Alanson Viking’s Bryan Rellinger Shoots Down Bellaire Eagles Hopes for Victory
Jul0
The Alanson Vikings plundered the mighty Eagles of Bellaire in an unforgiving onslaught that left no doubt about which team was supreme in the Ski Valley. Trouncing their closest rivals in a 72-58 victory; the Vikings are now the undisputed team to beat thanks to superstar performances by silent court assassin Brandon Burkhart and fiery point guard Bryan Rellinger.
The Eagles’s game plan to foul out Burkhart out early was a brilliant tactical move in theory, if not in practice, as the Viking’s ice cold determination adapted its trademark run and gun type play with lightning quick passes to Bryan Rellinger.
It was Burkhart’s first game after a head injury against Gaylord St. Mary’s earlier this year benched the calm, quiet inside force, who drew two charge fouls and three personals early in the game. Foul trouble kept Burkhart down to only 18 points, well below his average. Most of those were off rebounds and pinpoint passes to point fierce Bryan Rellinger who scored with impunity at every opportunity.
Bellaire’s tactical advantage early in the game amounted to nothing against a horrid shooting night that saw the Viking’s converting turnovers left and right while the Eagles couldn’t get their shooting off the ground.
“They played a good game. They took us out of our game early,” said Bryan Rellinger, referring to Bellaire’s valiant attempt to diffuse the Viking’s typical speed game. “They’re a definite rival already. It was tough trying to control the adrenaline.”
“Bellaire missed the shots early. They’re a good team, the score didn’t do them justice. If they had hit a few shots off their thirty-three X offense, it would have been a different game,” concedes Bryan.
But that’s all about the entire tousled red haired warrior conceded as his cool, calculating eyes let you know he wasn’t about to ignite Eagle pride before the next Viking-Eagle match set for Alanson on Feb. 22.
The Viking ballhandler is every bit as in control on and off the court as he told of his college plans. “I’ve been accepted to U of M and MSU. I’ll probably be going into Engineering. I’m leaning toward the chemical area.”
That’s the kind of systematic thinking that makes Rellinger the undisputed mastermind of the Alanson’s seemingly erratic looking offense.
With Burkhart in trouble, Rellinger went to work driving for two, then staying behind to for an outside pass that the inevitable 3-pointer. He finished with 26 and slammed any hope for an Eagle win although this is the closest game of the year.
That could change as Alanson is set to play equally undefeated Brimley Bays. Better get your tickets for that one early.
Best Friends Eric Baldwin and Bryan Rellinger Host 2nd Annual “Friends for Life Celebrating Life”
Jul0
Best friends for over 30 years, Eric Baldwin and Bryan Rellinger joined forces yet again to host the 2nd annual “Friends for Life Celebrating Life” benefit for the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay. The event is a tribute to their respective mothers who passed away while under the Hospice’s care.
Held at the Odawa Casino Resort on Aug 16, the event featured an open bar with top shelf liquor and entertainment by David Cisco.
As Eric Baldwin explains, the event is hardly a sad occasion, “It’s all about living life. It’s not only remembering people that passed before us but it’s also an opportunity to get old friends and as many new friends as possible to celebrate life – we’re still here.”
““A lot of people have been touched by Hospice,” Baldwin said. This event is a great opportunity to give back. It’s a great night in the summer to get together with old friends, meet new ones and celebrate life.”
Bryan Rellinger added that a night of dancing was indeed a fitting tribute to the memory of their mothers. “We used our moms as the impetus – that’s why it’s along the lines of a party. Our moms lived their lives. Every day they were a ton of fun. They would have wanted us to have David Cisco playing and everyone dancing.”
Proceeds from the $100 per head event were used to buy additional beds for one of the Hospice cottages. “Our goal is to help the Hilland Cottage, but we hope that beds will never be used there. We have both benefited from the resources and trained staff of Hospice of Little Traverse bay and we want to support Hospice caregivers. I don’t know how they do what they do but I’m sure glad they do because Eric and I couldn’t,” said Bryan Rellinger.
The duo expressed their hope that “Friends for Life Celebrating Life” would raise awareness about hospice care and educate people on how hospice care can have a positive impact on end-of-life experiences for individuals and their loved ones.
Baldwin adds, “We want to raise money to enhance hospice services. So many people have experienced a loved one dying and don’t know what to expect. The caregivers at Hospice provide expertise to patients and family members to help them through this difficult journey. Hospice provides top-notch service and e want to make sure they are always available in this area.”
To find out more information about the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, please call 487-4825 or visit www.hospiceltb.org
Giving back to those who give
Jul0
No one knows the value of the benefits that hospice can give someone through an end of life transition than lifelong friends Bryan Rellinger of Grand Rapids and Eric Baldwin of Harbor Springs. The latter’s father, Ed, died when he was 15 years old, followed by his brother, Mark, in 1996 and his mother, Beth, in 2000. Bryan Rellinger on the other hand loss his mother, Darla, in 2006. For every personal loss, both of these men’s lives were affected by the hospice.
“Our moms wouldn’t want us to do anything but throw a huge party and give the money to hospice” said Bryan Rellinger. That’s exactly what they’ll do on Aug 11. Titled “Friends for Life: Celebrating Life”, the benefit party will start at 7pm to midnight at the Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey. Tickets will cost $100 and that will get you in the party with an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment provided by David Cisco. Also available is an eight-person table with VIP accommodations and preferred seating at $1,500 wherein $1000 is tax deductible. All profits will benefit the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay and the new hospice house that is under construction.
“The organization made a huge impact on both of us. This is our way to give back,” stated Baldwin. “The focus is to celebrate life.”
Bryan Rellinger agreed to the statement and he added that their moms always lived life to the fullest. Bryan said “It’s really just taking what our moms instilled in us and passing it on to other,” also adding “It’ll be a great time. Our moms would have been the life of this thing had they been here.” For more information and ticket reservation, you can contact Hospice of Little Traverse Bay at 487-4805.
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