Friend Encounters: Statue Week: Bridget Mac & Scottie Pippen Statue

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. This is also Statue Week. All week I am featuring some beautiful statues. This is a special Friend Encounters Statue Week edition. This is a special Statues Week edition of Friend Encounters.

Today's picture features two champions. Scottie Pippen won six championships with the Chicago Bulls and is Hall of Fame bound at some point. Always obviously overshadowed by Michael Jordan, Pippen still made the list of the Top 50 NBA players of all time. Being second banana to MJ is good and bad, but nobody can deny Pippen's talent.

Bridget Mac didn't win six championships, but she did win a Legends Football League title with the Chicago Bliss and I got to watch it happen. Bridget was the "Voice of the Rookies," always up for a fun interview.

When the Bliss won the Legends Cup several years back, each player got to spend a week with the actual Cup. Bridget took hers to the United Center for a photo op with the statue of Pippen. That makes this a Statue Week feature and a Trophy Week feature!

Bridget Mac in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Joe Minoso and Bridget McDonnell

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Bridget McDonnel was a member of the 2014 Legends Football League champion Chicago Bliss.  More importantly, she has served her country.

BMac was the "Voice of the Rookies" during that championship season.  She was always good for an interview and a laugh.  She workd very hard to earn her spot on the team and some playing time.

BMac will always be special to me.  During my quest to complete the 2014 Chicago Marathon, I dedicated various daily runs to people as a way of thanking them and holding myself accountable to them.  After completing the Marathon, many people congratulated me, but BMac's note went above and beyond.  She thanked me for my dedications and congratulated me on my accomplishment.  I appreciated everyone for reaching out, but BMac was one of a handful who I will always remember for giing a bit extra.

Bridget met Joe Minoso of Chicago Fire at Joe's on Weed Street.  The television star meets the football star.  As I always point out, more importantly, BMac has served our country and deserves applause for that.

Thank you Bridget for all you do.  I hope to see you somewhere down the line.

Joe Minoso and Bridget McDonnell in Chicago, IL-May 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Kerry Wood and Bridget McDonnell

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Kerry Wood was a phenom with the Chicago Cubs, but his career was derailed by injuries.  Still, he is a beloved figure in Cubs history and often seen around Chicago.
Bridget McDonnell made the Chicago Bliss as a rookie and helped them win their second straight Legends Football League championship.  BMac has moved on from the Bliss, but she has remained active on the Chicago sports scene.
The two met at Joe's on Weed Street.  I wonder if Wood knew he was meeting a champion?  More importantly, I wonder if he knew he was meeting a veteran who has served our country well?  With all due respect to Wood, BMac is the true star in this picture.
Thank you for your service, Bridget and thanks for being a friend.

Bridget McDonnell and Kerry Wood in Chicago, IL-May 2016.

On the Beat with Asst. Coach Ryan Andrews and Bridget McDonnell of the Chicago Bliss

I love it when worlds collide.  I love a good partnership.  I love one group supporting another's event.  Saturday night at Resistance Pro's "Animals" was an excellent example of all of this.

One week prior to the 2015 Chicago Bliss tryouts, Assistant Coach Ryan Andrews and second year player Bridget McDonnell were in attendance to support the new era of RPro.  This partnership goes back almost a year, when the Bliss first started appearing at RPro events.

Coach Biggs and BMac have been two of th most regular supporters at RPro events.  There is even rumors that Biggs wants a shot at the tag team titles (a rumor that Biggs probably started).

It's always good to see my Bliss friends.  It's even better to talk football with them.  After the night of wrestling, I sat down with both to talk about the upcoming Bliss season and the tryouts.

I really appreciate Biggs and BMac giving their time and talking about the two time Legends Football League champs.  I encourage everyone to check out the Bliss Facebook page to learn more about the Bliss and the tryouts on Saturday, January 24.  In the meantime, check out the interview below.

On Stage With Billy Corgan

A few weeks ago, Billy Corgan made his Ravinia debut. So did I. In fact, for a magical five minutes or so, we sang together, but more on that later.

The evening started with a performance by Corgan in a private dining room for VIPs. Corgan, accompanied by Jeff Schroeder, did a 30-minute set, followed by a Q&A. I was literally within several feet of the performers.

Before ending this session, Corgan assembled his friends from Resistance Pro and informed us we would be joining him on stage later. He proceeded to run us through a quick practice. I was going to share a stage with Billy Corgan!

We eventually settled into our seats in the Pavilion and enjoyed about two hours of beautiful acoustic music. Prior to his last song, we were escorted backstage and then introduced by Corgan. Twenty or so of us gathered around the microphones as Corgan jumped into “Of a Broken Heart.”

Then it hit me, as I looked out at the thousands of fans. I was singing chorus with Billy Corgan on stage! Plus I was experiencing this with my friends. Time flew by, yet stood still. This was about as surreal and magical as it gets.
I have always tried to soak in these moments.  I have tried to calm the excitement enough to fully experience and relish the moment.  I made sure to look at the crowd and realize just how cool this was.
Backstage after the show, we all could not believe what just happened. It became more real when hundreds of pictures and videos started floating around the Internet the next day. Other friends are still asking me how it was, and all I can say is, “Unbelievable.”
Below is a video of our time on stage.  On the far right is Eric St. Vaughn or RPro, Bridget McDonnell of the Chicago Bliss and me.  I have no rhythm whatsoever, but I still enjoyed myself to the fullest.

Friendly Encounters: Jack Keenan and Bridget McDonnell

This is a regular series about my friends who have met celebrities.

Jack Keenan has been a part of JohngysBeat.com for the entire ride on the Chicago Bliss bandwagon.  He proved invaluable with his steady camera work, occasional interview skills and all around logistical assistance.

Bridget McDonnell was one of the first rookie hopefuls we met and interviewed in 2014.  Bridget not only made the team, but made some nice plays on special teams and on the offensive line.  She also has been referred to as "the Voice of the Rookies."  Bridget is always up for an interview and always delivers an interesting one.

We have met Bridget many times, but the best was the recent time on the field in Ontario, CA, after the Bliss won their second straigh Legends Football League title.

Jack and Bridget are both winners and have both made contributions to JohngysBeat.com.  I appreciate them and hope to see more of them here in the future.

Jack Keenan and Bridget McDonnell in Hoffman Estates, IL-June 2014.

On the Beat with Bridget McDonnell of the Chicago Bliss-08/11/2014

Resistance Pro wrest;er Eric St. Vaughn was on the Beat again.  This time, ESV interviewed Chicago Bliss rookie Bridget McDonnell.  The two talked about her rookie season, the upcoming playoffs and more.
I see similarities between ESV and Bridget.  They both are obviously into physical fitness.  They both worked very hard to earn their positions in their respective fields.
ESV came to RPro as an unproven commodity.  Over the last few years, he has busted butt on every level to improve every aspect of his game.  The result is a very popular wrestler who has a bright future.
I met Bridget at the first Bliss practice of 2014.  She was one of several women trying to earn a spot on the defending champions.  It was no easy task, but Bridget practiced hard and often.  She worked at her craft and remained patient.  Bridget played in the last two games and showed everyone that she belongs on the team.
I'm happy to see two good people make it and have fun doing it.  I am happier say I am friends with both.  They each have a bright future and I am sure I will be covering both in the future.
For now, you can catch ESV in action at RPro's "The Real Thing" on Sunday August 24.  Bridget will be in action with her Bliss teammates on Saturday, August 23, as they open the playoffs against long-time nemesis Los Angeles Temptation.  We wish them both good luck!

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-06/23/2014

At Monday's Chicago Bliss practice, we landed interviews with three rookies.  Bridget McDonnell and DiA'ndra Frye have appeared here before, but we also got Dana Lorraine, one of the newest members of the Bliss organization.

All three rookies gave us their thoughts on the upcoming game in Las Vegas.  Bridget even gave a little happy dance because she will be in uniform for the game.  Congrats to her.  It is well-deserved.

All three athletes gave predictions on the game.  Obviously they are calling for a Bliss win, but they also mentioned victory margins.  Okay, I might have pushed that a bit, but they all eventually put numbers to the predicted win.  For the record, I am calling for a 14 point win.  I'm thinking 28-14.

This isn't about me though.  It is about the tough and beautiful women of the Bliss.  After you watch these three interviews, check out the ladies on their various social media sources.  Also check out the whole team at LFLUS.com and LFL360.com.

Friendly Encounters: Jim Strong and Bridget McDonnell

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series proving that my friends meet celebrities, too.

I have known Jim Strong for a lot of years, but we were mostly two guys who saw each other at various wrestling shows or celebrity conventions.  Over the last few months, I have seen Jim more often at Resistance Pro shows and he has done some work for me on JohngysBeat.com.

I am proud to say I have brought Jim over to the Chicago Bliss bandwagon.  Jim saw the Bliss at an R Pro show and got hooked.  He came to their first game of the season last month and got more hooked!  The Bliss have that effect on people.

Prior to the Bliss game, Jim and I ran into Bridget McDonnell, otherwise known as "the Voice of the Rookies."  Bridget is one of the handful of rookies who cracked the opening day roster.

It was a proud moment for Bridget.  Seeing her in that #9 is proof of all of her hard work paying off.  I have sen her (and the others) at practices and I know how hard these women work.

I took this picture and I love this picture.  Jim is a good guy and I look forward to enjoying more R Pro and Bliss with him.

Bridget is just awesome.  She is tough, intelligent and personable.  She represents everything good about the Bliss.  I look forward to watching her career develop.

Jim Strong and Bridget McDonnell in Hoffman Estates, IL-May 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Scotty Young Meets the Chicago Bliss

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebrities.

Scotty Young is one of the rising young stars at Resistance Pro Wrestling.  His long-running feud with Jake O'Neill  brought them both into the spotlight.  They both stepped up and really showed the fans and R Pro management what they could do in the ring.  Both men have bright futures in the wrestling business.
Scotty is a bright guy, too.  While most of the Friendly Encounters have one or two friends meeting a celebrity (or two), Scotty upped the ante by posing with five membrs of the Chicago Bliss.  That's about a third of the team.  Way to go, Scotty!
Actually these ladies are all rookies for the Bliss.  Much like Scotty, they are young stars of the future.  They even spent a few minutes in the R Pro ring, helping D'Arcy Dixon fend off Mickie Knuckles and some others.
The next Bliss game is Friday, June 13.  Unfortunately, the next R Pro event is the same night.  They are both winners.  Go to one of them.  You will not be disappointed.  Just ask Scotty!

Jori, Katy Massey, Scotty Young, Aubrie Nelson, Bridget McDonnell and Jess Price in Willowbrook, IL-February 2014.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss at the 2014 Kickoff Party

The Chicago Bliss finally kickoff their 2014 season this Friday night against the Los Angeles Temptation.  The team held a kickoff party at Gnarly J's in Downers Grove, IL and JohngysBeat.com was there to cover it (okay, we were there for the fun...and to cover it).

That's not all though.  Our friends at Resistance Pro Wrestling were there supporting the Bliss and promoting their next event, "Savage Amusement."  With two great organizations at a lively bar, you know it was a fantastic night.

I decided to take a rest from my interviewing duties and I recruited R Pro's Eric St. Vaughn.  Usually ESV is the man being interviewed.  He is the man of 40,000 views, too.  He has been pressed into interviewing duties a couple times in the past, but he really worked it this night.

ESV talked to Bliss veterans Nneka Nwani and Deena Fagiano, as well as rookies Bridget McDonnell and Jess Price.  He also managed to get Head Coach Keith Hac.  Nicely done ESV and thank you for your excellent service.

Below are the resulting interviews.  If these don't get you pumped for Friday's game, I would be shocked.  I was already on board with the Bliss but these interviews got me even more stoked.

These women are beautiful, athletic and focused.  Look out LA.  The Bliss are ready to defend their 2013 LFL title.

Bliss Week: The Rookie Bridget McDonnell

Bridget McDonnell went from being a rookie prospect to being a rookie member of the Chicago Bliss.  I am predicting a bright football future for this rook.

From the first time I met Bridget, I was impressed.  She carries herself like a veteran already (on the field and off).

I have seen Bridget in practice, at team functions and just hanging out a bit.  She is personable, interesting and intelligent.  She gives the vibe of a true leader.

At the February Resistance Pro event, Bridget was one of the many Bliss players signing autographs, posiing and even getting involved in some of the in-ring action.  Bridget   If Bridget was a real wrestler, I see her as more of a cerebral assassin, rather than a brawler, but I am sure she is tough enough to go it either way!

It is going to be a lot of fun following Bridget's progress this season.  She is one of several rookies who made the Bliss roster.  With newcomers like this, that title repeat looks pretty safe.

I encourage everyone to join the fun.  The season opener is Saturday, April 5 as the Bliss travel to Milwaukee to take on the Chill.  Bridget will be there and so will I.

Bridget McDonnell, Eric St. Vaughn and me in Willowbrook, IL-February 2013.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-01/20/14

There is no pro football today (the Pro Bowl does not count), but football is on my mind because of the Chicago Bliss.  As I have previously reported, the Bliss is back and ready to defend their 2013 Legends Football League championship (and I am ready to head to Vegas with them in September).

Bigger!  Faster!  Stronger!

I keep hearing those words from everyone with the Bliss.  I can also see it in the players as I watch their practices.  These women won the title last season, yet they probably worked harder than ever in this offseason.  It's almost scary.

I never doubted Coach Keith Hac last season when he boldly stated that the Bliss would win the title, because they were simply the best team.  Coach Hac has repeated that prediction for the 2014 season and his fellow coaches agree, as do the players, the fans and everyone around the team.

At the second practice of the 2014 season, I saw the players more focused than ever.  Simple drills were performed with midseason intensity.  The veterans want to show their improvement, while the rookie hopefuls want to show they belong.  The result will be a bigger, faster, stronger Bliss team as a unit.

We interviewed a cross-section of the players.  We talked to Nani Christine (a returning veteran), Emily Greiner (a member of the 2012 Bliss who is coming back) and Bridget McDonnell (a rookie trying to make the team).

Each gave a unique perspective on the situation, but all agreed on the depth and talent of the team.  All had the look of a hungry athlete.  All were totally ready to contribute in any way to the 2014 Bliss.

Every time I leave a Bliss function, I already look forward to the next one.  There is just such an energy about the team and the individuals.  I encourage everyone to get on the Bliss bandwagon now and enjoy the ride all season.  For more information, you can check out LFL360.com or the Chicago Bliss Facebook page.