she makes everyone around her better,” said Willis, who played against Rylie on a rec team and alongside her on Tiger Sports Association travel teams.
“Her enthusiasm, she’s always putting in 100% effort and her energy’s always there. She pushes me to be my best all the time, and pushes our teammates too.”
By Lisa PachnosPublishedJanuary 24, 2023 at 1:18 PMProject Self-Sufficiency’s mobile services vehicle, PSS Journey, has added Hackettstown to the roster of municipalities it visits on a rotating basis. Although visits have already begun, a festive grand opening celebration will be held on Tuesday, February 14th, 10:00 a.m. – noon. The ...
By Lisa Pachnos
PublishedJanuary 24, 2023 at 1:18 PM
Project Self-Sufficiency’s mobile services vehicle, PSS Journey, has added Hackettstown to the roster of municipalities it visits on a rotating basis. Although visits have already begun, a festive grand opening celebration will be held on Tuesday, February 14th, 10:00 a.m. – noon. The Trinity United Methodist Church, 213 Main Street, Hackettstown, serves as the hosting site for the RV.
PSS Journey is a retrofitted recreational vehicle with internet access, computer workstations, and counseling and classroom space which allows Project Self-Sufficiency services to be brought to locations where residents may not have easy access to personal vehicles or public transportation. In addition to Hackettstown, the schedule includes stops in Franklin, Hopatcong, Netcong, and Vernon. The RV, and its smaller companion, the refrigerated Food Project van, is stocked with food, diapers, and limited personal care products for those in need. PSS Journey, launched nearly five years ago, was the brainchild of longtime Project Self-Sufficiency staff member Patrice Green who identified a need for mobile services in northern New Jersey. Individuals and families are encouraged to check the Project Self-Sufficiency website, or their own municipal websites, for the itinerary. PSS Journey also has its own Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PSSJourney.
“Project Self-Sufficiency has been serving individuals and families in northwestern New Jersey for 35 years. However, not everyone has the ability to travel to our Newton campus, so we are delighted to be able to bring these essential programs to other regions like Hackettstown,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Since its debut five years ago, PSS Journey has offered food, resources, and support to thousands of residents in our area. We are grateful to the municipalities which have embraced our vision for mobile community outreach, and we are looking forward to making new friends in the Hackettstown area.”
To create PSS Journey, funding from Impact 100 Garden State, a New Jersey women’s philanthropic organization, was used to purchase and retrofit a used recreational vehicle with internet access, computer work stations, and counseling and classroom space. Funding for Journey in Hackettstown is provided by the County of Warren through the Department of Human Services Division of Administration.
