Fall 2023 South Bay Elementary League Final Tournament Recap!
Beat the Streets Bay Area is happy to announce the successful culmination of our Fall 2023 South Bay Elementary League! As Program Coordinator, I am delighted to showcase our remarkable capstone event, the South Bay Elementary League Final Tournament, attended by our wrestlers, coaches, parents, and staff.
Before our Final Tournament, BTSBA was grateful to receive wrestling shoes, shorts and shirts from BTS National and GearUp, enhancing the gear available to our wrestlers on the mat. Upon receiving the new attire, our teams quickly placed on the new gear, ready to take photos with each other, practicing their moves, and gearing up for the Final Tournament on 11/18. These moments serve as a testament to the camaraderie within BTSBA, motivating us to continue with our mission of exposing Bay Area youth to wrestling.
Below is a photo of our Lakewood Team and Evergreen School District Teams in their gear!
Our Final Tournament showcased the dedication of over 75 wrestlers participating in full matches to highlight their hard work, progress, and resilience throughout our 8-week program. To ensure an authentic tournament experience for the youth, BTSBA had nine referees on hand. Additionally, we were fortunate to have many volunteers, whose time and effort was vital in smoothly conducting the tournament. As the tournament began, drives of parents and family members walked in to show their support for their wrestlers, creating an environment full of energy and excitement.
Our wrestlers engaged in 3, 45-second rounds per match, experiencing their first full wrestling match of the season! As this was a new level of competition, our wrestlers soon became focused on their matches, determined to win first place in their pool. This energy created some amazing matches and teamwork as students cheered on their teammates in the sidelines.
When getting back down to the mat seemed too difficult for our wrestlers, their coaches were there to guide them through- until their very last match. Their words of encouragement further motivated them-giving them an opportunity to learn through experience.
At the end of the tournament, BTSBA announced 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners - giving some final energy for the young wrestlers to continue onward as they waited for their name to be called. This final leg of the tournament brought together all five teams, cheering each other on as they were rewarded for their hard work, dedication, and motivation at the final tournament.
We hope this experience will serve as a catalyst, motivating and inspiring our young athletes to continue their journey in the world of athletics and wrestling in the South Bay. As a result, we are determined to continue raising funds, support, and donors to our cause to continually provide capstone events such as our Final Tournament.
BTSBA would like to express gratitude to everyone who made this Fall 2023 season possible, including volunteers, parents, supporters, special guests, and our extremely valued coaches. We hope to see you in 2024!
"Being part of your program is such a gift for me and our students and families. I love attending the duals and watching practice at K. Smith." - Cesar Gaytan, Principal at K. Smith Elementary School.