Beat the Streets Bay Area Kicks Off “From the Bay to the Mat” Clinic Series at Stanford University
This past Saturday, October 4, Beat the Streets Bay Area kicked off its Free Clinic Series: From the Bay to the Mat with a memorable Beyond the Mat Clinic at Stanford University. The event brought together more than 45 young wrestlers from South Bay to Oakland, for a day of learning, reflection, and community.
The afternoon started with a tour of Stanford’s Home of Champions, where kids and families explored the facility and learned about the university’s great athletic history. For many South Bay participants, it was their first time stepping onto a college campus which is such an inspiring experience that set the tone for what followed.
Yero Washington, Executive Director of Beat the Streets LA and Bay Area, opened the day by sharing the mission behind Beyond the Mat: using wrestling to build confidence, character, and community. Stanford’s Jaden Abas, a Division I All-American and BTSBA leader, led the clinic, guiding participants through a series of drills and techniques focused on improving fundamentals, movement, and teamwork. Stanford wrestlers and several members of the Cardinal Wrestling Club volunteered throughout the session, demonstrating the strong and growing partnership between Stanford Wrestling and BTSBA.
In between drills, athletes took part in the Beyond the Mat Activity, reflecting on what wrestling and “beyond the mat” means to them. Their thoughtful responses centered around friendship, perseverance, and opportunity. It also gave participants the opportunity to connect and build community with the other wrestlers.
One participant earned the Beyond the Mat Award for a moving reflection on how wrestling introduced them to a community of mentors and friends, receiving new wrestling shoes, a gift card, and BTSBA apparel. Five other wrestlers were also recognized for their motivation, effort, and growth.
The clinic closed with a team huddle, an ending to a day that celebrated not only athletic skill, but also the connection and belonging that define the Beat the Streets Bay Area community.
