Posts by Erika Hobbs

BTS Chicago is proud to welcome Cathy Yen, the former executive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, as its new director of operations.

Yen has held an esteemed career in financial services and in the nonprofit arena, including as a chief financial officer, budget manager, strategic planning consultant and nonprofit consultant. 

“Cathy Yen is an extraordinary person. She happens to also be a master manager and NFP expert,” said Mike Powell, BTS Chicago executive director.

“Her passion for our mission is profound — she wants to help those who need it most. She has witnessed first-hand the power of our sport to transform lives. 

“With Cathy’s addition to our team I am certain that vision will become reality,” he said.

Yen also leads the Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest as its Centennial Year President, focusing that volunteer organization on peace projects both at home and abroad.  

She will begin her position Oct. 15.

Learn more about Yen.

One of the things that make BTS Chicago stand out is the way it trains its wrestlers. 

Wrestling is about the physical for sure, but a successful wrestling program is about so much more than that.

Our signature curriculum is designed to give coaches the foundation to train youth, and the inspiration to build a team.

Download your PDF copy.

The Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) announced today that it will be organizing a Girls State Championship Series for the 2018-19 school year.

They will be working with the Chicago Public Schools Championships to hold the event.

It marks a turning point in Illinois girl’s wrestling history. Until now, girls have been allowed to compete with and against boys. But last year, the Illinois High School Association declared girls wrestling an “emerging sport” — and a new era dawned.

“This is exciting and long overdue,” said Mike Powell, BTS Chicago executive director.

“Some of the hardest working, most dedicated wrestlers in the city are girls. They deserve their own state tournament. Kudos to those who dedicated their time and effort toward making this happen!”

Three sectional tournaments will be held on the weekend of January 19.

For more information, read the IWCOA’s full statement. (PDF)

Need a program to join? Check out where we’re partnering this year.