Posts by BTS Chicago
Champion Story: Old Mats, New Opportunities
Beat the Streets Chicago continues to grow wrestling in the areas that need it most! Oak Park River Forest High School recently retired two of their old mats and donated them to BTSC, within 48 hours they were being delivered to their new homes; Harold Washington Elementary in Burnside and Wendell Green Elementary in Roseland, two schools that have been pushing for a wrestling program but did not have the resources to purchase a new mat. Both schools eager to start a CPS SCORE Wrestling team are now ready to go for the start of the season!
This collaboration exemplifies the positive impact that a healthy Chicago wrestling ecosystem can offer— support and resource sharing fosters wrestling programs in schools, especially in areas where such opportunities are needed the most. Beat the Streets Chicago continues to be a driving force in creating opportunities and nurturing the growth of wrestling within the community.
Author: Patrick Martinez
USA WRESTLING REVIEWING INCIDENT AT BEAT THE STREETS – CHICAGO TOURNAMENT
(CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, April 19, 2023) A recent incident between two minors at the Beat the Streets – Chicago Developmental Freestyle / Greco Tournament on April 8 in Oak Park, Illinois, has been referred to USA Wrestling (USAW), the governing body for amateur wrestling in the US, and USA Wrestling / Illinois (USAW/IL), the state affiliate.
The incident occurred between two wrestlers from visiting clubs outside the Beat the Streets – Chicago network competing at a Beat the Streets-Chicago hosted tournament when one wrestler struck the other at the conclusion of a match.
Beat the Streets – Chicago strongly condemns such behavior, which conflicts with our mission of empowering youth through wrestling. Mike Powell, Executive Director of Beat the Streets Chicago, said, “We are very disappointed that this happened at one of our tournaments, which are meant to provide young people with opportunities to grow and compete in a positive, safe environment. We are relieved to know that the young man injured is recovering and we have taken the necessary actions to let the authorities determine next steps.”
Beat the Streets – Chicago operates as a chartered club within the USAW system and adheres to all USAW policies. When the incident occurred, Beat the Streets – Chicago followed incident-reporting protocol and referred the matter to USAW and USAW/IL. USAW and USAW/IL have strict policies in place to protect youth which include standards for athlete behavior. All wrestlers, regardless of wrestling club, who are registered for a Beat the Streets – Chicago tournament must be members of the USAW system to compete and must comply with all safety protocols agreed to as a condition of membership. USAW and USAW/IL have jurisdiction over the matter and will determine next steps, including possible suspension of the athlete from the sport.
For questions, please contact Executive Director, Mike Powell.
Beat the Streets – Chicago is a nonprofit organization based in IL. With a mission of empowering youth through wrestling, we serve over 2,500 young people in the Chicagoland area through wrestling and related enrichment programming. Learn more about our organization at btschicago.org.
Ed Ruth to Headline Coaches Convention
Beat the Streets Chicago and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association are partnering again to host the 2021 Illinois Coaches and Officials Convention.
The event will be held on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 at the Beat the Streets Chicago Wrestling and Enrichment Facility at 5985 S. Archer Ave. in Chicago. Sessions begin at 3:00pm on Friday and conclude at 3:00pm on Saturday.
Haley Augello
Mike Poeta
Mike Powell
Northwestern Wrestling
IWCOA Rules Interpretation
$125 per coach
$300 per coaching team (same school)
$40 per official (Friday only)
All prices include Friday social & dinner
Beat the Streets Chicago
Wrestling and Enrichment Facility
5985 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
TBD
Contact Mike Powell
WRESTLERS ADVOCATE FOR YOUTH SPORTS AS PART OF “CHICAGO’S COMEBACK”
Beat the Streets Wrestlers Monica Griffin and Rafael Soto were two of the ten Chicago student-athletes selected to participate in the launch even for “Chicago’s Comeback,” an initiative designed to raise awareness and support for Chicago sports organizations engaged in positive youth development.
Monica joined Laureus leadership, government dignitaries and representatives from Chicago Cubs Charities at the podium to speak on behalf of the students. At the unveiling of a mural painted for the initiative by artist Damen Lamar Reed, Monica said, “Being part of Beat the Streets Chicago has had a very strong impact on me both on and off the mat. Goal setting and work ethic are just some of the life skills that I have been able to apply both in life and in wrestling. I hope many more kids in Chicago will have these same opportunities so they can achieve their dreams.”
To sign the letter of support calling on government and foundations to reinvest in youth sports, visit chicagoscomeback.org
The following Press Release was released by the Laureus Sport for Good Coalition:
CHICAGO, Aug. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, members of Sport for Good Chicago, an initiative of Laureus USA, announced “Chicago’s Comeback,” a campaign encouraging Chicago residents to sign a Letter of Support calling on legislative stakeholders and funders to prioritize sustained, year-over-year funding for local sport-based youth development programs as they seek an equitable post-pandemic recovery. The campaign highlights the value sports, and in particular sports-based youth development programs can provide in helping young people prosper, especially on the heels of COVID-19.
“Access to sport programming is not the same for all young people, and COVID-19 has exacerbated the inequities that prevent many young people from being part of a team,” said Ben Schornack, Laureus USA Chicago Program Officer. “We must leverage this moment to reimagine youth sports as a system that prioritizes youth development and equal access for all young people, regardless of zip code, race, gender identity, or family income level. With the support of the businesses and people of Chicago, we can collectively provide a new state of play that helps our youth heal, grow and thrive.”
SPORTS AS A SOLUTION
Research has shown that sports-based youth development programs help participants develop social emotional skills at a significantly higher rate than those in non-sports programs1. The need for these programs is greater than ever as research indicates children and adolescents are more likely to experience high rates of depression and anxiety after isolation2 – a reality many experienced over the last year. Yet, more than 80% of Chicago program providers are concerned about the long-term viability of their programs due to financial constraints resulting from COVID-193.
CHICAGO’S COMEBACK
To launch the campaign, Laureus USA enlisted local artist Damon Lamar Reed to create We Play, We Heal, We Grow!, a mural that represents how sport has positively impacted Chicagoland’s young athletes. The mural was unveiled Sunday, August 8 at Gallagher Way, next to Wrigley Field, prior to the Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox game. Reed was joined at the mural unveiling by youth participants from Sport for Good Chicago programs, city officials, and Cubs All-Star catcher, Willson Contreras. Laureus USA worked with curator CNL Projects to commission this piece.
At the mural unveiling, high schooler Monica Griffin said, “Being part of Beat the Streets Chicago has had a very strong impact on me both on and off the mat. Goal setting and work ethic are just some of the life skills that I have been able to apply both in life and in wrestling. I hope many more kids in Chicago will have these same opportunities so they can achieve their dreams.”
Chicago-based organizations, including IMC Foundation, the Cubs and Cubs Charities, and Gatorade, one of the most influential sports brands in the world, were the first to sign the letter and support the campaign, demonstrating a commitment to providing equal access to sports and resources for local underserved communities.
“Chicago’s Comeback” builds upon the existing efforts of Laureus’ Sport for Good Chicago initiative, which since launching in 2018, has brought together more than 80 organizations using sport-based youth development programs to collectively serve more than 80,000 youth.
Visit https://chicagoscomeback.org/ for more information and to sign the Letter of Support.
1Laureus USA, Hello Insight, 2021
2Loades et al., 2020
3Afterschool Alliance, America After 3PM, 2020
About Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA
Laureus USA is a non-profit, grant-making organization that works to improve the lives of youth and unite communities through the power of sport. Since 2012, we have impacted the lives of over one million youth by investing $19 million in sports-based youth development organizations around the country that unleash the power of sport to enhance physical and mental health, improve educational and employment outcomes, and address critical social justice issues. Laureus USA is a member of the global Laureus network, which includes 7 National Laureus Sport for Good Foundations, 1 Global Foundation, the Laureus World Sports Academy (and Ambassadors), and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Learn more about Sport for Good at www.LaureusUSA.com.
About Cubs Charities
Cubs Charities is a nonprofit that mobilizes the power of sport to champion youth, families and communities. Cubs Charities’ work is focused on sports-based youth development and academic programming, investments in safe places to play and strategic grantmaking. Since 2009, Cubs Charities has invested more than $40 million in people, places and programs across Chicago. Cubs Charities is a leader among professional sports teams in its creation, execution and delivery of quality, sports-based youth development programming. Today, Cubs Charities’ portfolio includes programs that provide more than 26,000 children and youth with skilled coaches, quality programming and safe and accessible places to play the game.
About Damon Lamar Reed
After graduating from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Damon Lamar Reed began his career as a public artist. To date, Reed has created over 200 public art projects including: works for Super Bowl 46, Showtime, the Chicago Blackhawks, Ticketmaster and Sears to name a few. His work is featured in books such as, Kym Pinders’, Painting the Gospel: Public Art and Religion in Chicago. Last year during the George Floyd riots, the BBC did a feature on the impact of Damon’s art during the times. Currently, Damon is filming a documentary, “Still Searching,” focused on his series where he paints missing women in Chicagoland, backed by Hulu, Kartemquin Films and Still I Rise Films. Damon became the 1st artist to receive the “Gem of the Community” award from Archi-treasures for his ability to collaborate in a creative context. He was also honored at Voice of the Peoples(VOP) annual gala for his commitment to excellence. His work can be found in Illinois, Texas, Florida, Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, Louisiana and Tennessee where his mural “Sound of Memphis” was named one of top Instagram-able spots in Memphis. Damon is a true believer in the POWER of art and its ability to bring about change through its beauty! For more info, visit www.damonlamarreed.com or @damonlamarreed on social media.
SOURCE Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA
NCSA to Lead College Recruiting Workshop
Beat The Streets is teaming up with NCSA Next College Student Athlete to provide tools and educational services to BTS student-athletes as they navigate the college recruiting process.
Join NCSA’s Scott Lefker, Director of Regional Recruiting and Drew Pariano, Wresting Recruiting Coach, for an educational webinar on Monday, July 12 at 5:00 p.m. CT. Scott and Coach Drew will review what steps you need to take to jumpstart the college recruiting process, how to find and target the right schools for you, and what you need to know to start communicating with college coaches along with walking you through NCSA’s All In Award process.
BTS Chicago and NCSA Host: “College Wrestling Recruiting Simplified”
Date: Monday, July 12
Time: 5:00 p.m. CT
(Registration requested by not required.)
About NCSA
The team at NCSA is dedicated to reducing the stress that comes with the college recruiting process. Over the past 20 years, NCSA has helped 200,000+ student-athletes commit to their best college match.
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CPS OFFERS FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BTSC SUMMER CAMPS
In an effort to encourage Chicago youth to return to summer camps after last summer’s shutdown, Chicago Public Schools Office of Sports Administration is offering to absorb the camp tuition for any CPS student attending any of Beat the Streets Chicago’s summer camps.
BTSC is holding five one-week half day camps for youth; a one-week intensive camp for high school students and a five-week “summer sessions” evening program for high school and advanced middle school wrestlers. All camps are free to CPS students and students may register for more than one camp for free.
When registering, students are asked which school he or she attends. At the end of the registration form, use the discount code “FREE” and tuition will be waived. Students are encourages to register in advance, as spots are limited. The High School one-week intensive camp will sell out quickly, as University of North Carolina superstars Tony Ramos, Austin O’Connor and Jaime Hernandez will be guest clinicians at the camp.
This is a tremendous opportunity for youth of all ages and ability levels. No experience is necessary, making this an affordable and accessible way to get to know wrestling in a state-of-the-art facility with tremendous, youth-centered coaching.
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Wrestlers Flock to New Facility
Beat the Streets Chicago opened its doors to wrestlers on June 7 to an eager group of athletes.
Coaches Boyd and Augello ran separate boys and girls rooms Monday through Thursday both the week of June 7 and the week of June 14. Monday / Wednesday practices focused on Folkstyle for the boys to help tune-up wrestlers preparing for the IWCOA State Series the week of June 21. Tuesday / Thursday practices focused on Freestyle.
The free practices attracted dozens of wrestlers, sometimes over 75 in an evening. Many of the wrestlers were thrilled to have a place to practice, especially in the second week as “official” IHSA wrestling season ended June 12, leaving athletes without a wrestling room or coaches able to continue training them.
Youth wrestlers flocked to the new facility as well – so many that Director of Wrestling and Enrichment Mike Dixon immediately added a separate Tuesday / Thursday 5pm – 6:30pm session for the younger set.
In addition to evening practices, Beat the Streets Chicago hosted a tri-meet for high schools Lane Tech, Kenwood Academy and Phoenix Military Academy on Friday June 11, a Girls Event on Saturday June 12 and a Youth Informal on Sunday June 13. The Youth Informal was especially stacked with coaching talent, with Gabe Townsell, Emery Parker, Octavius Bellamy, Jamie Hernandez, Michael McGee and Mike Powell on hand.
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Summer Sessions to Welcome Northwestern Clinicians
A generous donor is making it possible for members of Northwestern Wrestling to help coach our High School Summer Sessions.
Summer Sessions are evening practices held through the summer at Beat the Streets Chicago’s new Wrestling and Enrichment Facility on Archer. Practices will be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between June 28 and August 6 from 6pm – 8pm (excluding intensive camp week, July 5 – 9). Practices are designed for high school wrestlers or advanced middle school wrestlers. We expect to have a separate girls room and boys room.
Mike Boyd and Haley Augello will lead the camps, joined by our junior coaching team. Beat the Streets Chicago is delighted to welcome Northwestern coaches and wrestlers on Tuesday evenings.
Wrestlers interested in registering for camp should visit btschicago.org/register
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Chicago Job Openings
Two top-ranked Chicago Public School high schools are looking teachers and wrestling coaches.
Phoenix Military Academy on the near west side is looking for social studies and bio/chem teachers. Dan Curin is the Head Wrestling Coach.
Lane Tech College Prep on the north side is looking for PE, biology, math, Chinese and special ed. Matt Yan is the Head Wrestling Coach.
Interested teacher-coaches should email Mike Powell for more details and contact information.
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