Richie Blyweiss (above left), a 2004 Cheltenham High School graduate, was gifted a Super Bowl ring by the Philadelphia Eagles organization following Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to local historian Chuck Langerman, Blyweiss was one of Swoop’s—the Eagles’ mascot— assistants. The “Swoop Crew” helped the mascot out at Eagles games, community events, and appearances that season.
At Cheltenham High, Blyweiss was the Cheltenham Panther mascot. At Temple University, he was Hooter the Owl, and he spent 10 years as Mad Dog, a mascot for the Philadelphia Wings professional lacrosse team.
Nowadays, Mr. Blyweiss is a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher at the Wissahickon Middle School in Lower Gwynedd.
His father, David Blyweiss (above right), taught 7th and 8th grade English at Elkins Park and Cedarbrook schools from 1972 to 2006 in addition to serving as coach, vice-principal, and athletic director. Today, he is a professor at Manor College in Jenkintown.
In related news, Philadelphia officials are preparing for thousands of Eagles fans to flood the city after Super Bowl LIX, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel said officers will be out “in full force” across the city to manage the celebrations.
“We urge all fans to gather responsibly so we can show the nation what Philly is truly about. Let’s come together, cheer loudly, and take pride in representing our great city with passion and respect,” he said, finishing with a “Go Birds.”
Road closures, parking restrictions, and SEPTA detours are below, courtesy of The Inquirer:
Closures
- South Broad Street (Lombard to Chestnut, including side streets) will close to traffic Sunday morning and could remain blocked off well into the night.
- Depending on the size of celebrations, police may also close streets between 12th and 16th Streets and as far north as Spring Garden Street.
- I-676 ramps leading to Broad Street could also be shut down.
Parking restrictions
Parking restrictions will be in place on side streets of South Broad Street from Lombard to Chestnut Street on Sunday.
Northeast Philadelphia and South Philadelphia will have similar parking restrictions around Cottman and Frankford Avenues and South Broad Street.
SEPTA and public transportation changes
SEPTA will reroute several bus lines and close key transit stations Sunday night. These stations will be closed:
- Market-Frankford Line: 15th Street, City Hall, 13th Street, and 11th Street Stations.
- Broad Street Line: Walnut-Locust, City Hall, and Race-Vine Stations.
- Regional Rail: Suburban Station and Jefferson Station.
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