From the Bay to the Mat: Spring Season Finale at Elmhurst United Middle School

On May 2nd, Beat the Streets Bay Area wrapped up the final From the Bay to the Mat spring clinic at Elmhurst United Middle School in Oakland. The clinic brought together youth athletes from across the Bay Area, along with wrestlers from our Oakland middle school league, including Montera Middle School, Edna Brewer Middle School, Madison Park Academy, Melrose Leadership Academy, and Elmhurst United Middle School.

For many of our BTSBA athletes, this was their very first wrestling clinic. While some arrived nervous, there was also a strong sense of excitement throughout the room. BTSBA athletes stepped onto the mat eager to learn, improve, and challenge themselves alongside other wrestlers from across the Bay Area.

The clinic began with an introduction from BTSBA Executive Director Yero Washington, who welcomed athletes and families before introducing an outstanding lineup of clinicians: Daniel Cardenas, a two-time NCAA All-American; EJ Parco, an NCAA qualifier; Angelo Posada, an NCAA All-American; and special guest Solin Piearcy, a Team USA representative and accomplished freestyle wrestler. BTSBA board member Reggie Lee also joined the clinic, stepping onto the mat to support athletes throughout the evening.

Daniel Cardenas kicked off the clinic by reminding athletes that the clinicians were there as resources and encouraging them to never be afraid to ask questions. He then led the group through a high-energy warm-up featuring jogging, bear crawls, and conditioning drills to get athletes moving and ready to work.

Throughout the clinic, Daniel, EJ, Angelo, and Solin worked directly with athletes, offering hands-on instruction and one-on-one support as they broke down fundamental freestyle wrestling techniques. From stance and control drills to leg laces, the clinicians focused on building strong fundamentals while helping athletes gain confidence on the mat.

With guidance from these high-level wrestlers, BTSBA youth had the opportunity to sharpen their technique, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience. While some techniques proved challenging, every athlete showed determination, focus, and motivation to keep improving.

Toward the end of the clinic, athletes and families gathered for a Q&A session with the clinicians. One of the first questions asked was, “What is your favorite thing about wrestling?”

Each clinician shared thoughtful and personal reflections. Some spoke about the peace of mind wrestling gives them, while others talked about the confidence they’ve built through the sport, the opportunity to travel, and the meaningful relationships they’ve formed along the way. Several clinicians also shared their experiences as first-generation college students and explained how wrestling opened doors for them to travel the world and pursue opportunities they never imagined possible.

To close out the day, BTSBA announced the Beyond the Mat Award winner - an athlete who shared that wrestling allows them to express a “wild side” that not everyone gets to see. It was a powerful reminder of how wrestling can help young people build confidence, identity, and self-expression both on and off the mat.

The clinic concluded with a group photo and slices of pizza as athletes, families, coaches, and clinicians celebrated the final From the Bay to the Mat clinic of the spring season together.

This spring series has been an incredible experience, and we’re excited to continue the series again this fall with even more free opportunities for Bay Area wrestlers to learn, grow, and experience the sport of wrestling.