From the Bay to the Mat: Final Clinic at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University set the stage for our final clinic of the series, bringing together 60 wrestlers from across the Bay Area to discover new skills, build connections, and envision what’s possible beyond the mat. Students traveled from Tracy, Vallejo, Hercules, San Francisco, Daly City, and South San Francisco, filling the gym with excitement and curiosity.

The day began with the Beyond the Mat activity, giving wrestlers time to reflect on what wrestling means to them. Many shared that the sport has given them confidence, helped them find belonging, and taught them how to persevere through challenges.

Afterward, the group explored the SFSU campus with three student-athletes from the university’s wrestling team: Felipe De Matos, Isaiah Alvarez, and Zach Wright. Isaiah, a former BTS Los Angeles athlete, was especially excited to give back and guide the younger wrestlers. Together, the SFSU team led the group through study spaces, hangout spots, and key student resources such as the health center and recreation facilities. Along the way, they answered questions about college life and shared personal insights on balancing academics and athletics.

For many participants, this was their first time on a college campus. Seeing student-athletes who once stood where they are now made the idea of college feel real and attainable. You could see their faces light up with determination.

Once the tour ended, it was time to get back on the mat. Stanford All-American and Beat the Streets Bay Area Program Assistant Jaden Abas led the clinic, beginning with warm-ups and transitioning into drills that focused on low singles, staggered stances, and funk wrestling, along with a playful Rock Paper Scissors World Championship. The wrestlers stayed focused and engaged, cheering one another on throughout the session.

The day closed with a fun rock-paper-scissors challenge that filled the room with laughter. Before heading out, we celebrated our Beyond the Mat Award winners, recognizing their growth and the powerful reflections they shared about how wrestling continues to shape their lives.

Thank you to San Francisco State University, Jadan Abas, our volunteer wrestlers Felipe, Isaiah, and Zach, and everyone who made this event possible. This clinic was more than just an opportunity to learn new techniques. It gave students a glimpse of what their futures could look like and reminded them that through wrestling, they are building not only strength, but opportunity.

This clinic wrapped up the first-ever series of Beat the Streets Bay Area: From the Bay to the Mat Clinics which brought together many young wrestlers from across the bay area throughout the fall. Each event was a chance for students to learn something new, meet mentors who inspire them, and find a community within. We’re so proud of everything they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to bring the series back in Spring 2026 to keep creating these moments of growth and connection.