43rd Annual Bridge Day
Mark Altman
10/25/2023
The 43rd Annual Bridge Day, held this past weekend, was a thrilling and unique event that took place at the iconic New River Gorge National Park. Running from 7 am to 5 pm, this two-day spectacle celebrated the adventurous spirit of daredevils from all over the world who came in droves to this scenic location. With 350 jumpers, the event witnessed over 1,500, jaw dropping jumps that left spectators speechless. The highlight of Bridge Day was, of course, the breathtaking BASE jumping activities. As one of the event’s organizers, Tim Naylor, put it, “This is the only day it is legal to base jump at a national park. It’s also probably the premier BASE jumping event in the country, if not the world. So, this is really unique.” The daring jumpers leap from the towering bridge platforms, while some choose to take a more heart-pounding approach, being catapulted into the abyss below, allowing the adrenaline junkies to get some heart pounding adventure that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Bridge Day wasn’t just about heart-stopping leaps, though. Families could also enjoy a wide array of activities and entertainment. With 160 food vendors offering culinary delights from all different cultures, it was a food lover’s paradise. The event also featured live music, craft booths, and engaging activities for kids, making it an ideal family outing. Spectators had the chance to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the New River Gorge, making it an unforgettable weekend for all attendees. In its 43rd year, Bridge Day once again proved to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience, blending the extreme sport of BASE jumping with a family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s an event that showcases the remarkable spirit of adventure and camaraderie that brings people together here in the state of West Virginia.
Works Cited
Heaney, Briana. “43rd Annual Bridge Day Takes Place This Weekend.” West Virginia Public Broadcasting, 20 Oct. 2023, wvpublic.org/43rd-annual-bridge-day-takes-place-this-weekend/.
Catapult-Launch-Audio, https://soundcloud.com/user-4399467/bridge-day-audio-102523-658-pm?si=2bec85c24955458fa46c93f85dafc6e8&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Coopers Rock has a new Disc Golf course
Mark Altman
10/09/2023
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Morgantown, West Virginia, the Coopers Rock Disc Golf Course stands as a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of the Mountaineer Mountain Goats, a local disc golf club. Their vision for this course was to create a championship level course that would not only challenge enthusiasts, but even test professionals. With rocky terrain and dense forests that will define this course, Coopers Rock is looking to be the longest and most formidable disc golf course in all of West Virginia.
This course wouldn’t have been possible without the great J. Gary Dropcho, a revered figure in the world of disc golf. With a storied career spanning over 30 Professional Disc Golf Association Titles and a reputation for designing championship-caliber courses, Dropcho’s involvement is a hallmark of excellence. His legacy, enshrined in the Disc Golf Hall of Fame, attests to his unparalleled expertise. Under his guidance, Coopers Rock has started to take shape, offering players an unforgettable round through its rocky and heavily wooded terrain. A video showing an approach shot, shares one of the few open holes which is a grassy downhill shot that will challenge a players control of power and angle with a turn to the left at the very end.
As players begin to test out Coopers Rock, they will be challenged not only with precision and skill but also the natural beauty that surrounds them with the hills and trees. With its championship aspirations and the masterful touch of J. Gary Dropcho, Coopers Rock Disc Golf Course is poised to become a beacon for disc golf aficionados seeking the ultimate test of their abilities. It’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by the Mountaineer Mountain Goats, who have etched their mark on the West Virginia disc golf landscape, providing an experience that marries the sport’s challenges with the untamed beauty of the Appalachian wilderness.
Sources
Dropcho, Photo courtesy J. Gary. “New Disc Golf Course Opens at Coopers Rock.” The Daily Athenaeum – West Virginia University, 4 Jan. 2023, http://www.thedaonline.com/culture/new-disc-golf-course-opens-at-coopers-rock/article_39488882-cf89-11eb-993f-533d08409632.html.
Buysse, Nick, director. Coopers Rock Hole 6. YouTube, 2 July 2021, https://youtu.be/X_y5T0a7rnI?si=_s-nI4MTjwMDIUvf. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.
Alex Ovechkin will be the Greatest
Goal Scorer of All Time
Mark Altman
09/20/2023
Alex Ovechkin’s path to becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer in the next two seasons seems practically inevitable, this is all because of his unmatched blend of skill, determination, and just his presence on the ice. Ovechkin has consistently ranked among the league’s top goal scorers with him winning the Rocket Richard trophy 9 times, the most of any player in NHL history. His remarkable ability to score is highlighted by his lethal accuracy in his shots and his ability to find openings on the ice. What differentiates Ovechkin from the rest is not solely his natural talent, but his unyielding work ethic and resilience. Ovechkin has played 18 seasons going on 19, and has been able to maintain elite performances season after season. A quote from Fan Sided said, “He’s 38 years old as of Sunday which was his birthday and we believe he’s got one more 50 goal season in him.” Ovechkin’s physicality and fearlessness are also pivotal components of his scoring prowess. His willingness to engage in net-front battles and vie for positioning in high-traffic areas establishes him as a constant offensive threat. It is merely a matter of time before his name is etched at the summit of the all-time goal-scoring chart.
Ovechkin’s vocal endorsement of Vladimir Putin and his limited commentary on Putin’s actions in Ukraine have ignited debates both within and beyond the hockey community. While some understand Ovechkin’s deep allegiance to his homeland and his close association with Putin, his political standpoint has been deeply scrutinized. Critics contend that his support for Putin appears inconsistent with democratic values and human rights. Ovechkin’s stance has become a focal point of contention, because he has never said anything condemning the war but only saying, “Please, no more war, It doesn’t matter who is in the war Russia, Ukraine, different countries I think we live in a world, like, we have to live in peace and a great world.”
Works Cited
ago, Michael Marzzacco 2 days. “Alex Ovechkin Will Score 50 Goals in 2023-24.” Stars and Sticks, 18 Sept. 2023, starsandsticks.com/2023/09/18/alex-ovechkin-will-score-50-goals-in-2023-24/.
Wajih AlBaroudi Feb 25. “Alex Ovechkin Breaks Silence on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: ’something I Can’t Control, It’s Not in My Hands.” CBSSports.Com, 25 Feb. 2022, http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/alex-ovechkin-breaks-silence-on-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-something-i-cant-control-its-not-in-my-hands/.
Mark Altman has worked most recently by volunteering as the Social Media Manager for the West Virginia Wild.
- Photoshoot for Jersey Reveal of West Virginia Wild
- Capture at Golden Hour in Jersey Reveal Photoshoot
- Matthew Rubeck making a diving catch
- Dylan Bolind watching from the sidelines of a practice
- Ian Vilevac making a pass in the Regional Tournament
Exercise 4
This was my work with the WVU Wild which is the Club Ultimate Frisbee Team here at West Virginia University. These photos were taken a week before their first tournament. The work that the team put in was high intensity at all times and they are driven to win to improve upon from last year.
Mark Altman Multi Media 