RAT PACK FIGHTING SYSTEM'S
2007 AWARDS BANQUET

 On February 23, 2008, Rat Pack Fighting Systems celebrated the completion of it's third year of operations with our second annual Awards Banquet. With over 115 of the Rat Pack faithful, family and friends in attendance, the party was a huge success and was reflective of the amazing strides which Rat Pack has made over the past 12 months enroute, along with its other Simrell MMA Association academies, to becoming THE  power house in mixed martial arts in Pennsylvania and beyond.

 Highlights of the banquet included presentations by Rat Pack Instructor of the Year, Forrest Meyer, "Wrestling" Joel Roberts garnering the coveted "Fighter of the Year Award", the formal recognition of the James Simrell MMA Association Fight Team class of 2007-2008 and Connie Riddle accepting the "Man of the Year" award on behalf of her son Matthew who will be back in action at Rat Pack on March 4^th!

 Below is a list of the Rat Pack members who received special recognition for achievements over the past twelve months. Congratulations to all we look forward to even greater things in 2008.

 Check back soon for pict of the event!

CHILDREN'S AWARDS

Grappler of the Year Female: Shannon
Grappler of the Year Male: Joey Bubble
Outstanding in Striking :Chase Faulstick
Outstanding in Grappling: Anthony Shanley
Most Promising Striker: Bailey Spengler
Most Promising Grappler: Eli
Most Promising MMA: Joe Shanley
Most Aggressive Opponent: Kane Nelson
Most Improved Grappler: Cody Becker
Most Improved in MMA: Jake Christman
Most Technical Grappler: Michael Shanley
Outstanding Newcomer: Domenic Borger
Outstanding Competitor: Spencer Wahlmark
Outstanding in Wrestling: Bryson Berard

ADULT AWARDS

Man of the Year: Matthew Riddle
Fighter of the Year: Wrestling Joel Roberts
Most Promising in MMA: Chris Kratz
Outstanding in MMA: Brett Martinez
Outstanding in MMA: Zimmerman
Outstanding Newcomer: Dave Christman
Outstanding Grappler: Dennis Ringler
Most Improved Grappler: Jeff Spengler
Outstanding in Striking: Bubba Naratil
Most Improved Striker: Jason McGowan
Most Promising Striker: Bridget Naratil
Most Promising Grappler: Andy Biel
MVP: Chuck Glass/Karen Bubble
Instructor of the Year: Forest Meyers

RAT PACK MUSCLE!!!

On June 10, 2007 Rat Pack's "Bubba" Naratil, fresh off his kick boxing win at the Tri-State Smokers, "smoked" the competition taking second place in the Palmerton's Strongest Man Competition.

As Bubba had cut down for his fight from his normal 270lbs to just over 240lbs, we fully expect him to come back next year at his full size and strength and capture the title.

Congrats big man, we're all proud of you!!

RAT PACK'S WINTER BELT TESTING SESSION

Sunday November 25^th was the date of the most recent belt testing session at Rat Pack and, once again, the event was a smashing success.

 Those in attendance were privileged not only to watch the testing sessions of several Rat Pack members but, also, to participate in a mini-seminar put on by triple black belt (Judo/Sambo/BJJ)  JAMES SIMRELL of Scranton and Renzo Gracie black belt and BJJ phenom BRIAN MILLER.

 Congratulations go out to those who tested that day including Rat Pack instructors Jr. Ortiz who earned his long overdue Blue Belt as well as a stripe; Todd Teele who earned a stripe on his Blue Belt; Bubba "Bubba-Licious " Naratil who earned his Blue Belt; and Matt "The Answer" Riddle who earned a well deserved Purple Belt. Congrats also to Rat Pack members Brent Yoder and Jeff Johnson who also garnered Blue Belts on this occasion.

 Great job guys!

A special thank you to our friend and director of our BJJ and MMA programs, MR. SIMRELL without whom none of this would be possible, to CHUCK GLASS, owner of Reality Martial Arts, the newest member of the Simrell MMA Association, for attending and for sharing his skills with us so generously over the past several months (we hate to loose you brother!) and to BRIAN MILLER for taking the time to work with the Rat Pack gang both during and after the testing session.